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
Brand & Digital Design Specialist
Key ResponsibilitiesBrand Identity: Develop and maintain a complete visual system—logo variants, color palette, typography, iconography, imagery guidelines, and template assets—for use across print, web, and social.Web Design & Maintenance: Design, build, and optimize web pages (Wix/Shopify/WordPress), ensuring responsive layouts, clear UX flows, and consistency with our cultural-rooted aesthetic.Social Media Content: Conceptualize and produce daily/weekly graphics and short videos (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn), write engaging captions, and schedule posts using a social-media management tool.Analytics & Iteration: Track engagement metrics (website traffic, click-throughs, likes, shares), report insights, and refine creative approaches for higher impact.Collaboration: Work closely with founder and marketing to translate brand strategy into visual and digital deliverables—everything from slide decks to email headers.Event Assistant / Intern for Toffie Shop (Beginner-Friendly)
📸 Event Assistant / Intern for Toffie Shop (Beginner-Friendly)Toffie Shop is a modern lifestyle brand rooted in African heritage and founded by cultural curator Lisa Larbi (LinkedIn: Lisa Larbi). We create authentic waist beads and accessories that celebrate culture, confidence, and self-expression—bridging tradition and style for today’s generation. ✨We’re looking for an enthusiastic and reliable assistant to support us during the Carver's Stay Black & Live Juneteenth Celebration in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, June 14, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.🖤 What You’ll Do:Help with event set-up and breakdownEngage with attendees at our Toffie Shop pop-up boothSupport Lisa with inventory, styling, and basic customer serviceCapture behind-the-scenes content (iPhone or personal camera welcome!)Be part of a meaningful cultural event celebrating Black joy and heritage 🎨 Who This Is For:Students, creatives, or emerging entrepreneurs curious about fashion, events, marketing, or African heritageSomeone who’s excited about culture, storytelling, and hands-on experiencesReliable, friendly, and ready to learn (no formal experience needed!) 💸 Compensation & Opportunity:$50 for 5 hours of support (3 PM – 8 PM)Light snacks/water providedPotential for future paid opportunities with Lisa: pop-ups, photoshoots, creative projects, and content creation This is more than a gig—it’s a doorway into a soulful, purpose-driven brand where joy is strategy and culture is celebrated through every detail. We love working with people who bring care, curiosity, and good energy to the table. 🌿 TO APPLY:Please send a quick note with:Why you're interested in this opportunityAny relevant experience (even if informal!)Your availability on Saturday, June 14 Let’s build something beautiful together with Toffie.—Toffie Shop🪡 Tradition for todaywww.toffieshop.com | IG: @toffieshopEvent Assistant / Intern for Toffie Shop (Beginner-Friendly)
📸 Event Assistant / Intern for Toffie Shop (Beginner-Friendly)Toffie Shop is a modern lifestyle brand rooted in African heritage and founded by cultural curator Lisa Larbi (LinkedIn: Lisa Larbi). We create authentic waist beads and accessories that celebrate culture, confidence, and self-expression—bridging tradition and style for today’s generation. ✨We’re looking for an enthusiastic and reliable assistant to support us during the Carver's Stay Black & Live Juneteenth Celebration in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, June 14, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.🖤 What You’ll Do:Help with event set-up and breakdownEngage with attendees at our Toffie Shop pop-up boothSupport Lisa with inventory, styling, and basic customer serviceCapture behind-the-scenes content (iPhone or personal camera welcome!)Be part of a meaningful cultural event celebrating Black joy and heritage 🎨 Who This Is For:Students, creatives, or emerging entrepreneurs curious about fashion, events, marketing, or African heritageSomeone who’s excited about culture, storytelling, and hands-on experiencesReliable, friendly, and ready to learn (no formal experience needed!) 💸 Compensation & Opportunity:$50 for 5 hours of support (3 PM – 8 PM)Light snacks/water providedPotential for future paid opportunities with Lisa: pop-ups, photoshoots, creative projects, and content creation This is more than a gig—it’s a doorway into a soulful, purpose-driven brand where joy is strategy and culture is celebrated through every detail. We love working with people who bring care, curiosity, and good energy to the table. 🌿 TO APPLY:Please send a quick note with:Why you're interested in this opportunityAny relevant experience (even if informal!)Your availability on Saturday, June 14 Let’s build something beautiful together with Toffie.—Toffie Shop🪡 Tradition for todaywww.toffieshop.com | IG: @toffieshopProject Managers and Project Engineers (Co-op / Internship Opportunity)
We are looking for aspiring - Project Managers/Project EngineersCo-op / Internship Opportunity Our team is our greatest asset!On a mission to deliver food manufacturing excellence, we are looking for project managers and project engineers to join the Protolan team. If you have a passion for food manufacturing and want to make a difference in the industry, we would love to hear from you.Now is the time to apply your academic knowledge in live, real-world projects. Ready to get started? Take a look at the job description below and if this is you, please email your resume totheteam@protolan.comThe core of this role is to deliver world-leading production facilities and processes for top food manufacturers within the US and global markets. Whether this is improvements to existing processes, new product delivery, new production lines or whole new manufacturing plants, you will put all your project management and engineering skills to use.We are