Internships, summer employment, part-time employment

At this point, you have some ideas of different career options you would like to explore. While having this direction is imperative, an equally imperative step is to gain some hands-on experience to confirm your choice(s). This can be accomplished many ways, and you might find that some of your actions and decisions you have already taken have started you down this path.

Internships, summer employment, and part-time employment give you hands-on practice and can tell you either that you enjoy the field or you don't. Both outcomes are very beneficial. Internships are often paid, although there are wonderful unpaid experiences, which should not be ignored. Many times, these experiences can be done on a part time basis, thereby allowing you to secure paid work also. In addition, class credit may be sought, which would be arranged through your academic advisor.

The term internship is a very loosely defined term which may encompass many activities, which can be called experiential education.
These activities include:

• Informational Interviews/Shadowing
• Internship/Summer Employment/Part-time Employment
• Independent Study
• Social/Academic Organizations
• Faculty and Professionals at the University
• Professional Organizations
• Study Abroad

To begin your search for an internship, you should look for opportunities in multiple places such as TartanTRAK, professional associations, with faculty, your personal network, and the Internet. If you want to stay in Pittsburgh, take a look at the Pittsburgh Technology Council internship listings as well as the Regional Internship Center of Southwestern Pennsylvania. You can also tap into the Career Center's list of workshops. Every semester, there is one provided that focuses on finding an internship. You will also need a resume and cover letter prepared. Lastly, hone your interview skills and get your interview clothes together. After the interview, follow up with thank you letter expressing your interest in the internship.

Any one or a combination of these activities will serve to answer a very important question, whether you do or do not like this prospective career. In addition, any practical experience you gain is looked very favorably upon by employers.