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

  Cataloging Assistant

  Cataloging and Accessioning historical items. Familiarity with the program Past Perfect or willing to learn.  Ability to lift up to 30 pounds. Other general duties as required.

  Summer Associate (Graduate)

  Position SummaryThis internship provides a hands-on opportunity in water market transactions and finance, ideal for recent graduates or students graduating in 2026 or 2027. We seek candidates interested in water trading, investments, and risk management; backgrounds in agriculture or water management are advantageous. The role offers experience in water resource valuation, financial consulting, and market transaction advisement, working alongside leading experts. WestWater Research often hires interns as full-time professionals post-graduation.Who We AreWestWater Research is the leading water market advisory firm that assists clients throughout the United States on water asset transactions, valuation analysis, and financial structuring. Over the past 20+ years, WestWater has become the leading market intelligence and pricing information provider. Our Waterlitix database is now powering Nasdaq’s NQH2O California Water Price Index, the first of its kind. In addition, WestWater is the primary source of deal flow and investment opportunities for capital markets. We offer clients a national practice through a local presence. With offices located in five major water trading regions in the western United States, our team has over fifty years of experience in the water sector, specializing in a variety of water-focused services, including water marketing, regulatory policy, water valuation techniques, financial investments, commodity trading, resource economics and planning. WestWater maintains a comprehensive database of water right transactions in the Western US to assist in water right appraisals. Learn more on our LinkedIn Page. What You DoSummer associates will spend three months at a WestWater office in Phoenix, Fort Collins, San Francisco, Sacramento, or Austin conducting research and supporting client projects. Project topics will align with candidates' interests within WestWater’s consulting practice. Current research priorities include:Groundwater management trading platformsGeospatial water supply cost databases for agricultureImpact investment strategies in environmental water tradingAnalysis of municipal and private bond markets relating to water supply risksAgricultural demand management in the Western USAssociates will collaborate with staff under a senior manager's mentorship, present internal workshops, and prepare written reports summarizing research findings. Typical tasks include data analysis, financial modeling, and preparing executive reports. What You HaveStrong written and oral communication skillsExperience in data management and researchKnowledge of quantitative and qualitative analysisProficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPointStrongly preferred: Graduate degree in relevant fields with excellent academic performance.At minimum: Bachelor’s degree in economics, Finance, Business, Engineering, or related fields with excellent academic performance.  Application ProcedureApplicants must submit: ResumeCover letter detailing interest in water resource finance, goals, and preferred internship location (please rank your choices 1-5 among Fort Collins, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Francisco, or Austin).A presentation consisting of 3 slides or fewer (not including title slide) responding to the following prompt:You are the water portfolio director for a water utility in a western state (choose one). You need to acquire long-term supplies for your city to support new growth and manage shortfalls in existing supplies. You are considering three options: 1) Investing in a water recycling or desalination project, 2) purchasing a nearby farm and its water rights, or 3) investing in a new surface water storage reservoir. Please answer the following questions:What factors (e.g., social, political, financial, risk management) affect your decision?How would you evaluate the opportunities?What is the final recommendation to your utility board? Application Deadline: February 28, 2026.  Location and Compensation Term: Full time (40 hours/week) three-month internship occurring between June – September, with flexible start and end date.Location: Phoenix, Fort Collins, Sacramento, San Francisco, or Austin.Compensation: Starting at $22 per hourFuture Opportunity: Potential for full-time employment and post-internship research scholarship in water marketing.For questions about the position or application, contact employment@waterexchange.com. 