looking for individuals with… Energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity Strong communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to listen, and convey complex issues concisely and accurately and build effective working relationships Excellent analytical skills: the ability to assess problems thoroughly and drive logical conclusions Assertiveness and a readiness to challenge teams to take remedial action when requiredYou will develop skills in… Leading multi-functional client teams across all levels of business of project delivery Liaising with client management Managing challenging timelines, budgets, and standards throughout the project lifecycle Project management capabilities (i.e., risk management, status reporting, budget tracking, benefits analysis, stakeholder management and communication, resource management)You will need… Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (use of MS Projects an advantage) Good working knowledge of AutoCAD (desirable) Full US drivers license and willing to travelBenefits we offer…Great company cultureValuable in-house trainingWellbeing initiatives and support Generous vacation allocationOpportunities to advance your career Birthday LeaveMentoring SchemeDOE EM Success Through Academic Research Scholarship (STARS)
Are you interested in becoming a STARS Scholar?The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) Success Through Academic Research Scholarship (STARS) program provides opportunities for undergraduate students from Minority Serving Institutions pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that supports the EM research and operations in the following areas: Soil & Groundwater; Deactivation & Decommissioning; Tank Waste; Robotics; Machine Learning; Artificial Intelligence; Cybersecurity; and Advanced Manufacturing.Are you interested in learning more about the EM STARS program and application process?Information Session: Wednesday, October 15 from 2-3pm ET (register here)Application Workshop: Friday, October 24 from 2-3pm ET (register here)**both sessions will be recorded and uploaded for those who cannot attendWhy should I apply?You will receive:Financial support for the pursuit of an undergraduate degree for up to two years and two additional years for students choosing to pursue a master’s degreePaid summer internships under the guidance of an accomplished mentor at EM headquarter offices, field offices, and DOE national laboratoriesOpportunities to engage with the EM community (e.g., EM field sites, contractors, stakeholders) and other STARS ScholarsAcademic and career guidanceContinued engagement with EM after graduation through employment opportunities or postgraduate appointments Financial SupportTuition: $36,000/academic year (Amount is based on expected average cost. The tuition allowance may be higher based on student’s actual tuition costs.)Stipend: $32,000/academic yearEducation Allowance: $5,000/scholarship yearSummer Internship: 10-week internshipStipend: $750/weekHousing Allowance: up to $700/week based on assigned location (If relocating more than 50 miles from assigned location)Local Transportation: $50/week Inbound/Outbound: $1,000 to be paid as a lump-sum with the first stipend payment (If relocating more than 50 miles from assigned location)NOTE: Charges for optional, refundable and penalty fees (such as late registration), meal plans, books and housing are not covered by the award. The stipend during the academic term is meant to offset these expenses.Scholarship DescriptionHey college students at Minority Serving Institutions! Are you looking for a program that supports your education, gives you hands-on experience, and sets you up for an amazing career? Check out the EM STARS program!This isn't just any scholarship; it's a launchpad! EM STARS provides up to two years of financial support while you work toward your undergraduate degree - and if you decide to pursue a master’s degree, we’ll support you for up to two more years. While you're studying, you'll get hands-on experience through awesome internships with our Environmental Management (EM) team at one of our sites. You'll get to see how we tackle big challenges, learn what we do, and gain real-world skills that connect directly to your studies.What’s the goal? We want Scholars to graduate with a strong understanding of EM’s mission and be highly prepared to join our family. After completing the program, we hope you'll commit to joining the EM team as a full-time employee for the number of years equal to the years of your award. If you’re selected, it's a great way to kickstart your professional journey and make a real impact. And if you're planning to go straight into a master's degree after your undergrad, no worries! You can postpone your employment commitment and keep gaining experience through summer internships with EM while you finish your graduate degree.This program is an investment in your future - and in return, we ask for your commitment to meeting program requirements and pursuing work with EM or an affiliated program after you graduate. If that doesn’t happen, you could be expected to repay up to 100% of the program fees. But our hope is that you'll love your experience so much, you'll be excited to continue working with us!Ready to take the next step? This is your chance to get your education funded, gain invaluable experience, and secure a potential career path with EM. Apply for the EM STARS program and get ready to shine!Review of ApplicationsStudent applications will be evaluated based on academic merit, enrollment in STEM coursework, extracurricular activities (e.g., teams, clubs, and relevant work experience), recommendation, interest in STEM, and an interest in EM mission.Nature of AppointmentScholars will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, STARS or the hosting site. Instead, Scholars will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.QuestionsPlease email the EM STARS team at EM_STARS@orise.orau.gov.
