How do I get an Internship?

These are methods to help you find the right internship for you.

• Spend some time thinking about what type of internship experience you are interested in completing
• Brainstorm a list of organizations you would like to intern.  
• Meet with your academic department's Internship Coordinator
• Talk to potential employers at career and internship fairs.
• Remember, if you do not find an internship experience listed with the organization you're interested in, go directly to the source and inquire further!  Visiting the employer website can provide you with details on any internship programs they may have, or provide you with the information you need to inquire further.
• Don't forget to check on LinkedIn as well, where you can search for internship and entry-level job postings with companies related to people in your LinkedIn network.
• Reach out to your network via an informational interview, and make sure you ask where the person you are interviewing would recommend starting to look for internships in your field of interest.
• Make sure to fill out all of your paperwork correctly when applying for a posted internship! 
• Need more help?  Check out all the different ways that the Career Development Center can assist you!
• Check out the organizations’ websites and learn about their mission, noteworthy items that have been in the news, new program developments, and staff members.
• Handshake is a great resource for researching organizations that are specifically invested in Minnesota State Mankato students (See link to Video/Screencast below)
• Talk with people in your network to see if anyone has additional information about the organization you are interested in—often they have the “off the record” scoop and you can learn a lot from trusted sources.
• Keep organized notes on your findings to use as a resource in the application and interview process.
• Utilize your notes to form solid questions that you will ask at the end of your interview. You will impress them if you say “Upon doing some research, I found ____. Can you tell me more about this?”
• In any interactions with employers, know that they are the experts. Approach conversations with curiosity, not authority.

   

