Internships

An internship refers to a short-term work experience that incorporates academic coursework with experiential learning. Internships allow students to investigate career opportunities, apply knowledge gained in the classroom, and develop new skills and contacts that will be helpful in securing future employment and graduate school admission. Students may choose from a variety of host organizations for their internship experience.

For LLS majors and CLS minors, OLLAS recommends these programs:

OLLAS internship program | Sally Yudelman internship program

OLLAS Internship Program

The purpose of the OLLAS internship program is to train students wishing to gain research, community outreach, and other academic and professional skills applicable to their program of study or future careers. We anticipate awarding between two and four internships each spring semester.

The application requires that you be a LLS/CLS student in good standing or a student interested in declaring LLS or CLS as a major or minor. Additional criteria include:

• Must have taken or be concurrently enrolled in LLS 1000, 1010, or 1020.
• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Must have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours.
• Must submit at least ONE letter of recommendation from a UNO faculty member (preferably from an OLLAS faculty member).

Interested students should contact Yuriko Doku, OLLAS Assistant Director.

Sally Yudelman Internship Program

The Washinton Office on Latin America (WOLA) offers internships to give interns hands-on experience and broad exposure to human rights advocacy and the foreign policy-making process. Every semester WOLA’s new interns are paired with staff mentors and absorbed into the work of the organization. Internships are available during different parts of the year, and with different areas of focus.

Deadlines: March 15: Summer Intership; July 10: Fall Internship; November 15: Spring Internship.

Why should you do an internship?

Besides getting a foot in the door with a potential employer and looking good on a résumé, internships have other advantages:

• The opportunity to "test drive" a career (Would I be happier in marketing or advertising? Am I more comfortable working with patients or in a lab?)

• Chances to network

• Establishing relationships with mentors

• Possible college credit or certification

• An introduction to the field's culture and etiquette (Are clients addressed by their first name? Are jeans appropriate for Casual Friday?)

• Accumulating new skills

• Gaining a "real world" perspective on an occupation (How much overtime do employees really work? How much time is spent behind a desk versus in the field?)

How do you land an internship?

Start by speaking with your adviser and pinpointing the type of internship experience you're looking for. Also, take advantage of the Academic and Career Development Center (ACDC) on UNO's campus.