Most internships are completed during your junior and senior years.
Why? While some freshman and sophomores will complete internships, most freshman and sophomores are still developing the essential base knowledge and skills and do not yet have the academic exposure to concepts needed in their field for an internship.
An internship is a temporary position, typically held by students or, in very special circumstances, recent graduates, where individuals gain practical experience in a specific field or industry.
Internships provide an opportunity to learn on the job, develop skills, and build professional networks, often serving as a stepping stone to full-time employment.
Paid Internships: Many internships are paid opportunities, allowing you to earn while gaining valuable experience. The average hourly salaries can range from $15 per hour to $62.50 per hour, with an average of $25 per hour, depending on the company.
Students complete internships all over the country and the world.
Most students choose to stay local to Colorado; however, internships are an amazing opportunity to explore new places. You can check our Partners In Education (PIE) page for Internship Opportunites specific to Jeffco Students!
Students have the option to work in various work sectors, such as private industry, research and academia, or public sector/government.
International students may be eligible for internship work in the US but will need to speak with their counselor to confirm steps and eligibility.
Here is a list of Potential Internships based on your Industry/Career of Interest.
Most internships occur over the summer, allowing students to dedicate time to the experience without the pressure of coursework, but some are offered in the Fall or Spring Semesters.
Internship Timeline
Summer internships typically start in May or June and can range from 6-12 weeks.
Many companies recruit early—for example, Career Days in the Fall are often when companies start recruiting for spring or summer internships.
Know your plan and when is the ideal time for you to complete your internship.
Know when your applications open and their deadlines to apply. Create a document to track information on programs you are interested in with all important information.
Internships help us discover what we like and don’t like. Choosing a field doesn’t mean you’ll work in it forever. Stay open to new experiences, challenges, and opportunities outside your field of study.
Successful students make internship searches part of their weekly routine. While Career Days are a great start, consistently applying to roles increases your chances of securing one.
While an internship is an excellent way to gain workplace experience, explore career interests, and build industry connections, it’s not the only way to build career readiness and industry skills.
Many students gain valuable experience through job shadows, student organizations, informational interviews, and networking events. These are just a few of the many ways students can develop the skills employers are looking for.