Experiential Learning
At UT Southern, we want you to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities outside of class just as much as you develop them in class, and internships are a great way to gain new experiences.
Internships provide a structured, supervised work environment to help you gain practical work experiences that aid you in career exploration and résumé building. While many opportunities take place during the summer term, internships are available year-round. Consult your faculty advisor for approval to receive class credit for your internship experience.
Experiential learning through internships help you determine your interests, hone your skills, network with professionals, gain industry knowledge, develop your résumé, and better understand your workplace preferences.
Discovering Internship Opportunities
The following links share important information related to getting internships and making the most out of your experience.
Finding Internships in Government
If you are interested in pursuing an internship experience in government organizations at the state and national level, the following links have valuable information, deadlines, and resources.
Micro-Internships
Through our partnership with Parker Dewey, the Office of Career Development is excited to provide UT Southern students with unique opportunities to gain valuable professional experience outside of traditional internships. Through micro-internships, you can learn and hone the skills that employers look for, build meaningful connections with organizations across the country, and get paid – all in your spare time.
What is a micro-internship?
- Short-term, paid, professional assignments
- Employers range from Fortune 100 to emerging start-ups, and go across departments including sales, marketing, technology, HR, and finance
- Paid short-term projects posted by employers across a wide range of industries
- Average 5 to 40 hours of remote work over 2-4 weeks
- Available year-round
What are the benefits of a micro-internship?
Utilize your spare time to set yourself up for success. By participating in a micro-internship, you can:
- Learn and hone skills employers look for when recruiting for internships and full-time positions
- Explore new industries and potential career paths
- Build an employer network by demonstrating skills and abilities in meaningful projects
- Micro-internships may lead to potential full internships and full-time jobs
How do I apply for micro-internships?
First, click here to create a profile. Then, it only takes a couple of clicks to apply to an opportunity! Please note that some projects are time sensitive, and employers may expect their micro-intern(s) to begin working on the project within one week from when they are selected. If you are selected for a micro-internship, you will receive an email packet that includes information on how to contact the employer so you can discuss a start date and begin work on the project.
Who is eligible for micro-internships?
Micro-Internships are open to all UT Southern students.
Through our partnership with Parker Dewey, the Office of Career Development is excited to provide UT Southern students with unique opportunities to gain valuable professional experience outside of traditional internships. Through micro-internships, you can learn and hone the skills that employers look for, build meaningful connections with organizations across the country, and get paid – all in your spare time.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Stephen McBride.
Employment for International Students
There are certain opportunities for international students to participate in internships, but they will be limited to the student’s eligibility, visa type, and how much other on-campus employment they may have had. General information about CPT and OPT are provided below, however, please visit the UT Southern International Students page or contact Lawrie Hudson for more specific details.
Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) allows international students (F-1 visa holders) who have completed at least one year as a student at their university to legally intern.
- CPT has no cost or immigration paperwork for the employer. It is awarded on a semester-by-semester basis in conjunction with internship courses.
- Employers must provide an offer letter to the student. The student is responsible for working with the University to process their CPT.
- Students can intern up to 20 hours a week during an academic semester and up to 40 hours a week during the summer.
- The internship must be related to the student’s major.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to work legally for up to 12 months (up to 3 years for certain STEM students) post-graduation.
- OPT has no cost or immigration paperwork for the company to complete.
- UT Southern graduates or graduating students may work with the University to apply and receive approval of OPT.
- Post-graduate work must be related to the student’s academic field of study.