What if I find my own internship... one not in the Handshake system?

You may secure your own internship through other employer/internship platforms, and the employer provides a detailed description of your responsibilities.

You can find an internship opportunity through positions posted in Handshake as well as other sources, such as LinkedIn and Indeed. Be careful – there are a lot of scams and also a few companies that would not be approved

- Check the company for a valid website, reviews by employees and candidates.  The company should also be registerred for business in the U.S.

- Apply for positions through the company website if possible, and not through a third-party employer or jobsite.

- Company location – must be an office or corporate address, not a PO box or Mail Stop, nor a residence.

- Remote working – an exception may be considered for Masters level students if remote working is requested by the employer. Undergrads without prior professional experience are strongly encouraged to seek in-person or hybrid opportunities.

- Type of work – must be aligned with the degree program

- Workplace safety - Employers must provide a safe professional environment. Sales roles outside of the office are not approved e.g. door to door solicitation, mall surveys, etc.  Also students must not be expected to work in an employer's residence.

While we check companies when they request to be added to Handshake or to post jobs, sometimes we receive feedback from students or other universities that causes us to take a second look. In general, do your own due diligence, and reach out to us if something does not look right. In the interview process, ask smart questions about what you will be doing and their expectations. Save the job description.