Choosing the proper internship is important for both the selection process and your long term goals. Internship placements are competitive. Applying for an internship that is not well matched with your academic and professional background and goals may hurt you in the selection process. The following tips will help you select and apply for an internship that is well suited to you.

Select up to three internship choices from the current openings. Read the selection criteria for each position description carefully. Don't be limited by your major. Think about how your skills and abilities would fit with the organization's needs. Apply for the internships that are the best match for your skills, abilities, interests, and career goals.

Outline your internship goals in your application essay. Make sure there is a good match between the internship site's needs and what you can offer.

Plan ahead! Especially if you are leaving for a study abroad and want to do an internship afterwards. Contact the IE3 Global Internships program as soon as you know you are going to apply. Some internship placements can be confirmed as far as 6-9 months in advance. Read the Planning Ahead section of the website for other things to consider.

Before applying for an internship, use the financial worksheet to check the total costs of the internship. If you need financial assistance, be sure to discuss it with the financial aid office, your department, or other possible sources of grants or scholarships. Although most forms of financial aid can be applied toward the costs of an internship, the financial details are part of whether or not it is a good fit. Don't apply for an internship if you can't afford to go on it. If necessary, delay your application to another term and work on finding additional financial support.

Talk to your academic advisor and IE3 campus coordinator about your goals and the internship options. Make sure that you will be able to earn the kind of academic credit you need and want for the internships you are considering.

What if I don't see an internship that matches my background, ability and interests?
If you are motivated to do an international internship but don't see a perfect match, contact your campus coordinator with a concise description of what you want to do and what area of the world interests you. New internship sites are constantly in development. There may be a perfect one waiting just for you!

If you have your own internship lead, but want the support offered by the IE3 Global Internships program, discuss this with your campus coordinator. Self-arranged internships are possible and provide you with the best of both worlds: an internship tailored exactly to your interests and all the support of an established program.