Determine which type of internship or experience will help you make career decisions. A career counselor or internship staff member can help
Think about what skills you want to develop
Seek opportunities that will help you meet your goals
Start early; some employers set deadlines as early as November for spring and summer internships
Take Steps to Apply for Experience
Create or update your resume to reflect the knowledge, skills and experience that relate to your desired job or internship. Draft a cover letter to send with your resume. It should provide additional information about your interest and qualifications that is not included on your resume.
Whether you have found your own internship and want to know how to earn credit or you are starting from scratch, follow these steps to get you started or to keep you going:
Following these guidelines will help assure that you will maximize your internship experience and serve as a positive representative of your academic program and of Towson University. Your readiness to enter your chosen field will be assessed/evaluated based on these expectations as demonstrated at your internship:
Act in a professional and ethical manner. For example:
dress in an appropriate manner
follow through on commitments
do not conduct personal business during work hours
be prompt when reporting to work and with completing assignments
give your work your best effort
Be positive and supportive
Keep an open mind; avoid jumping to conclusions; develop informed opinions
Be observant; note how employees organize their ideas and respond to and ask questions
Be fair, considerate, honest, trustworthy and cooperative when dealing with co-workers and clients/customers
Assert yourself and your ideas in an appropriate and tactful manner
Seek feedback from your supervisor(s), accept suggestions for corrective changes in behavior and attempt to improve your performance
Accept constructive criticism and continuously strive to improve and to grow professionally
Enhance your professional effectiveness by improving skills and acquiring new knowledge
Represent the Best of Towson
Your conduct should make the employer want to host other Towson University students in the future. Be sure that you:
Clearly identify start/end dates and determine your work schedule with your worksite supervisor
Familiarize yourself with and adhere to organizational arrangements, policies, procedures and functions
Maintain confidentiality of work-related personnel and projects
Understand what constitutes a permissible work absence and whom to notify if absent
Report to your faculty coordinator (if earning credit) changes in work schedule, supervision or problems at your site
Remain drug and alcohol-free, and avoid use of controlled substances
If you feel victimized by a work-related incident, contact a staff member in the Career Center immediately.
If you plan to earn credit for your internship, meet with your department's internship coordinator to discuss eligibility criteria, internship approval and course enrollment.
Many departments use additional Career Center forms that help students track their hours, receive feedback from worksite supervisors and evaluate their internship experience. Click the links below on the required forms and print as needed.
Use Effective Resources Before, During and AfterYour Internship
InternQube provides articles and videos from a variety of sources to help you develop your professional skills and approach the workplace with confidence.
The Career Center
7800 York Road Building, Suite 206 (map)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Call to schedule an appointment.
Express Hours: Monday – Thursday, 1 - 3 p.m. (No appointment needed for 15-minute consultation)
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000