  Current Internship Openings

  Systems / Software Engineer Internship

  Systems Engineer / Developer Academic Internship OpportunityFor Senior Undergraduates & Master’s Program StudentsSpecialization: Linux Platform DevelopmentJob description Position: Academic Internship Opportunity: Systems Engineer / DeveloperOpen seats for interns: 10 Location: Remote Company: I.R.D.I. Business Group®, LLC Duration: Spring 2026, 3 to 6 months Compensation: Unpaid. This internship is unpaid and classified as a volunteer position. Hours: Select your own hours CPT OR OPT: is not available or accepted for this position. Must be an American citizen and eligible to legally work in the United States.  About Us I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC (http://irdiworld.com) is a global commerce and economic development firm founded in California in 2003. The organization designs and executes real-world economic strategy projects across international trade, market development, business intelligence, and cross-border partnerships.In 2007, the firm received formal recognition from the State of California for its leadership supporting California’s boutique wine industry during a period of economic disruption. Since then, the organization has expanded its national and international engagement, supporting manufacturers, public agencies, and emerging enterprises.Students working with I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC gain direct exposure to real-world industry projects aligned with their academic major and career goals. Participants contribute to live national and global initiatives involving applied research, strategy development, data analysis, professional communications, and execution. This hands-on experience accelerates industry readiness and builds practical skills that translate directly into competitive career pathways.This program is designed for motivated students seeking exposure to complex real-world challenges, high professional standards, and meaningful responsibility. Participants develop leadership judgment, operational discipline, and global business fluency that distinguish them in competitive professional and academic environments.Participation is open to qualified students nationwide. Academic credit opportunities may be available for California State University students.I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC — Providing Real-World Solutions for Real-World Problems© About the RoleWe are seeking highly motivated and technically proficient Systems Engineer/Developer interns with proven experience in Linux technology and the Laravel PHP framework to join our dynamic team. This internship is designed for senior-level undergraduates or Master’s program students who are eager to apply their academic knowledge to real-world, enterprise-level projects.In this role, you will gain hands-on experience in designing, developing, integrating, and optimizing complex systems that support mission-critical applications across multiple industries. You will work closely with senior engineers, developers, and project managers to:Architect and configure systems using Linux frameworks and tools.Develop and refine scalable software solutions to meet performance and security requirements.Collaborate in cross-functional teams to troubleshoot, debug, and enhance existing systems.Participate in the full development lifecycle, from requirements gathering and system design to deployment and post-implementation review.This position offers the opportunity to work on impactful, high-visibility projects while also sharpening your skills in systems engineering best practices, code optimization, and modern development methodologies. As part of your professional growth, you will also be introduced to industry standards, compliance considerations, and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of system architecture and software engineering.Interns who have successfully completed their 3-month skills confirmation will be eligible to join paid projects.Job offers will be made only to interns who have successfully completed their skills confirmation review period.   Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and maintain Linux-based systems and integrations.Collaborate closely with cybersecurity, economic development, and global commerce teams.Work with management to secure business assets and discuss the implementation of security measures.Implement automated systems, optimize performance, and troubleshoot.Work in cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions to operational challenges.Document processes, provide technical support, and contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives.Required QualificationsEnrollment in senior year undergraduate or enrolled in a Master’s program in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or related field.Experience with Linux (configuration, integration, and development).Strong understanding of systems architecture, APIs, and software development life cycles.Familiarity with security protocols, cloud platforms, or data integration tools.Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaborative skills.Preferred SkillsExperience with Linux (configuration, integration, and development).Knowledge of enterprise-level deployment strategies.Experience with database systems (SQL/NoSQL).Exposure to Agile or DevOps methodologies.Ability to work in multicultural teams. What We OfferHands-on experience working with advanced systems engineering and development projects, integrating Linux technology into mission-critical solutions.Exposure to real-world challenges in systems design, optimization, and cybersecurity integration.Opportunities to build a strong professional portfolio showcasing your technical expertise and project achievements.A collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages technical creativity and problem-solving.The opportunity to strengthen your credentials as a skilled systems engineer and developer with proven, applied experience.Interns who successfully complete the skills confirmation process will receive a Letter of Recommendation from the President of I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC, a Governor appointee of Arnold Schwarzenegger. (Unprecedented value in a competitive Job market that will last your entire career.)Compensation  This internship is unpaid and classified as a volunteer position.  Students at universities with which I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC holds academic agreements may be eligible for academic credit. Please contact us to confirm if your institution participates.  Only interns who have successfully completed their “confirmation of competence” period (one full semester, volunteer tier) are eligible for job offers and paid project proposals. Division managers will assess the interns' proficiency and skills to determine competency. Upon successful evaluation, only confirmed interns may be considered for paid job or project offers.  Evaluation Process  After submitting your required documents (proof of enrolment, cover letter, and resume), you may be asked to complete a brief questionnaire. Once your materials are reviewed, candidates may receive a job offer without a traditional interview.  Offers to join our internship program may also be extended even if the questionnaire is not completed.  Job offers are based on factors such as prior experience, recommendations from professors or team members, and overall qualifications. We reserve the right to exercise discretion regarding extending offers to candidates outside a traditional interview process.  Upon accepting an offer, students must verify their identity by submitting a copy of their state- or federally issued ID, which will be confirmed against school records before a work agreement is provided.  Overview: Handling of Students’ Sensitive Information Purpose of Collection Sensitive information, such as State or Federal identification, is requested only after a student has been formally offered an internship. The sole purpose of this request is to verify applicants’ legal identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to protect both the student and the organization from fraudulent activity. Transmission of Documents  Students are not required to send documents by email. Secure channels recommended, such as: Google Drive restricted sharing (view-only, password-protected, expiring access). Open-source secure methods are available for students who prefer an alternative.SecureDrop: (open-source whistleblower submission system) OnionShare: An open-source tool using Tor that allows anonymous, encrypted file sharing directly between students and organizations. Storage and Access Controls of sensitive information  All sensitive student information (State or Federal ID`s) is stored in encrypted drives accessible only to authorized personnel directly involved in internship verification. Access is strictly limited and monitored. Logs are kept of who accesses the files and when. Files are not shared with third parties under any circumstances. Retention and Disposal  Student identification documents are kept only as long as necessary to verify work eligibility and fulfil compliance requirements. Once verification is complete, documents are either: Permanently deleted (or) Archived securely if required by law or institutional policy, with clear retention timelines. Confidentiality Commitment  All material is classified as private and confidential. Only senior Human Resources management and law enforcement have access to sensitive data. Students are informed of the exact purpose of ID collection. Used only for confirmation of the student’s identification and background check. How to Apply  Interested candidates should submit the following:  A current resume. A cover letter explaining your interest in the internship and how you meet the qualifications. Submit Proof of current enrolment as a Senior or Master's program for the Spring 2026 semester.  Please submit your application, proof of enrolment, and proof of U.S. citizenship via your Handshake account.  Application Deadline  Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.  I.R.D.I. Business Group®, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  Note: I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC maintains standing cooperation with domestic and international law enforcement agencies. All submitted information is subject to verification, background screening, and review by our compliance and cybersecurity divisions. Any falsification, misrepresentation, or submission of misleading, inconsistent, or counterfeit information or any conduct intended to mislead, disrupt, or interfere with the organization may result in immediate disqualification and referral to appropriate law enforcement and legal authorities. By submitting information or engaging with I.R.D.I. Business Group® LLC, you acknowledge and consent to these verification, disclosure, and enforcement provisions.

