College is an exciting time as you adjust to college life, your major, and potential career paths. As you explore your options, you may be eager to pursue an internship right away. While you can complete your internship at any time, students typically complete theirs in the summer after their junior year. However, you can still gain valuable experience and explore career options in your first and second years.
Early career exploration opportunities allow you to see what a company does while interacting with employees. These programs, designed for first- and second-year students, are one- or two-day events that help identify potential interns for the following summer. Only apply if you are committed and available to attend these events, as failing to do so may negatively impact your chances for future opportunities.
Early Career Experiences
In the spring semester, many companies seek out first- and second-year students for externships, volunteer conferences, and leadership workshops. These opportunities often require applications, helping students develop interview and application skills.
Companies use these experiences to identify future talent while giving students insight into their organizations. Students can assess company fit, gain leadership and professional skills, and build networking contacts. Watch for the Office of Career Solutions’ weekly email or talk to a career coach for more details.
Students can also explore companies and career paths online. The Forage offers free five- to six-hour projects where students solve real-world problems, build skills, and connect with top companies in fields like consulting, software development, and data analytics.
Micro-Internships and Contract Projects
The term "micro-internship" comes from Parker Dewey, a platform that connects students with short-term, often paid projects. These experiences let you apply your coursework to real-world tasks, build your resume, and gain interview-ready experience. Create an account on the Parker Dewey website to start applying.
You can also find opportunities on Nittany Lion Careers. Under "Job and Internship," select "Externship or Contracts/Gig Experiences" to see listings geared toward first- and second-year students.
Other job sites may also post gigs, contract work, or part-time roles. While these may not count as formal internships, they’re great for gaining experience, exploring companies, and figuring out what kind of work you enjoy.
