Internships Defined

Internships at UC Davis are supervised work-learn experiences in a professional environment outside the classroom to help a student's academic and career goals.

• An internship is typically a minimum 10-week quarter commitment and can span multiple quarters.
• Internships are guided, supervised and evaluated by professionals (not fellow students).
• To qualify for transcript notation, internships require a minimum of 40 hours per quarter
• Students may also choose to pursue academic credit. Academic credit requires a faculty sponsor, and the Career Center can assist getting students started with this process
• Internships are ideally paid; however, if the internship is unpaid, intern duties may not replace those of paid employees.
• Students at all class levels are eligible to participate in internships, depending upon the requirements of the organization.

The Career Center follows NACE guidelines for best practices on internship guidance.

Benefits of an Internship

• Skill and Resume Development: Internships help build important skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving and time management. These skills are essential in any career and are highly valued by employers. Internships also provide the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience helps bridge the gap between academic learning and professional work.
• Career Exploration and Clarity: Internships give participants the chance to explore different roles and industries, helping them clarify their career interests and goals. By experiencing the day-to-day reality of a job, interns can make more informed decisions about their future careers.
• Networking: Internships allow you to build relationships with professionals in your field. This can lead to mentorship opportunities, job recommendations, informational interviews and the opportunity to learn about roles within the organization you may not have previously considered.
• Pathway to (potential) Job Offer: Many companies use internships as a pipeline for hiring. If you perform well during your internship, there's a chance you could be offered a full-time position with the company after graduation. Even if you don’t receive a job offer from your internship provider, the experience and skills you’ve gained will make you a more competitive candidate in the job market.

How to Find Internships

A well-rounded approach that combines online boards, direct employer targeting and networking will enhance your chances of success. To learn more, refer to the Multi-Part Approach on our Finding Positions page.

• Utilize platforms like Handshake, LinkedIn and Indeed to explore job listings. Handshake is specifically designed for universities and employers, whereas other job boards are open to broader audiences. 
• Not all employers post their openings on job boards. Visit the websites of specific companies or organizations you’re interested in.
• Network to connect with recruiters, professionals and employers in your interest area(s). Attend networking events, career fairs and conduct informational interviews.

UC Internship Programs

There are many additional internship resources maintained by UC Davis and the University of California you can take advantage of:

• University of California Washington Program
• UC Davis Global Learning Hub
• University of California Center Sacramento
• UC Davis Undergraduate Research Center
• Quarter at Aggie Square

Other Internship Sites and Job Boards

There are many other websites that have job and internship listings (external to UC Davis/ Career Center) that may be useful in your search:

• ORISE and Zintellect for STEM research and academic internships, postbacs and fellowships at national laboratories and U.S. government agencies.
• Idealist for nonprofit, volunteering and social impact roles.