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Internship Search

Internships: Gaining Real-World Experience

Internship experience is a great opportunity to make yourself more competitive in the job market. You can gain exposure and experience in your field of study to see if the particular career field is the right one for you. An internship can help you gain skills that can be applied to future jobs. An Internship may be paid or unpaid, and it tends to last about the length of a school semester or a summer break. Get started by clicking on the Prepare button below!

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Internship Success Stories

What is an Internship?

Internships are an indispensable component of career development, offering practical experience that bridges academic learning with professional demands. The CSUSB Career Center provides comprehensive support to help students secure and maximize these valuable opportunities.

● Core Benefits of Pursuing Internships:

  • Skill Development: Internships are prime opportunities to develop and refine skills highly sought after by employers, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical proficiencies.
  • Career Exploration: They provide a low-risk environment to explore different career paths and industries, helping students confirm their interests or discover new ones before committing to a full-time role.
  • Application of Knowledge: Students can apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world projects and challenges, deepening their understanding and practical expertise.
  • Professional Network Expansion: Internships facilitate connections with professionals in their field, leading to mentorship opportunities, references, and potential future job leads.

● Types of Internship Experiences:

Unpaid Internships & Earning Academic Credit

Understanding Internships: Paid vs. Unpaid and Your Rights

Internships offer valuable experience, but it's important to understand your rights, especially concerning compensation. The U.S. Department of Labor uses the "primary beneficiary test" to determine if an intern in a for-profit company should be paid minimum wage and overtime. This test considers several factors, including whether you expect compensation, if the internship is tied to your formal education, and if your work complements rather than displaces that of paid employees. If you are deemed an employee, you are entitled to pay. Internships with public sector or non-profit organizations are generally permissible without pay if you volunteer without expectation of compensation. For more detailed information, you can refer to the Fact Sheet #71: Internships Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

How to Earn Academic Credit

You may be able to earn academic credit for completing an internship, and if your internship is unpaid, your employer may even require it. Learn more about Academic Internships through the Office Community Engaged Learning that provides more information for students seeking academic credit.

Internships for International Students

International students planning to complete an internship must apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) through the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). All international students interested in internships are encouraged to review the following Employment Information for International Students.

To receive approval to complete an internship, international students must enroll in an internship course. Refer to the Understanding Internships & Earning Academic Credit section above for information regarding CSUSB internship classes.

Resources for Finding an Internships 

View the Career Center’s Internship Search page for a comprehensive list of internship resources. 

CSUSB Internship Programs 

  • CSUSB College Corps: Cal State San Bernardino was selected as one of 45 partner campuses to participate in the statewide #CaliforniansforAll College Corps program that combines academic and hands-on work experience. #CaliforniansForAll College Corps is a first-of-its kind state service and career development program that provides students with financial support and professional experience while engaging in meaningful community service in education. 

CSU San Bernardino College Corps welcomes 75 fellows each year to engage in service in their local community. These College Corps fellows join the Office of Pre-College Programs in making positive impacts at local K-12 school districts and community organizations in the San Bernardino and Riverside counties.   

 

  • Pathways to Success: The award funds CSUSB, Norco College, or San Bernardino Valley College students who have an unpaid/academic internship in the arts and humanities. Students who meet the requirements may be eligible to receive up to a $1,000 award. 

National and State Internship Programs 

  • Capital Fellows Programs: offers nationally recognized public policy fellowships which provide unique experiences in policy-making and development in each branch of California's state government 
  • James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program: offers approximately 15 one-year fellowships to graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year to work as research assistants with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace  
  • BLAC Internship Program: introduces emerging Black and BIPOC talent to advertising through a 12-week paid internship for creative thinkers that takes place at ad agencies across the country 
Steps for Applying to Internships
  • Strategies for Searching and Applying for Internships: 
  • University Platforms: Actively utilize Handshake, the university's dedicated platform for internships and jobs, as well as specific company websites. 
  • Industry-Specific Associations: Explore websites of professional associations within your target industry, as they often list specialized internship opportunities. 
  • Career Advisor Appointments: Schedule an "Internship Search" appointment with a Career Advisor at the CSUSB Career Center. They can provide personalized guidance, identify suitable opportunities, and refine application materials. 
  • Faculty Connections: Discuss your interest in internships with your academic faculty. Professors often have industry connections and may be aware of relevant opportunities or able to provide recommendations. 
  • Leveraging Personal Networks: Inform friends, family, and other contacts about your internship search. Personal connections can often lead to valuable leads or referrals. 
  • Volunteering as a Pathway: Consider volunteering at organizations where you aspire to intern. This can provide valuable experience, demonstrate commitment, and potentially open doors to formal internship roles. 
  • Informational Interviews: Use informational interviews not only for career exploration but also as a way to express interest in an organization and inquire about potential internship openings. 
  • Direct Outreach: Send professionally written emails with your resume directly to organizations you are interested in, even if they don't have a public listing. This proactive approach can sometimes uncover hidden opportunities. 
  • General Job Board Databases: While often associated with full-time jobs, many large job boards also feature internship listings. 
Internship Events 

The Career Development Center's Spring 2025 Internship and Career Series will include the following events for students to hear from professionals and learn about internship opportunities in a variety of industries: 

Spring 2026 

  • PDC Career Showcase: Thursday, March 5, 2026, 10am-1pm, Health Sciences Lobby  
  • Career and Internship: Thursday, March 19, 2026, Time: 10am-1pm, SMSU North 

For more information, view these and other upcoming events on the Career Events Calendar. 

CSUSB Internship Awards 

The Career Center offers Internship Funding Awards specifically designed to enhance student marketability and competitiveness upon graduation. These awards aim to alleviate financial barriers that might prevent students from taking on valuable internship experiences. 

Career Center Internship Award Overview 

For the Fall 2025 semester, selected students will be awarded $500 each in scholarships to support their internship endeavors. 

Application Period: Application closes Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 at 11:59pm.

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Student Eligibility Requirements

  1. Participating in an unpaid internship during the fall 2025 semester
  2. Enrolled in an appropriate internship course during the fall 2025 semester
  3. Not receiving other campus funding for the internship during the fall 2025 semester
  4. An undergraduate or graduate student
  5. In good academic standing (meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress)  

FAQ's: 

Is the internship award open to all students? 
Yes, students that are currently enrolled and participating in an unpaid internship experience are encouraged to apply. 

Do I need to upload a resume within my Career Center Internship Award Application? 
Yes, students are required to upload a resume as part of the application process. We encourage students to visit our Career Guide and view our Resume Checklist on page 15. Or you may visit the Career Center during drop-in hours for on the spot resume feedback. View our drop-in hours here: https://www.csusb.edu/career-center  
When will I receive a decision on my Career Center Internship Award application?

Students will be notified December 19, 2025 on the application decision.

If selected, when will I receive the Career Center Internship Award funds and how it will be disbursed? 
The Career Center Internship Award will be disbursed directly to the student's account 6 weeks from the application decision.  

Community Engagement Internship Award

For additional information, visit the Office of Community Engaged Learning: https://www.csusb.edu/community-engagement