Internships

professor giving a lecture

Internships provide the opportunity for a transformational experiential learning process that allows students to apply classroom learning to real-world settings. During the internship process, many students solidify their post-graduation plans and make important professional connections that lead to full-time employment.

There are several options for students to gain internship experience while at Stetson. Internships can be participated in during the fall, spring and summer semesters. It can be paid or unpaid, and it can also be completed either for academic credit or a no-credit experience. For academic internships, students can earn credit in their major or minor with the approval of their academic department. If you would like to meet with a Career Advisor to discuss internship choices, please contact Career Success at [email protected] or 386-822-7315.

When Should You Apply for Internships?

The earlier, the better! Many internships—especially competitive or paid positions—have deadlines months in advance. Timing can vary by industry, so it’s important to plan ahead.

General Timeline

Fall Semester (September – November):

  • Apply for summer internships in competitive industries like finance, consulting, tech, and government.
  • Many big companies have early deadlines—some as early as September or October.

Spring Semester (January – March):

  • Great time to apply for summer internships across most industries.
  • Small-to-mid-size companies often post openings later than large corporations.

Summer (May – July):

  • Look for fall internships or last-minute summer roles.
  • Best for local opportunities or positions with rolling deadlines.

Rolling Deadlines vs. Fixed Deadlines

  • Some internships have rolling applications, meaning they review candidates as they apply, so applying early improves your chances.
  • Others have strict deadlines, so mark your calendar and don’t wait until the last minute.

For national internships in large metro locations such as New York City or Washington, DC, application deadlines begin three to six months before the internship begins. If you would like to intern in Washington, DC, application deadlines may be at the end of the fall semester.

For internships with Federal agencies such as the US Department of State, the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Central Intelligence Agency, students should plan on completing internship applications nine months in advance. For example, for students interested in interning during the summer, applications should be completed and submitted by October.

Finding the right internship takes a mix of strategy, research, and networking—but you don’t have to do it alone! Here are some proven ways to get started:

Use HatterJobs
Start your search on HatterJobs! It’s Stetson’s job and internship platform where employers specifically want to hire Stetson students and alumni. You can:

  • Browse internships by major, industry, or location
  • Upload your resume for review
  • Schedule one-on-one help with a Career Advisor

Tap Into Your Network

  • Talk to professors, classmates, alumni, family, or friends. Many internships aren’t publicly posted, so personal connections can open doors. Tip: Reach out on LinkedIn and ask for advice, not just internship leads.

Explore Online Internship and Job Boards
Some other great websites include:

Check Company and Organization Websites

  • Have a dream company in mind? Go directly to their “Careers” or “Internships” page. Some only post positions on their own site.

Attend Career Fairs & Events

  • Career expos, employer info sessions, and site visits help you meet recruiters face-to-face—and often lead to internship offers. Don’t miss these opportunities! You can find them on HatterJobs under "Events & Certifications".

Academic Internship Course Registration

To receive academic credit for an internship, students must complete the Academic Internship Registration process. Starting in Spring 2025, all students will first be enrolled in INTR 097 Internship Placeholder. This placeholder course will remain on your schedule until you complete the required Academic Internship Registration Form and it is approved. Once the form is fully submitted with all signatures, your registration will be updated to reflect the correct internship course. Any student still registered for INTR 097 will be dropped from this course the day after the add/drop deadline.

For questions about Academic Internships, please contact Career Success at 386-822-7315 or email [email protected].  

  1. Secure an internship:
    - You must be accepted into an internship before starting the registration process. The Career Success team is happy to help you find and apply for internships. For assistance securing an internship, email [email protected] or visit the Career Success office located on the second floor of the Rinker Welcome Center.
  2. Identify the Faculty Internship Course Instructor:
    - Conduct a Class Search for the desired semester to identify the faculty member teaching the internship course related to your studies. Select “Internship” from the Interdisciplinary Programs drop-down list. 
  3. Meet with your Faculty Internship Course Instructor:
    - Meet with the instructor of your desired internship course to request academic credit for your internship and discuss course requirements. You will need the course information and signatures from the Faculty Internship Course Instructor, Department Chair, and your Internship Site Supervisor to complete the Academic Internship Registration Form.
  4. Register for INTR 097 Internship Placeholder:
    - Register for INTR 097 Internship Placeholder through MyStetson as you would for any other course. This zero-credit placeholder will remain on your schedule until your paperwork is finalized and your registration is transferred to the correct course.
  5. Complete the Academic Internship Registration Form:
    - After registering for INTR 097, fill out the Academic Internship Registration Form. Track its approval progress via emails from [email protected]. Ensure all signatures are completed before the add/drop deadline for the semester. Once the form is approved, your registration will be transferred to the appropriate internship course.
  6. Double-check your registration:
    - Once all your paperwork is finalized, the Career Success team will manually transfer your registration from INTR 097 to the appropriate internship course. You should see this change in your class schedule on your student dashboard. If it is not reflected, please email [email protected] for further assistance.     Any student still registered for INTR 097 will be dropped from this course the day after the add/drop deadline.

  • Late Registration: If you are registering after the add/drop deadline, you must complete both the Academic Internship Registration Form and a Late Add form for the Registrar’s office. 
  • International Students: If you are an international student, please contact WORLD regarding approval for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
  • Internship Orientation: Some majors or internship courses may require completing the internship orientation before starting your course. This orientation is offered asynchronously via Canvas. Please contact your Faculty Internship Course Instructor for details.