Internship Information

• Build real experience: Apply what you're learning in class to an actual workplace and strengthen your resume with hands-on work
• Develop transferable skills: Practice communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management in a professional setting — skills every employer values
• Explore career paths: Try out a field or role before committing to it. It's okay if you're still figuring out what you want to do — that's what internships are for
• Grow your network: Connect with professionals who can mentor you, serve as references, and open doors you didn't know existed
• Improve your job prospects: Students who experience internships - and other work-based learning experiences -  report better career outcomes, higher salaries, and greater career satisfaction than peers who did not have those experiences. 
• Earn college credit: CCRI students can earn credit for an internship by enrolling in LIBA 1010: Cooperative Work Experience Seminar. Learn more about LIBA 1010.

Start earlier than you think. We recommend beginning your search at least 3 months before your target start date. Some internships fill up fast; if you see one you want, apply right away.

Step 1 — Know what you're looking for before you start searching, take a few minutes to think through:

• What industry or field interests you?
• What skills do you want to develop?
• What kind of work environment do you prefer — in-person, hybrid, or remote?
• Are you looking for a paid or unpaid experience?

Having a clear sense of what you want makes your search faster and your applications stronger.

Step 2 — Search where the opportunities are

• Handshake: Log into your CCRI Handshake account and select "Jobs" on the left side of the page. Search by location (try "Rhode Island") to see jobs and internships available to you. Update your profile, as some employers will not allow you to apply if key sections are missing.
• Indeed: Search using keywords like "internship," your field, and your location. Set up job alerts so you never miss a new posting.
• LinkedIn: Use the Jobs feature to filter by internship, industry, and location. Your LinkedIn profile works alongside your resume, so keep it updated.

Our team can help you search for internships, review your application materials, and connect you with opportunities. Make an appointment with us.  

Step 3 — Activate your network Your network is larger than you think. Let people know you're looking. Don't just wait for a posting to appear.

• Personal: Family, friends, and classmates
• Academic: CCRI faculty, staff, and academic advisors
• Community: People from your hobbies, sports teams, and local organizations 
• Professional: Current or former colleagues, employer connections, and employer associations

Step 4 — Apply and follow up

• Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application, highlighting the skills listed in the job description
• Send a thank you note after every interview
• Follow up to express your continued interest
• Be persistent. The internship search takes time. Keep applying and keep networking. 

Be flexible:  Be open to opportunities that might not seem like a perfect fit at first. The relationships you build and the skills you gain — like communication, teamwork, and adaptability — transfer across industries and roles. Sometimes the most unexpected experience leads you exactly where you want to go.

Before you search:

• Reflect on your career goals, interests, and the skills you want to develop
• Update your resume and other application materials (e.g., cover letter, portfolio) and have them reviewed  
• Complete your Handshake profile (Experience, Education, Interests, Looking For status)
• Update your LinkedIn profile
• Identify 2–3 industries or types of roles you want to explore

During your search:

• Search Handshake, Indeed, LinkedIn, or other search platforms regularly
• Set up job alerts so you don't miss new postings
• Reach out to your network — let people know you're looking
• Attend Career Services events, career fairs, and employer info sessions
• Start your search at least 3 months before your target start date

When you apply:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application
• Double-check that your application is complete and error-free
• Apply as soon as you find a role you want — don't wait

After your interview:

• Send a thank you email within 24 hours
• Follow up if you haven't heard back within the timeline given
• Reflect on what went well and what you would improve

Have questions? Make an appointment with us.  

Possibly!

1. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL): CPL pathways are opportunities for students to provide evidence of their college-level learning for college credit. Prior learning may have been gained through a variety of contexts, such as military training. work experience, and more. Reach out to their office for questions. 
2. Using Existing Internship/Job in a Course: If you are currently working in a role related to your field, your current placement may count toward an internship, field experience, or other applied-learning course in your program. Reach out to your faculty member to find out if your current job or internship qualifies. If you are enrolled in or interested in LIBA 1010: Cooperative Work Experience Seminar, contact Career Services directly at [email protected].

Absolutely!

And, it's worth knowing that internships look very different depending on the employer. Some are 40 hours a week, others are project-based and may only take a few hours. Some are in-person, remote, or hybrid. If an internship truly isn't the right fit right now, there are plenty of other ways to build real career experience.

• Take a work-based learning course: Earn credit while gaining hands-on experience in your field
• Collaborate with a faculty member: ask a professor if you can take part in a project or research they are working on
• Grow in your current role: Talk to your supervisor about taking on new responsibilities that build skills relevant to your career goals
• Complete a Forage project: Free, self-paced, employer-designed projects you can complete from anywhere and add directly to your resume.
• Volunteer or get involved in your community: Volunteering with a local organization is a great way to build transferable skills, explore a field, and expand your network, and it belongs on your resume.