Internships are work-related learning experiences for individuals who wish to develop hands-on experience in an occupational field. They can last anywhere from three months to a year, can be paid or unpaid, and students may be able to receive academic credit for their internship experiences.
There is a new opportunity for students to receive funding for internships and experiential learning!
The Pathways to Careers Center received funding to increase student access to experiential learning opportunities, like internships, co-ops, clinicals, practicums, apprenticeships, or similar career-relevant experiences. Students can apply for funds to support any expenses that are needed to participate in these opportunities, such as mileage, housing, childcare, work attire, or equipment.
Applications are being accepted now! To receive support for a Spring 2024 internship, the application must be received by March 15. To receive support for a Summer or Fall 2024 internship, the application must be received by April 15.
To qualify for funds, students are required to go through training to prepare them for their experiential learning. Many students are already engaged in a pre-professional course, career bootcamp, or other pre-experience training that qualifies or there is a new Brightspace course to meet this requirement. For more information with links to the application and Brightspace course, visit this link.
Internships can provide you with the following benefits:
- The start of a professional network
- Professional experience in your field
- Career sampling (can you picture yourself in this field?)
- Possible income
- Possible college credits
- A chance to apply what you’ve learned in school to the real world
Resume and Cover Letter
It is important to make a good first impression with your resume and cover letter. These documents are sometimes your only opportunity to land an interview; perfection is crucial. If you need assistance with your resume or cover letter, please sign up for the “Writing Resumes & Cover Letters” workshop or set up an individual appointment with Haley Brown, Student Services Coordinator: 621-3130 or hbrown120@maine.edu.
Interviewing Skills
An interview is your opportunity to show a potential supervisor your ability to present yourself in a professional manner, both verbally and non-verbally. It’s also a time to convince him/her that you are truly interested and are the perfect fit for the organization. For help with your interviewing skills, attend the “Successful Interviewing” workshop or set up a mock interview with Haley Brown: 621-3130 or hbrown120@maine.edu.
Motivation and Persistence!
An internship may not fall in your lap. Similarly to a job search, it can take time, energy, and persistence to find an internship opportunity, especially since not all internships are posted. Some organizations may hire interns without advertising, and some may consider accepting an intern for the first time – if you ask them. These hidden opportunities require you to reach out to organizations where you want to do your internship, not necessarily the ones who ask you to apply.
Start your search early, and don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts don’t pan out. Continue networking with professionals in your field to learn about new opportunities.
UMA CareerLink
All internship advertisements sent to the Career Connections Office are posted on UMA CareerLink. Current students may access the system by clicking on the “blue cube” on their launchpad in the UMA Portal. Alumni may access UMA CareerLink by clicking here and creating an account.
Internships.com
Visit this national website to search for internships nationwide, read intern blogs, and get tips on searching and applying for internships.
Faculty Members
Don’t forget that faculty members have connections outside of UMA. Talk to your instructors about possible internship locations and contacts.
Other Resources
- Jobs in ME
- Career Rookie
- Top Internship Employers
- Study Abroad
- Search for internships on websites pertaining to your career interests
- Search for internships on company websites
Most internships are unpaid, so don’t expect a paycheck when you apply. However, keep in mind that under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor has put forth specific guidelines that outline under which circumstances interns must be paid. For more information on these guidelines, visit this link. Remember that an internship is about gaining experience, building your network, and potentially receiving a job offer.
The UMA majors listed below have a required or optional internship/practicum. Students in majors not listed below have the option of pursuing an internship through an independent study.
| Major | Class Number | Required/Optional |
| Bachelor of Architecture | ARC 406 (Architectural Internship) | Required |
| BA Art | ART 496 (Art Internship) | Required |
| BA Biology | BIO 475 (Internship in Biology) | Optional |
| AS Business Administration | BUA 294 (Coop Education/Field Experience) | Optional |
| BS Business Administration (Accounting or Management) | BUA 495 (Business Internship) | Optional |
| AS Computer Information Systems | CIS 280 (Internship) | Optional |
| BS Computer Information Systems | CIS 380 (Internship) | Required |
| BS Cybersecurity | ISS 380 (Internship) | Required |
| BS Data Science | CIS 380 (Internship) BUA 495 (Business Internship) SSC 420 (Social Science Capstone Experience) | One class for this requirement is required |
| AS Dental Hygiene | DEH 250 (Clinical Dental Hygiene I) DEH 300 (Clinical Dental Hygiene II) DEH 350 (Clinical Dental Hygiene III) | Required Required Required |
| BS Dental Hygiene | DEH 250 (Clinical Dental Hygiene I) DEH 300 (Clinical Dental Hygiene II) DEH 350 (Clinical Dental Hygiene III) DEH 400 (Dental Hygiene Practicum) | Required Required Required Optional |
| BS Education All Tracks | EDU 215/216/217 (Field Experience I/II/III) | Required |
| BS Early Elementary Education (K-3) | EDU 492 (Student Teaching Early Elementary) | Required |
| BS Elementary Education (K-6) | EDU 491 (Student Teaching Elementary) | Required |
| BS Secondary Education (6-12) | EDU 490 (Secondary Student Teaching) | Required |
| AS Information & Library Science | ILS 299 (Library Assistant Practicum & Capstone) | Required |
| BS Information & Library Science | ILS 499 (Senior Capstone Internship) | Required |
| BA Interdisciplinary Studies | INT 496 (Interdisciplinary Studies Internship) | Optional |
| BS Justice Studies | JUS 361 (Community Policing Practicum) | Optional |
| AS Medical Laboratory Technology | MLT 395 (Hospital Practicum) | Required |
| AS Mental Health & Human Services | HUS 270 (Field Placement I) | Required |
| BS Mental Health & Human Services | HUS 270 (Field Placement I) HUS 470 (Field Placement II) | Required Required |
| BS Nursing (4-Year) | NUR 312 (Caring for Adults) NUR 315 (Caring for Families) NUR 412 (Caring for Adults II) NUR 415 (Mental Health & Wellness) NUR 356 (Community & Global Health Clinical) NUR 450 (Holistic Nursing Clinical Practicum) | Required Required Required Required Required Required |
| BS Public Administration | POS 485 (Public Administration Internship) | Optional |
| BS Veterinary Technology | VTE 115 (Veterinary Technology Student Internship) VTE 330 (Practicum in Veterinary Technology) | Required Required |