Student Internships: Gain Experience, Build Your Future

Welcome to the Student Internships page.

Internships are essential for college students, providing hands-on experience, industry exposure, and networking opportunities. They help bridge the gap between academics and the workforce, build professional skills, and enhance resumes—ultimately boosting job prospects, career growth and economic mobility.

Below, you will find some valuable, hyperlinked, resources to support you on your journey. Remember, you are capable of achieving your career goals. When you need assistance, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a career coach through Handshake to get started. Best of luck. And don’t forget to tell us when you land that offer! 🙂

Why You Need an Internship

An internship gives you hands-on experience, helps you build skills, and lets you apply what you’ve learned in the classroom. It also strengthens your resume, expands your network, and offers insight into employer expectations. Many internships can even lead to full-time job offers, making them a valuable step in launching your career.

Searching For An Internship

When searching for internships, start with Handshake to find opportunities that match your field. Keep your profile updated, upload your resume, set job alerts and make sure you watch the tutorial video on how to best use the platform. Don’t forget, the career team coaches are here to help you every step of the way—whether it’s with your search, networking, or preparing your application.

Internships For Credit

Workplace Experience courses help you complete an exploratory internship to gain hands-on experience in your field. To qualify, your internship must be related to your major, last at least 135 hours, and provide meaningful learning. You need an internship offer to register and must complete it in the same semester for credit. Be sure to plan ahead and reach out to your career coach for help with finding and preparing for your internship.

Internships for International Students

Finding an internship as an international student can be challenging, but your unique skills make you valuable to employers. Use resources at Mercy, like the Career Team and International Student Services, for support with visa guidance, career coaching, and internship courses. Network, attend career fairs, and keep applying—each interaction is an opportunity. Stay flexible, confident, and persistent, and the right opportunity will come your way!

Funding for Unpaid Internships

The Mercy University Internship Grant offers $2,025 to full-time undergraduate students completing a new, unpaid, for-credit internship during the Fall or Spring semester. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have completed at least 30 credits, and be in good academic standing. The internship must be unpaid, require 135 hours at the worksite, and be registered under elective Work Experience or Internship courses (380, 381, 399). For more information, contact Dr. Joi Sampson at jsampson4@mercy.edu.

Equal Opportunity Resources

Mercy University’s Career and Professional Development offers resources to support students in their career journeys. These include specialized job boards, professional organizations, and support services for students of all backgrounds. The goal is to help students access networks, opportunities, and information to navigate their careers successfully. Some examples of these resources include INROADS and HACU. INROADS connects students to careers, with 80% of interns being first-generation and 82% receiving job offers. HACU offers paid internships in IT, health, and business. Both require a 3.0+ GPA. Apply to INROADS | Apply to HACU.

Click here to view all of the resources.

INROADS

Founded by Frank C. Carr in 1970, the INROADS mission is to develop and place talented youth in business and industry and prepare them for corporate and community leadership. Today, INROADS is an international organization with over 28 offices serving nearly 2,000 Interns at over 200 companies. 80% of INROADS’ interns are first-generation students. 82% of INROADS’ interns accepted offers from the companies where they interned. Click here to learn more.

Management Leadership For Tomorrow

MLT accelerates economic mobility by expanding career opportunities for individuals and improving employer practices to create inclusive, meritocratic workplaces where everyone can thrive. Click here to learn more.