Frequently Asked Questions

What is an internship?
An internship is a real-world application of concepts and theories that students have learned in the classroom. It involves students providing meaningful work in a career field that is directly related to their major and/or area of interest. Internships occur either during a school semester or over the summer, and their length may vary. They can be paid or unpaid, credit bearing or non-credit bearing.

How is an internship different from a job?
An internship is temporary, allows a student to become familiar with a particular company, develop skills, and to decide if the career is what he or she really wants. It is possible to use the internship as preparation for future employment.

Why do an internship?
Internships provide students with an opportunity to:

  • Explore and investigate careers with professionals in the field, in their home community
  • Work alongside a professional in their chosen career area, providing practical experience directly related to their career goals
  • Foster development of applied skills, knowledge and competencies in the workplace
  • Link theory from the classroom to practice in a real world environment
  • Develop and refine communication and teamwork skills, as well as the other “soft skills” required by businesses in today’s global economy
  • Gain an appreciation of what it means to succeed in the world of work
  • Take the mystery out of crossing the bridge between school and the professional world
  • Establish a network of professional contacts, mentors, and references for after graduation
  • Sharpen their competitive edge, as students with internship experience are frequently favored over other candidates lacking this experience
  • Tap into the potential of future employment with the sponsoring business

How much time is involved?
The number of hours you would spend each week vary according to the employer’s needs and resources.

What if I already have a paid job? Can I do both?
That would depend on your work and school schedule, and the number of hours required by the internship. You should consult with parents and school counselors in making such a decision.

How do I find out what internships are available?
Internships are posted on this website. You can search for internships by location and sector (type of business). When you find one that is of interest, you will have to log in to the site in order to submit your resume or complete the online application.

How do I choose the right internship for me?
There are two steps you can take that will help you make that decision:

  • 1. Self assessment: Take inventory of your interests, values, personality and skills. Your guidance counselor (high school) or career center (college) can assist you in finding the right self assessment tools. Many middle and high school students start with Career Zone, sponsored by the New York State Department of Labor.

    There is also a Job Zone Portfolio system for students that provides much of the same occupational information as Career Zone, but the resources better serve the needs of adults.
  • 2. Career exploration: The next step is to explore the careers that connect to your interests, values, personality and skills. Besides Career Zone, here are some other ideas and sources of information:
  • Take a look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook for interesting and informational profiles about a number of careers.
  • “Google” the names of careers that interests you and see what your search produces. You may also want to visit your school or local library, or a community bookstore, for books on different careers.
  • Conduct an “informational interview” with someone in a career that interests you to get a “real-world” perspective on that career. A good online source of information on interviewing can be found at Quintessential Careers. Set up an appointment with your guidance counselor (high school) or career center (college) for additional resources and ideas.

How do I apply for an internship?
The process is similar to applying for a job. After you find an internship that interests you on TechValleyInternships.org you will submit an application along with your resume and cover letter; this information will be sent directly to the employer. It is then up to that employer to contact you. See: Writing Effective Resumes

Will I have to interview with the employer?
Most employers will want to interview prospective interns, in person or by telephone. The interview is your opportunity to convince the employer why you are the best candidate for the internship. You should find out everything you can about the company before you go. Additional tips for preparing for an interview can be found in the links below.
Interview Checklist
Questions to Expect
Questions to Ask