Searching for Internships

It can take a 3-6 months to find, apply for, and be accepted into an internship program. 

Student working on computer in lab

Organizations recruit for summer internships as early as the fall prior to get a head start on identifying top candidates. Search early and often to stay informed of opportunities you don’t want to miss out on!

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you in the internship search:

Step 1: Identify what you are searching for

Identify what kind of internship you would like

Consider the following questions to help narrow down your search:

  • When do you want to complete the internship?
  • Can you afford an unpaid internship?
  • Where can you realistically travel?
  • Is transportation a concern? There may be On-Campus Internships
  • Looking to travel more this summer? Consider an Internship Abroad
  • Will you be requesting academic credit for my internship? This may limit you options. Check out Receiving Academic Credit for more information.

Step 2: Register for Handshake

Handshake is a free, online job and internship database that has thousands of internships to explore

Employers from all over the country post on Handshake.

  1. Log in to Handshake using your Towson University NetID and password
  2. Filter your internship search by major, organization, location, paid vs. unpaid, those that accept OPT/CPT and even specific keywords
  3. Favorite the internships you would like to apply to, and set email alerts to be notified when new internships meeting your search criteria are posted
  4. Explore Handshake Reviews to see what past interns have thought about their experience at your targeted companies

Step 3: Search Online

 Start by searching these websites for internships 
Avoiding Job Scams
  • When searching, make sure to exercise caution and common sense
  • Review these tips on Avoiding Job Scams
Internships by Industry
  • Check out Career Resources by Major for a list of major specific internship websites that may be applicable for your career field
  • Explore Internships Profiles for a list of organizations where other students have interned
  • See a company you like? Explore the company website to see if it lists any current openings or offers an ongoing internship program.

Step 4: Register for Upcoming Career Events

The job and career fairs that the Career Center hosts offer an easy and convenient way for you to network with potential employers
  • Register for and explore events on Handshake. Go to the “Events” tab to search for TU job and career fairs. You also can search for external job and career fair opportunities, which are noted with “(Non-TU Event)” in the title.
  • The Career Center hosts two Career and Internship Fairs in the fall and spring with 200+ employers at each event

Step 5: Tap Into your Network

Don’t underestimate the power of your network

Did you know that 70% of jobs are found through networking?

  • Who do you know that may have an internship opportunity? Consider faculty, family, friends, and alumni. Develop a “prospects” list and explore their connections.
  • Visit Networking & Information Interviewing for more information on LinkedIn and connecting with professionals
  • Search for Towson University alumni on LinkedIn to see what they are currently doing for work and where they interned
  • Search Towson University > Click Alumni > Filter by Major, Company, Location, Grad date, and Skills
  • Need help? Schedule an appointment with a career coach/counselor via Handshake

Step 6: Schedule an appointment with the Career Center 

Schedule a 30-minute internship search strategies appointment
  • When in doubt, schedule a 30-minute internship search strategies  appointment with a career coach/counselor via Handshake
  • We have a team of experienced staff that can assist you in your search