Why should I complete an internship?
An internship is a practical way to gain valuable experience in one or more fields to help define your career goals. It is an opportunity to put the theory you have been studying and learning into practice. Internship experiences should fit with both your academic and professional goals.
So, completing an internship is always a good idea?
Not always. If you are unsure of your intended major, or still considering several disparate career options, you may wish to pursue options other than internships. Volunteer work, job-shadowing, informational interviews, and paid jobs also enable you to explore career options, develop professional skills and knowledge. These opportunities are excellent prerequisites to an internship.
May I complete an internship as a first year student?
Yes, however your options may be limited compared to those available to second and third year students. First year students are eligible to apply for Lilly Externships, certain GRINNELLINK internships, certain endowed internship opportunities, and certain CDO open grant program funded experiences. Any internship position may include academic year standing requirements, while others may be open to all students. First year students are always encouraged to take advantage of alumni networking events, CDO workshops, the CDO pre-professional development program (shadowing), and other opportunities. First year students are not eligible for credit-bearing internships, most internship grant programs, CPT experiences, and academic semester internships.
I am a Senior. May I complete an internship?
Students may complete an academic semester internship within their final year. The CDO does not fund nor track internships completed following graduation. Students must be both currently enrolled and enrolled for the following semester for funding eligibility.
How do I find an internship?
Peruse Past Grinnell internships by searching the CDO internship database or printed internship summary catalogs. Search via Subscription databases, including internships.com and internships-usa.com. The CDO provides access to these resources with thousands of internship options in a variety of fields-both abroad and throughout the US. Also, utilize PioneerLink- CDO's primary resource for posting both job and internship opportunities. Opportunities are continuously posted in PioneerLink and the weekly CDO INTERNConnection Newsletter. Review GRINNELLINK opportunities. These are specific internships offered exclusively to Grinnell students by alumni and friends of the college. Typically, over 20 internship sites offer opportunities for Grinnell students. Finally, schedule an appointment to meet with a CDO professional regarding your internship search. You may want to discuss using other search options such as indeed.com, specific organization websites, and other strategies for finding an internship.
What are the application deadlines for internships?
Review the CDO Internship Application Deadlinesfor the up-to-date program deadlines. Deadlines for outside internship sites/programs will vary.
What summer funding options are available to me?
GRINNELLINK Internships - Specific opportunities with Grinnell College alumni and friends of the College are open exclusively to students at Grinnell. The positions are competitive and provide a stipend to the selected student. Positions change from year to year and may include internships in museum studies, film, art, political action, environmental education, community supported agriculture, biotechnology, journalism, financial equity analysis research, environmental and social performance in developing countries, and legal services on constitutional issues.
Grant Programs - Current second and third year students are eligible to apply for grants to support unpaid summer internships typically not available during the academic year or accessible without the funding. A limited amount of CDO open grant funds may be available to first year student internships. Grant funding is available through topical programs in prairie studies, business, gender and women's studies, international relations, applied technology, world population control, writing, religious leadership, environmental studies, arts & museum administration and conflict resolution. These programs are very competitive and look for clarity in presentation, support from sponsoring agencies, well-defined responsibilities, originality, and uniqueness of opportunity
Endowed Internships - Funds are available for internship experiences which meet specific criteria set forth by named endowments. The internship experience must meet the defined parameters of the individual endowment. Funding opportunities are available for internships that offer work in affordable housing, Christian leadership, and physics. Other funds are available for internships in specific locations: Capitol Hill and Spain/Latin America.