  Business Development & Marketing Internship – Global Tech Expansion (Tampa Office)

  Why This Internship?This is an ideal opportunity for students seeking internship-for-credit programs. You will gain hands-on business experience by working closely with our leadership team to build U.S. market entry strategies.You’ll learn how to:Research and identify potential customers in the U.S.Assist in developing marketing campaigns and social media outreachContribute to partnership development with local businessesSupport client presentations and meetingsUnderstand real-world market expansion & entrepreneurial strategyWhat’s In It For You?Credit-eligible for Business Administration programs (check with your academic advisor)Resume-boosting startup + international business experienceDirect mentorship from company founders and executivesFlexible work hours to fit your class schedulePotential for a future paid role as we scale our U.S. teamQualificationsStrong interest in business development, sales, or marketingExcellent communication & problem-solving skillsSelf-driven and proactive learnerComfortable with hybrid/remote work tools (Zoom, Brevo, Google Workspace, etc.)

  Sales Development Representative (SDR) – Internship

  Sales Development Representative (SDR) – Internship Location:** Clearwater  Duration:** 10–12 Weeks | Paid Internship / 18 -24 Hours Per Week Department:** Sales & Business Development About WCC Business Solutions For nearly 50 years, WCC Business Solutions has proudly served the Tampa Bay community as a locally owned and operated office technology provider. We deliver world-class imaging technology, managed print services, and workflow automation solutions—backed by industry-leading service response times. Unlike national competitors, we combine enterprise-level expertise with local decision-making and personalized service, helping businesses reduce costs, streamline operations, and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace. Position Summary We are seeking a motivated and ambitious Sales Development Representative (SDR) Intern to join our dynamic sales team. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience in B2B sales development, with a focus on lead generation, prospecting, and sales enablement. The SDR Intern will play a vital role in identifying and qualifying new business opportunities, setting appointments for Account Executives, and supporting go-to-market initiatives. This internship is designed for Seniors or recent graduates interested in careers in sales, business development, or marketing, with mentorship from experienced sales leaders and exposure to cutting-edge sales processes. Key Responsibilities Prospecting & Lead Generation Research and identify target customers across healthcare, legal, education, non-profit, real estate, ministry, and AEC industries. Support outbound outreach campaigns through phone calls, email sequences, and LinkedIn prospecting. Qualify prospects and schedule introductory meetings for senior Account Executives. Sales & Marketing Support Update and maintain records in the company’s CRM system. Assist in developing prospect lists, outreach scripts, and email templates. Participate in ride-alongs, product demos, and customer visits to gain firsthand sales exposure.  Contribute to marketing initiatives and community engagement programs that reinforce WCC’s 'buy local' message. Team Collaboration & Reporting Attend weekly sales team meetings and provide updates on prospecting activity. Track daily/weekly activity metrics and help prepare sales performance reports. Collaborate with Account Executives and management to refine strategies for pipeline growth. Qualifications Current senior or recent graduate pursuing a degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Confident, outgoing personality with ability to engage business professionals at all levels. Highly motivated, self-starter, and eager to learn B2B sales best practices. Organized with attention to detail and strong time-management skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); CRM or Salesforce experience a plus. Learning Outcomes & Career Benefits Professional Sales Training – Learn modern B2B sales development practices from seasoned executives. Develop skills in structured qualification frameworks and organizational operating systems. Real-World Experience – Work directly with business leaders in the Tampa Bay community. Networking Opportunities – Build relationships with WCC leadership and local executives. Career Readiness – Gain a competitive edge for future roles in sales, marketing, or business development. Full-Time Pathway – High-performing interns may be considered for full-time employment upon graduation. Compensation & Perks Paid internship including appointment setting bonuses Flexible scheduling around classes. Mentorship and coaching from WCC executives. Career development support, including resume and LinkedIn review. 

  Counseling or Social Work Intern- Masters Level

  Job Title: Counseling or Social Work Intern (Masters Level Student)Department: Clinical ServicesReports To: LPC Team Lead / MSW Intake Team Lead/ Clinical DirectorFLSA Status: Paid Internship (Contractor 1099)Locations: Must be located in Augusta or Macon, GA area (Hybrid and Telehealth Options Available)Position Summary:The Counseling Intern provides supervised clinical services to clients under the direction of a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Masters In Social Work Team Lead, or Clinical Director. Interns will gain hands-on experience in assessment, treatment planning, counseling, documentation, and case coordination in a community-based behavioral health setting.This internship is designed to meet the educational and clinical training requirements for students currently enrolled in a Master’s in Counseling, Social Work (MSW), Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), or Counselor Education program.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Conduct intake assessments and assist with developing individualized treatment plans under supervision.Provide individual, family, and group counseling sessions as assigned.Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).Participate in weekly clinical supervision sessions and multidisciplinary team meetings.Support crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals as appropriate.Collaborate with paraprofessionals, physicians, nurse practitioners, and other clinical staff to ensure continuity of care.Participate in training, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities as required.Uphold professional ethics, boundaries, and confidentiality standards consistent with ACA, NASW, AAMFT, and university guidelines.Qualifications:Currently enrolled in an accredited MS in Counseling, Masters in Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, or Counselor Education program.University approval and eligibility for placement required.Demonstrated interest in community-based behavioral health and trauma-informed care.Strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.Ability to maintain confidentiality and ethical standards.Supervision and Training:Interns will receive weekly supervision by a licensed professional (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or equivalent).Group supervision opportunities are provided to meet academic program requirements.Orientation and ongoing training provided on documentation, ethics, and agency protocols.Work Schedule:Flexible schedule determined in collaboration with the intern’s university and agency needs.Typical range: 8-10 hours per week.Hybrid and telehealth options available depending on client assignment and supervisor approval.Compensation:Unpaid internship. Academic credit and supervision hours are provided.

