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Internships

Internship-Related Questions


General Questions



Internship-Related Questions


What is an internship?
An internship is an on-site work experience that is either directly related to your major field of study or your career interest. It can be paid or unpaid, and held during the summer or throughout the academic year. At HMC, most students intern during the summer and receive payment.  Learn how to get started and other resources.


What are the benefits of an internship?
An internship gives you the opportunity to:

  • Gain valuable work experience before you graduate;
  • Develop new skills and refine others;
  • Apply knowledge gained from coursework to on-the-job situations;
  • Reality-test tentative career choices;
  • Meet and work with professionals, establishing contacts for letters of reference and networking;
  • Experience new work environments;
  • Earn money.

How do I find an internship?
The most effective internship searches utilize a variety of different search strategies.

  • A great place to start is the Career Center website – many Internship listings are available online via MUDDlink. Go to "Jobs, Internships and On campus Recruiting tab"; select MUDDlink jobs and then “Internships” under Position Type. You can search your interests by keyword(s). In this same tab, you can also look under Nationwide Jobs to see those opportunities brought to you by NACElink employers.
  • Read the Hot Internship newsletter sent to you via email on Mondays. For your convenience it includes some positions posted on MUDDlink as well as others that are directly sent to our office.
  • If you want direct internship information, refer to CareerMail, read the weekly e-bulletin MUDDMines and Hot Internships, and our Facebook page.
  • The best place to learn about opportunities is at the fall and spring career fairs.
  • Take advantage of all your networking opportunities. In addition to making contacts through friends, family, current/former employers, classmates, and faculty members, there are many other networking avenues you can pursue. A great place to start is the HMC Alumni Association LinkedIn Group.
  • You may also learn about internship openings through newsletters, job fairs, work/study abroad programs, hometown contacts, professional associations, student organizations, trade magazines, community service/volunteer groups, and your major department office.

While there is a great deal of information available, you must be persistent in your internship search. Start early and seek out help from the career center. Have a plan that includes a great resume and cover letter, appropriate follow-up, and good record keeping. Be prepared, open-minded, flexible, and professional. It's up to you to make all your contacts count! Don't let housing needs and worry about competition deter you if you are heading for unfamiliar territory. Universities often rent housing to students working in their city during the summer. Your summer employer may have suggestions for you. Finding suitable housing may not be as difficult nor as expensive as you think.


When is a good time to start looking for a summer internship?
The Office of Career Services receives internship listings continually. Begin searching in the preceding fall semester and plan on attending the fall and spring career fairs to meet some employers that might be offering internships. Continuing your search during winter break is a good idea in order to take full advantage of all the resources and listings available to you. Some deadlines are very early!

Beginning early also allows you to more evenly balance the time required to conduct a successful summer internship search with other demands on your time. You’ll have time to respond to listed positions and initiate contacts on your own as well. Lead time can give you a competitive edge when it comes to composing an effective cover letter or tailoring your resume to a desired internship.


Can I get academic credit for my internship?
Harvey Mudd College doesn’t offer academic credit for internships. Fortunately, many of students receive payment.
Keep in mind that some employers require students to receive academic credit as a form of "payment" due to liability issues, but they may also be willing to classify you as a volunteer since your campus doesn’t offer credit.


What if I am an international students?
There are different requirements for International students who wish to intern. You should see the Director of Career Services for details and you should also consult with International Place.

Where have other HMC students had summer positions?

Employers who have recruited HMC student for summer positions often seek other students.  View a list of former employers.

What if my question isn't answered here?
One of the most effective ways to get answers and plan for your internship search is to meet with a Career Counselor in person. To make an appointment for general or career field-specific internship counseling, simply sign up on MUDDlink.



General Questions


How can I get an internship if I have no experience?
Employers value skills developed through academic work, Clinic projects, volunteer experiences, extracurricular experiences, or other experiences which demonstrate skills useful in work. Not all of these skills are job type specific; some of these skills are general such as communication skills and analytical skills, and can transfer to different settings. On campus student jobs can demonstrate to employers that you have been a successful employee. Obtaining internships and is another great way to bridge this gap.


What can I do to increase my chances of finding a good internship?
In addition to looking at our job listings diligently, network with people who may have contact suggestions for you, approach employers of interest to you directly, be sure you have put your best effort into writing your resume and are prepared to handle interview questions well. Consider being more flexible if you are having difficulty. For a summer position, can you consider other geographical areas? Make an appointment with one of our Career Counselors if you need additional help with your job search.


What are some benefits of internships and student work experience?
In addition to potential wages earned, student work and internship experience is valuable for exploring fields of work which you may wish to enter after graduation. Experience develops new skills and strengthens existing skills. Work experience helps you establish professional contacts in a potential field of interest. You will be able to demonstrate work setting accomplishments in your resume.


What salary can I expect?
Salaries vary according to experience and skills required, year in school, type of position, type of employer, and location. It is not unusual to find positions ranging from $15 to $25/hour and up (substantially higher for special skills and significant experience).


How many hours can I work as a student?
Most student at Harvey Mudd only intern during the summer; however, some upperclassmen might intern during the academic year. The hours during the summer can vary from full-time from May to August to part-time during the same time period. During the academic year, it isn’t recommended to work more hours than 10 to 15 hours.