  Geotechnical Intern

  GEOTECHNICAL INTERNSan Francisco Bay Area Geotechnical consulting firm Murray Engineers, Inc. has openings for Geotechnical Interns to join our team.Job Responsibilities/Details & Experience OpportunitiesGeotechnical Laboratory TestingGeotechnical and Geologic Field Investigations (May Include Field Mapping, Logging & Sampling of Exploratory Borings & Geologic Exploratory Pits/Trenches, etc.)Boring Log/Exploratory Pit Log DraftingGeotechnical Field Construction Observations and Testing Part- or Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly PositionEducation/Experience/QualificationsPursuing Education and Demonstrates Strong Interest in Geotechnical, Geological Engineering, Engineering Geology, or related course of study.Candidates must have reliable transportation, maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record, be able to lift up to 50 pounds regularly, and be proficient with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.Ideal candidates should demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, prepare technical reports, work well both independently and as part of a team, be self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and enjoy working outdoors.Compensation & BenefitsApproximate Regular Hourly Compensation: $25/hour (may vary depending on experience/performance level)Use of company laptop and mobile phone.  Possible use of company vehicle, if available.Company ProfileMurray Engineers, Inc. is a regional geotechnical consulting firm with two San Francisco Bay Area offices that specializes in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, construction observation, and soils laboratory testing. We serve a variety of projects and clients, with an emphasis on exceptional custom single-family home construction.Please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@murrayengineers.com.

  Account Executive Intern (PR and Marketing)

  Job ResponsibilitiesBe responsible for the daily operation of official social media accounts, including content planning, layout and publishing, fan interaction, and data tracking.Assist in writing, polishing, and proofreading press releases and promotional copy.Assist in drafting documents such as communication plans and event proposals, and support creative idea generation and logical organization during the planning phase.Support the implementation of media activities and brand projects.Assist in data collation and presentation for monthly reports.Job RequirementsCurrent students with a bachelor's degree or above, preferably majoring in Journalism, Communication, Marketing, Foreign Languages, or related fields.Excellent Chinese and English communication skills, capable of handling bilingual copywriting work.Possess strong logical thinking and copywriting skills, and be able to express opinions clearly.Strong execution capability, able to efficiently advance multiple tasks and take responsibility for the results.Proactive with outstanding initiative, willing to think independently, raise questions, and attempt innovation.

  Software Developer Intern

  Software Developer Intern (AI + Full-Stack)Type: Unpaid Internship (Training and Development Program)Duration: 20 Weeks (Extendable based on performance & mutual interest)Mode: RemoteCommitment: Structured, outcome-driven🚀 About the ProgramThis is a 20-week remote, unpaid internship program designed for aspiring developers who want real, hands-on experience building platforms using modern engineering workflows, especially vibe coding.This is not a passive internship.It is a builder-focused training program where interns learn by shipping.We are looking for individuals who understand how to use AI-assisted coding tools responsibly and combine them with strong foundational engineering knowledge (frontend, backend, QA, deployment).🎯 Who We WantPrimary preference will be given to candidates who:Understand vibe coding workflowsKnow how to use AI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Cursor, etc.) effectivelyCan build MVPs rapidlyUnderstand system architecture basicsHave exposure to frontend + backend fundamentalsCan debug, test, and improve generated codeWe are not hiring “prompt copy-pasters.”We are hiring builders who understand what they generate.🛠 What You’ll Work OnDuring the 20 weeks, interns will:Build real MVP platformsWork on frontend interfaces (React / Next.js / similar)Develop backend APIs (Node.js / Python / similar)Integrate databasesHandle authentication and user flowsPerform QA testing and debuggingLearn deployment basics (cloud/VPS)Collaborate in sprint-style workflowsDocument their development process🧠 Required UnderstandingYou should have:Basic frontend knowledge (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)Basic backend understandingKnowledge of APIs and request-response cyclesFamiliarity with GitAbility to read and debug codeCuriosity to learn fastFormal degree is not mandatory.📚 What You’ll GainStructured 20-week practical trainingReal-world product development experienceAI-first development workflow exposureUnderstanding of full-stack architectureMentorship and feedback loopsInternship completion certificatePotential opportunity to continue beyond 20 weeks based on performance⚠️ Important NoteThis is an unpaid internshipIt is designed as a learning + execution programCandidates must commit to consistency and accountabilityExtension beyond 20 weeks is optional and performance-based📝 Application ProcessTo apply, submit:GitHub or portfolio linkOne project you built (AI-assisted or manual)Short explanation of how you approach vibe codingWhy you want to join this program