  Research Intern

  Application Deadline: 11:59 pm ET on Monday, February 16, 2026.About Us:The Center for Election Innovation & Research (“CEIR”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, whose core mission is to work with election officials and build confidence in elections that voters should trust and do trust. CEIR has a proven record of working in a nonpartisan manner with election officials from around the country and from both sides of the aisle. To achieve its goals, CEIR seeks to increase informed civic engagement by educating the public, providing support to election officials, and conducting practical research on best practices for election administration. Position OverviewCEIR is seeking qualified Research Interns to join our team for 10 weeks during the summer of 2026.The Research Interns will work under the supervision of the Associate Research Director and Program Manager, and in collaboration with other members of the Research Team, to support CEIR’s research initiatives. These initiatives include matters pertaining to voter registration, voter access, election integrity and security, and election administration policy. The Research Interns will support CEIR’s mission by assisting with policy research and/or data analysis, contributing to work that serves CEIR’s diverse audience of election officials, policymakers, the media, voters, and other key stakeholders. This internship is designed to help students develop skills and interest in researching election administration issues.Research Interns typically follow either a “policy track” or a “data track,” though they may be asked to assist with efforts in the other track depending on workload and interest. Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop understanding of issues relevant to CEIR’s mission, including policies affecting election administration and voter accessAssist with drafting external products, such as blog posts or issue briefsMonitor trends, research, and publications in the election space to inform CEIR’s research portfolioTrack news stories, state and federal legislation, and other election-related developmentsContribute to a team culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning, quality, collaboration, positivity, and transparencyMaintain effective communication with team members and participate in regular team meetingsDevelop presentations or briefs to communicate results to members of the research team, other parts of CEIR, and external audiencesPolicy Track ResponsibilitiesAssist with and conduct research into public policy issues related to CEIR’s research initiatives. This may include writing plain language summaries of relevant bills or laws, analyzing news and academic articles about election administration, and assisting with qualitative research like interviews, among other activities.Translate policy research into reference documents, such as policy memos or plain language bill summariesData Track ResponsibilitiesAssist with data collection and management on topics related to CEIR’s research initiatives. This may include public data pertaining to voter registration or vote method, survey data from CEIR or other researchers, and other quantitative or qualitative data.Analyze data using statistical software and produce data visualizations About YouCEIR reviews applications for internships based on (1) the student’s interest in our mission to support elections that voters should—and do—trust and (2) the student’s desire to improve their policy research and/or data analysis skills. We encourage all interested students to apply.Strong academic recordFamiliarity with topics of election administration, election security, voting access, voter registration, or related topicsExperience in public policy research and/or data analysis, which may include experience in a classroom, research lab, internship, or other relevant settingPolicy track:Interest in public policy research, including familiarity with data findings and synthesizing relevant research from media, academic, and government publications (Experience analyzing provisions in state and federal legislation a plus)Interest in working with legal research tools (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw, BillTrack50) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, R, Python)Data track:Interest in data analysis and quantitative research methods, including data collection, manipulation, and management (Experience with advanced statistical analysis is a plus)Interest in working with statistical and data management tools (e.g., R, Stata, SPSS, Python, SQL) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, R, Python)Ability to work objectively and in a nonpartisan manner with respect to CEIR’s researchExceptional verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on detail and accuracyExcellent interpersonal skills and comfort working in a hybrid or remote environmentCommitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion both in your work and in the workplaceProficiency with Microsoft Office applicationsA passion for getting nerdy about the details of election policy Compensation & HoursInterns will be compensated at a rate of $20.65 per hour and are expected to work full time (40 hours per week) for 10 weeks unless prior arrangements are made.The CEIR office is a hybrid work environment with an option to work remotely. Interns will be expected to work with members of the Research Team in the D.C. office 1-3 days per week. How to ApplyThe application form will ask you to provide the items listed below. Please do not include your name on any of your submitted materials. The form will ask for your name and contact information in a separate field.Interested candidates should submit the following:Resume or CV–please include any relevant research projects or experiencesBrief cover letter or statement of your interest in the position, including whether you are interested in the policy track or data track (no more than 500 words)Work sample (no more than five pages and 2,000 words)—this should be something that makes you proud, shows what you can do, and is relevant to the track to which you’re applying!