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

  Part-Time Marketing Coordinator

  Job Title: Part-Time Marketing Coordinator Position Overview: We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Part-Time Marketing Coordinator. This role is designed for someone who will work closely with the CEO to assist with essential marketing tasks, including social media content calendar management, data entry, and marketing research. This position is tailored for a professional with special needs, providing a supportive and inclusive environment, with a commitment to fostering growth and success. The role involves working 8 hours plus or minus per week with a focus on manageable and structured tasks. Key Responsibilities: Social Media Support Assist in organizing and maintaining the social media content calendar. Perform simple tasks such as scheduling posts and logging updates. Marketing Data Entry Input marketing-related data into SharpSpring and other tools as directed. Ensure information is accurate and up-to-date. Market Research Conduct basic online research on marketing trends and provide findings in a clear and simple format. Content Coordination Assistance Help with organizing and reviewing marketing materials such as blogs or email drafts. Assist with formatting or basic edits under the guidance of the CEO. Administrative Support Organize marketing-related files and documents for easy access. Track tasks and deadlines using provided tools. Qualifications: A positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office or similar tools. Good communication skills and attention to detail. Ability to follow clear instructions and complete tasks independently. Preferred Skills (Not Required): Experience with social media platforms or scheduling tools. Familiarity with CRM systems like SharpSpring (training will be provided). Why Join Us? A flexible and supportive work environment. Opportunities to develop skills in marketing and administration. Direct mentorship and guidance from the CEO. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a structured environment and is excited to contribute to meaningful projects. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can succeed and grow.  

  USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Insect Genetics and Molecular Biology

  *Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Hilo, Hawaii.The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.The Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology research unit at the Pacific Basin Agriculture Research Center in Hilo, HI focuses on understanding the fundamental biology of tropical pests of Hawaii and building a foundation for improving current pest control.https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/hilo-hi/daniel-k-inouye-us-pacific-basin-agricultural-research-center/tropical-pest-genetics-and-molecular-biology-research-unit/Research Project: The research opportunity is available to a motivated postdoctoral fellow interested in learning and using contemporary functional genomics approaches (CRISPR, RNAi, transgenics, etc.) to characterize the functions of genes involved in biological development, reproduction, sex determination, and/or olfaction/chemical sensing in tephritid pests of agriculture. In addition, the postdoc will have the opportunity to explore their gene(s) of interest that will contribute to the foundational knowledge of tephritids. The research opportunity will allow the postdoc to develop and/or improve biological control (genetic SIT, gene-drive, release of insects carrying dominant lethal systems, etc.) in tephritids by integrating or exploiting genes involved in fundamental biology. Furthermore, this research opportunity will allow the postdoc to develop and/or apply new and emerging genetic tools to tephritids. The postdoc will be encouraged to attend professional conferences to present research results, participate in grant writing, and lead and/or contribute to writing manuscripts.Learning Objectives: In this opportunity, the participant will learn and receive training in functional genomics and gain experience with insect gene manipulation, insect transgenesis, insect husbandry and strain isolation, plasmid design and construction, and in developing and/or apply new biotechnology to insects. The participant will have the opportunity to take online courses to expand their scientific and/or computational experiences. Opportunities to collaborate with other scientists is also available and highly encouraged.Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Chan Heu (chan.heu@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).Anticipated Appointment Start Date: April 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.Participant Stipend: The current stipend is approximately $77,000/year but may be adjusted commensurate with education or experience. In addition, health insurance supplement will be provided. Funds can be made available to support relocation.Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.PacificWest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.Qualifications The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in a relevant field (Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Entomology, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, or similar), or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by June 2026. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. Preferred skills:Candidates with a track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals, grant writing, and delivering oral presentations are highly desirable.Point of Contact JaneenEligibility Requirements Citizenship: U.S. Citizen OnlyDegree: Doctoral Degree.

