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

  2026 Information Security Intern

  2026 Information Security Summer Intern What you’ll do: Information Security is part of everything that businesses deliver today, and is a multi-faceted, ever-evolving field. Our 10-week paid internship will provide you with foundational experience and skill development through a mix of on-the-job training, mentorship, a community of peers and advisors, and a pathway to our full-time Information Security Rotation Program upon graduation. As an Information Security Intern, you will: Get hands-on experience working on information security initiatives that impact the business Enhance your understanding and learn the foundations of banking technology related to information security practices Develop technical and business acumen through training, mentorship, and exposure to senior executives Build a supportive community of peers through a variety of cohort strengthening activities such as social events, volunteer days, and development workshops Who we’re looking for Are you interested in protecting and defending against the most modern technological threats facing our world? If you are curious and like being on the cutting-edge of new security technologies to protect applications and systems, then our information security internship might be right for you! Basic qualifications: Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science/engineering, management information systems, or similar majors with a target graduation date of December 2026 or May 2027 Basic understanding of information security and technology terms, concepts, and applications through relevant coursework or projects in network security, access and authorization, security risk management, cloud computing, fundamentals of cryptography, or development coding course (i.e., Python or similar) Ability to start internship program on June 1, 2026 Ability to work in-person 3+ days a week at our U.S. Bank location in Cincinnati, OH Preferred qualifications: Strong written and verbal communication skills  Ability to think and work independently within a professional setting  Strong analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills  Flexibility to work within a multi-discipline team and receive dynamic on-the-job training  Highly organized; ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously  Experiences that required ability to demonstrate grit, customer experience, managing multiple priorities, and comfort with urgency Internship benefits: Meaningful, hands-on work that impacts the business Networking opportunities with senior leadership, U.S. Bank team members, and interns Potential for a fulltime offer upon graduation into a rotational program Working model and hours: This role is hybrid. Interns who are in a hybrid role typically spend three days a week at the listed U.S. Bank location(s), while having flexibility on their work location for the other working days. Interns work approximately 40-hours each week during the internship. 

