How can I benefit?
You will obtain relevant professional experience in your field, gain insights into your strengths and weaknesses, values, likes, and dislikes. You will develop communication skills, professional and technical skills, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. You will gain more confidence in your abilities. Experiential Education is a great way to gain valuable contacts for potential career opportunities. Some organizations will only consider candidates who have worked with them for future opportunities.
How can I participate?
You must be enrolled as a full-time or part-time student at the University of Kentucky. The first step is to make an appointment with a career advisor through Handshake to start the search! Start your research a full semester in advance. Organizations will determine application deadlines. Competitive positions typically have earlier deadlines. Sometimes, however, there are positions available as late as the first week of the semester.
Start the Search
There are many great sources for internship opportunities: Handshake, the Career Center’s online job/internship career database; your college’s listserv or newsletter; employer websites and web sources (see the Other Resources page), and networking. Your personal network -- including family, friends, professors, classmates, and previous employers--can help provide leads. The Career Center provides many opportunities for networking with employers, including on-campus Career Fairs, held every fall and spring, as well as employer class presentations and information sessions. Student organizations may also host employer guest speakers. If you're interested in international experiences, UK Education Abroad has resources to help jump-start your search.
When should I do an experience?
Meet with your academic advisor to determine the best semester for you. Try to do more than one if possible. That requires you to start as early as possible to have time for additional opportunities. The more relevant experience you have, the more competitive you will be upon graduation for career positions and application to graduate and professional schools.
Will I need to submit an application or resume and interview for the position?
Each organization stipulates requirements for determining potential candidates. The Handshake postings will contain detailed directions and contact information. Most organizations require formal interviews but some do not. To prepare, have your resume critiqued and do a practice interview with a career advisor.
How do I find a UK sponsor?
Your UK sponsor should be within your major. A UK sponsor may be a faculty or staff member that has taught an academic course at the University of Kentucky. Teaching assistants or graduate students may serve as a faculty UK sponsor if the supervising faculty member approves. Your UK sponsor will be your accountability partner during your experience. The sponsor will meet with you during the semester to discuss your learning outcomes and monitor your progress. Your sponsor determines your final grade based on the completion of your academic assignments and required site field hours.