  Canoe Trail Stewardship Intern

  Help steward a 740-mile waterway that traverses New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine!In 2026, six stewardship interns will help complete projects across the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, the longest designated paddling trail in the world. Interns will work together alongside other NFCT staff and volunteers as a Stewardship Crew to complete a variety of campsite, river access, and portage trail development and maintenance projects along the trail corridor. Interns will have the opportunity to coordinate and lead a waterway work trip, cultivating hands-on stewardship skills (trail work, carpentry, etc.) alongside proficiency in leadership and teamwork. In 2025 we will have two teams of interns: One team will be a roving team, working on projects in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, and the other will be based along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in northern Maine.Position Details:June 1st — August 7thField-based, full time (40 hours/week, 9 weeks total)$450/week stipendFood provided during the work weekTrainings in paddling skills, timber and stonework, erosion control, leadership, volunteer management, and moreRoving crew: Base camp in Waitsfield, VT for days off, with a rustic kitchen, loft, tent space, privy, outdoor shower, fireflies, mountain views, and limitless recreation opportunities!Allagash crew: access to a cabin, as well as some access to ranger facilities during days off (internet, showers, etc).Reimbursement for work-related travel in personal vehiclesAcademic credit can be arrangedInternship Goals:To build competence in trail work, erosion control, and stewardship techniquesTo help complete hands-on, meaningful public recreation access projectsTo practice leadership, teamwork, and volunteer management skillsTo obtain experience that helps prepare interns for a future career in conservation, natural resources management, or related fields.Qualifications:19 years of age by the time the internship beginsWillingness to camp in remote locationsEnthusiasm for physical work and outdoor livingExperience working in a group settingSolid work ethicValid driver’s licensePositive Mental Attitude!Strong applicants will have an interest in a career in conservation, recreation, and related fields, prior experience living and working outdoors, and training in wilderness first aid, although we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and are more interested in the individual than the resume bullet points. Prospect interns are encouraged to learn more about our program, read blogs from previous interns, and video photos from past seasons projects at. https://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/get-involved/stewardship-internships/  Questions: Contact NFCT Assistant Trail Director at nick@northernforestcanoetrail.org and/or Trail Director Noah Pollock at noah@northernforestcanoetrail.org How To Apply: Complete the Stewardship Intern Application Form and submit it along with a resume and three references. Please note that this is a google form-based document. A word version of this application (to complete offline and then copy and paste your responses) is available here. Applications due February 23rd, 2026. 

  USDA-ARS Forage Agroecosystems Fellowship

  *Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in St. Paul, Minnesota.The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.Research Project: The Forage Agroecosystems Lab in the USDA-Plant Science Research Unit focuses on the development and evaluation of cropping systems that include alfalfa and other perennial crops that are designed to improve soil health, increase productivity and efficiency, and build resilience.  This project will focus on evaluating how alfalfa-grass interactions influence biological nitrogen fixation, soil health, and soil organic matter dynamics in mixed species forage production systems. Learning Objectives: The participant will gain experience in the laboratory conducting assays to estimate biological nitrogen fixation in unique alfalfa populations using natural abundance and isotope dilution methodologies and isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The participant will also gain experience with field-based eddy covariance (EC) systems to evaluate carbon dioxide and water vapor flux in multispecies forage production systems.  They will have the opportunity to learn how to program and maintain field based infrared gas analyzers, how to assess data quality, and to post-process, and analyze high-frequency EC data.  These research opportunities will provide technical skill development in plant ecophysiology, and nitrogen, carbon, and water cycling in agricultural systems.Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Joshua Gamble (joshua.gamble@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).Anticipated Appointment Start Date: As soon as possible; Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $66,624 annually.Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Midwest@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.Qualifications The qualified candidate should have received or be pursuing a master's degree in one of the relevant fields.Stipend $66,624.00 YearlyPoint of Contact JaneenEligibility Requirements Citizenship: U.S. Citizen OnlyDegree: Master's Degree.

  Video Game Programmers Internship

  Toyz Electronics is hiring entry-level video game programmers to work with our 5 person design team on our award-winning STEAM education games. Prospective applicants will have the opportunity to grow their skills as they develop a character creator and audio recording features in the Dah-Varsity App on Android and iOS. This work also includes ensuring the apps stay up to date with new versions, as necessary. This role will require 10 hours of work per week and will begin in Q1 2024. Experience developing in Unity is preferred, but not required.