  Microbiology Quality Summer Intern - ICWS2026

  Job Title:  Microbiology Quality InternLocation:1300 Internationale Pkwy, Woodridge, IL 60517Department:Quality AssuranceShift:4:00am – 10am (Flexible)Reports to:Quality ManagerFLSA Status:Non-exempt BUSINESS SUMMARY/SCOPEHome Run Inn Pizza is a fourth-generation family business that competes in both the restaurant and frozen food industries. Ideally, you have one of our frozen pizzas in your freezer right now. Our primary goal at Home Run Inn Pizza is to be more than a participant in these industries. Our goal is to be a leader in the retail space, and to make a positive impact in our communities. We are building a world-class paid internship program for students to learn first-hand what it takes to see true personal growth, utilize their STEM classroom knowledge, and to grow a business that operates by its values. Students have the opportunity to learn both technical and teamwork skills from a team of food manufacturing industry experts and benefit from opportunities ranging from technical writing to microbiological environmental monitoring. Join HRI as we take the key elements of our Chicago strategy and implement them to become the leading tavern style pizza nationally!OUR VALUESCourage allows us to not be defensive in the face of undesired results or constructive feedback. We do not rationalize our mistakes; we do not blame others. Courage pushes us to seek truth so we can make informed decisionsPride drives us to set high standards and pay attention to results. With Pride no one is needed to hold us accountable to our commitments other than ourselves.Family is a willingness to be a productive teammate. Healthy teams, Family, align around commitments that have been established and agreed upon.Grit allows us to challenge the past, and any existing bias or old ways of doing things. Grit sets the mindset that we should always work hard to challenge the status quo.POSITION SUMMARYWe are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Microbiology Quality Intern to join our Quality Assurance team at our frozen food manufacturing facility. This role will involve participating in the environmental monitoring program, including: swabbing food contact and non-food contact surfaces, sampling air and water, analyzing the resulting microbiological data, and observing and documenting general quality functions to recommend improvements to their mentor.By the end of the internship, the candidate will have developed and utilized their critical thinking skills to help execute multiple microbiological validation studies. They will gain an understanding of a key component of food safety through hands-on performance of tasks, and data analysis. They will have gained experience in the food manufacturing industry and learned teamwork and leadership skills that can be applied across nearly any field.This is a hands-on internship ideal for a student interested in industrial applications of life sciences, food manufacturing processes, or business operations.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESAssist in collecting environmental samples (e.g. swabs from food contact and non-food contact surfaces, air, water) according to scheduled EM plans.Properly label, transport, and document samples for microbiological analysis.Maintain accurate records of sampling data, test results, and corrective actions.Support root cause analysis and trend investigations for any positive or out-of-spec results.Collaborate with intern’s mentor, sanitation, production, and quality teams to identify and mitigate potential contamination risks.Perform ATP testing, allergen testing, and other rapid sampling procedures as required.Maintain swabbing supplies and equipment in a clean, organized, and calibrated condition.Observe and document quality practices on the production floor, and aid in standardizing work through written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Work Instructions (WIs).Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety standards, and plant safety policies. SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIESSupports a culture of safety; follows all safety procedures.  Responsible for safety performance in respective area.  Ensures the implementation of, adherence to, and enforcement of workplace health and safety requirements.  Ensures activities are completed to promote and enforce safe behaviors by supervisors and employees.  Fulfills responsibilities as outlined in the company safety program.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSCurrently pursuing a degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures precisely.Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.Basic computer and data entry skills; experience with MS Office Suite is a plus.Comfortable working in cold environments (refrigerated areas, PPE provided).Ability to stand and walk throughout work day.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSBasic understanding of microbiological sampling and aseptic techniques.Experience performing basic benchtop lab tests involving plating, streaking, and inoculating samplesExperience handling swabs, pipettes, and environmental samplesInterest in moving into R&D, Quality Control, Manufacturing Quality, or Quality Assurance roles.Comfortable working in cold environments for short periods (refrigerated areas, PPE provided).PHYSICAL DEMANDSComfortable working in cold environments (refrigerated areas, PPE provided).Ability to stand and walk throughout work day.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an intern encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.As required, works in a loud area that requires hearing protection and other protective equipment to be worn.May be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals and biological materials.   Frequently exposed to some of the FDA designated major food allergens (Milk and Wheat)WHAT YOU WILL LEARNHow large-scale food manufacturing works behind the scenes:Understanding the end-to-end manufacturing process: from dough preparation to topping application, baking, freezing, and packaging.Learning about automated machinery and assembly line operations.Exposure to quality control checkpoints and procedures.Learn aseptic techniques, Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and several methods of environmental sampling.Develop skills analyzing large amounts of biological data, and coming to conclusionsExposure to proper method validation, in the context of industrial microbiologyImprove verbal and written communication skills by working cross-functionally (production, quality, maintenance)Real-world exposure to food safety practices in a high-volume, frozen food production environment.Exposure to Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.Networking and mentorship opportunities within the food manufacturing industry.SUPERVISOR / MENTORThe candidate’s direct supervisor and mentor is the Quality Manager. The Quality Manager is a College of DuPage and Cedarville University alum and holds a master’s degree in microbiology and cell science from the University of Florida.He has over a decade of Food Manufacturing, Laboratory, and Quality control/assurance experience. He has developed food safety and quality assurance programs, authored SOPs and work instructions, and led employee-safety programs. The Quality Manager has extensive experience in both training and overseeing interns and direct reports. He is passionate about student success and has served as an Adjunct Instructor in the Biology Department at Elmhurst University since Fall 2021. He employs a servant leadership attitude and is a graduate of Stagen Leadership Academy - Foundational Leadership Course.HOW TO APPLYApplications are accepted through College Central & Handshake Portals. Please be ready for an on-site interview and to submit a resume, cover letter, and references. Writing samples may also be requested.

