Internships

At NU, we ask (almost) all undergraduate students to complete an internship before graduation. See below for some helpful information on when and where to look for an internship, internship timeline and requirements, and FAQs.

Why are internships required at NU, and what are the outcome goals?

• Data shows that posted openings for true entry-level jobs are shrinking. More and more, companies want candidates to already have several years of experience, even if you have your bachelor’s degree! An internship is an opportunity to add experience to your resume, and benefit your transition into a career after graduation.
• The internship should give you meaningful work experience, the opportunity for professional skill development, and a firsthand view of how your classroom studies translate into workplace skills. 
• You should have a supervisor that understands this is a learning experience for you and who will meet with you regularly during the internship to provide feedback and support. This might be the first time you are learning how to complete tasks in the workforce, for a supervisor instead of a professor and no longer within school deadlines and rubrics.
• An internship might also be a time of discovery and exploration – which is okay! You might be interested in a certain field, such as copyediting or finance, and dipping your toe in as an intern can be a chance to explore the reality of the work and refine your goals.
• You can also walk away with new professional contacts, and meet others who can offer valuable connections!
• If you and the company both find it is a good fit, the internship could even lead to a permanent job.

Internship Timeline

Before

Search and apply: Most students complete their internship during senior year, so junior year is a great time to look and apply. Check below for tips on how to search.

Approval and paperwork: Once you have an internship offer, contact your professor for their approval. Ensure you are enrolled in the internship course during the same term you will be completing your internship. Submit paperwork to your professor: Release of Liability (student signs) and Internship Contract (student and internship supervisor sign).

During

Complete internship work: There are differences between majors, but in general students are asked to complete 120-150 work hours total at their internship, submit weekly reflections on Discovery, and complete two informational interviews – either with employees at the company, or other connections in the career field you’re interested in. Do not hesitate to contact your professor if any issues come up at the internship. At the end of the term, you will complete a final essay and ask your supervisor to complete an evaluation on your work, which is submitted to your professor.

You will also fill out the Internship Completion survey for NU Career Services to let us know how your experience was, and help us to better guide students in the future.

After

Show off your work!: Add the internship to your resume and LinkedIn, and highlight what you accomplished and learned!

Guide for Finding Internships

Internships can be found by searching on job sites such as Handshake, LinkedIn and Indeed, looking at the NU JobSearch board, talking to NU Career Services, and researching companies and industries that you are interested in. You can also connect with people in your immediate network (extended family, friends, friends’ parents, professors) who might have a role in that field and could offer insight.

Use a filter on Handshake to browse only Internship positions

Internship FAQs

When should I start looking for an internship?

You generally want to start looking at least the semester before. Most students complete their internship during their senior year, so junior year is a great time to think about options and apply. Many prominent companies in tech and business start taking applications for the summer internships the fall before – so for a summer 2027 internship, applications open Fall 2026.

Will my professor or NU Career Services assign my internship?

No – your professor is available to support, and we highly encourage reaching out to NU Career Services as a resource for company connections, but it is the student’s responsibility to search and secure an internship site. This is valuable as you are the best advocate for your goals and interests, and the internship search and application process is useful preparation for when you start your post-graduation job search.

There is a company that I am interested in but they do not have any internships posted right now, is it OK to contact them anyways?

Yes, absolutely! We know companies that have created an internship just because they were impressed by a student’s drive and tenacity. We recommend creating a professional email and attaching your resume when you ask if they would have any future possibilities. You can loop in NU Career Services if they have questions about being an intern host site.

There is an opportunity at my dad’s company, can I intern there?

Having connections through family and friends can be a great way to find an internship. We do recommend a position where your direct supervisor is not a family member, and that the internship is valuable for your goals.

Can I count my current part-time job as my internship?

It is not out of the question, but review the outcome goals for internships earlier on this page. Do you feel you would have mentorship, is the work expanding your experience, is the work connected to your major and a field that you’re interested in? Don’t miss the opportunity to pursue an internship that will offer growth.

Can I complete my internship in the summer?

Yes, and many companies offer great internship programs in the summer – or some students find opportunities in their hometown. However, keep in mind that when taking an internship for credit there is an extra fee during the summer (currently $440 per credit, which would equal $1320 for a three-credit internship). Financial aid cannot be applied unless a student is taking 6 or more credits in a term.

Does my internship have to be paid?

You can complete a paid or unpaid internship. If you are paid hourly or a stipend, you are considered an employee. If the internship is unpaid, you are a volunteer. If a student completes an internship that is unpaid and is not receiving credit, there are a few legal guidelines the company should be considering to ensure they are within the law. This is called the Primary Beneficiary Test. Reach out to NU Career Services if you have any concerns about the safety and legality of an internship or job.

What if I found an opportunity that I am interested in but it does not meet the requirements for my major internship?

During any term, students have the option to enroll in the course UNIV 1941: Career Exploration Internship for up to 3 credits. This gives students the opportunity to earn college credit for an internship while they might still be exploring which major they want to pursue, or earn credit for a second internship. Students will be expected to submit all paperwork, reflections, and final paper just as they would for their major-required internship.

Where Have NU Students Interned in the Past