  Production Intern

  So Bright Productions is looking for a Production Intern. The Intern will be responsible for setup, teardown, operation, and troubleshooting of sound and lighting equipment in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. The Intern will prep gear and working at the event as a support person for various tasks.Qualifications•Must be available to work most weekends May through August•Position requires good hearing, good listening skills, and the ability to make decisions quickly and reliably•Self-starter with excellent time management skills•Experience mixing at FOH and monitors is a plus•Working knowledge of all types of audio equipment including operation, set-up, and troubleshooting•Basic knowledge of video, lighting, and rigging practices•Ability to work in a collaborative team environment as well as independently•Interacting and communicating effectively and professionally with co-workers and clients is imperative•Maintain a positive and professional appearance and attitudePossess excellent customer service and interpersonal skills•Maintain high level of attention to detail and ability to multitask and prioritize work responsibilities•Able to meet the physical demands which include frequent bending, pushing/pulling gear, and lifting up to 70 lbsResponsibilities•The Intern will be responsible for setup, teardown, operation, and troubleshooting of sound and lighting equipment in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings•Prepping equipment, loading and unloading trucks•Assist all areas of operation such as warehouse operations, testing equipment, preventative maintenance, minor repairs etc•Work closely with clients, and other event technicians to ensure the successful completion of events•Assist with installation of audio, video, and lighting equipment, as needed•Provide excellent customer service and promptly handle any client changes/requests•Ensure equipment has been safely and professionally deployed•Identifying potential new clients/markets and assisting with lead generation•Unload/load equipment at job sites•On site set up and test all parts of the system to ensure proper functioning•Operate, monitor, and adjust equipment to regulate sound quality during performances•Most event tasks are performed in an outdoor settingBenefits•Schedule flexibility and autonomous work environment•Backstage access to high profile events•Company swag•Opportunities for travel•Opportunities for advancement within the company

  HR Intern

    We are delighted you are considering an internship at Prairie Lakes Church! You can look forward to a challenging and rewarding year. Whether your passion is families, worship or administration, after spending a year with us, our goal is you will be more proficient with your skills, wiser as a leader and more mature as a follower of Christ.   Overview:You will be part of a cohort of 6-12 interns for the 2026-2027 academic year (August – May). You will be expected to invest a minimum of 10 hours per week during the semester. You will receive a stipend of $1600 per semester. Application Deadline:  February 27, 2026 Specific questions may be directed to Human Resourcesinternships@prairielakeschurch.org. HR Intern  Central Services This intern will report to the HR Director. Education, Experience and Skills Requirements:Pursuing a degree from a four-year college or universityExhibit evidence of a healthy and growing relationship with ChristFully support the ministry philosophy of Prairie Lakes Church and its leadership teamPossess strong administrative and communication skillsExhibit evidence of strong relational skillsDemonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality requiredPossess a strong work ethic with a demonstrated ability to initiate and finish projects Responsibilities: Lead organization-wide Human Resources initiatives, managing projects from start to finishCreate onboarding training content for new employees, including onboarding tasks and staff culture trainingCreate systems and a schedule for employee feedbackExpand the reach of our open positions, marketing them through multiple channelsSchedule and facilitate interviews for open positionsLead administrative tasks for the Human Resources department, including processing staff and volunteer background checks and maintaining the employee filing system Development:Personalized leadership coaching & development meetingsOne-on-one mentoringPersonalized StrengthsFinder coachingExposure to PLC campusesAttend retreats as scheduled

  Machine Reliability Intern

  Machine Reliability Intern Job Summary: The Kimray Internship Program offers students hands-on experience in a professional manufacturing environment. Interns work alongside industry experts, contribute to real projects, and develop technical and professional skills for future success. Guided by our mission—to make a difference in the lives of those we serve—Kimray provides an internship experience built on service, integrity, and continuous improvement. Through mentorship and collaboration, interns gain insight into our culture and the values that drive innovation and excellence at Kimray.Essential Job Functions:Operate Driven Reliability documentsLOTO documentsFind and attach documents to assetsUpdating and filling out hierarchy gapsSupport the production support and production maintenance teamsParticipate in cross-functional meetings to understand business needs and align product goals.Contribute to process improvements and data-driven decision-making within the product team.Performs other duties as assignedQualifications:Currently pursuing a degree or program related to Machining or MaintenanceProficient with Microsoft OfficeInterest in machining and/or manufacturingEagerness to learn and contribute in a collaborative environment.Must pass background check and drug screenCore Competencies:Action Oriented – Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.Resourcefulness – Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.Drives Results – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.Ensures Accountability – Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.Supervisory Responsibilities: NoEducation:Currently pursuing a degreeWork Environment:Office environmentPhysical Requirements:Repetitive use of handsLifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs.Travel: NoSafety Sensitive Position: No