INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Barnard College Internship Program assists students in gaining exposure to the world of work through its many opportunities in a variety of career fields. Paid as well as volunteer positions are available year-round. For information about Alumnae and Donor Sponsored Internship Grants, click HERE.

What is an internship?
A position is considered an internship when it provides a career-related learning opportunity. Internships can be opportunities to do projects and practical work assignments, to develop skills, gain experience, make connections, and become exposed to an industry. The specifics of the internship should be worked out prior to the start of the internship to avoid any confusion or disappointment.

Why do an internship?
Internships are an important and often invaluable step toward focusing career goals and preparing for life after college. Through internships, students gain practical work experience and develop skills and an understanding of different work cultures. Students also develop valuable contacts or mentors from internships and possibly obtain offers of full-time employment upon graduation. When applying for full-time positions, employers often expect students to have gained experience from internships, part-time jobs, and campus activities. In addition, there are certain fields where it is essential to gain hands-on experience in order to be competitive for future full-time employment opportunities. Some of these fields include finance, fashion, publishing/journalism, television and film.

Who is eligible to participate in the Barnard College Internship Program?
Any Barnard student who has completed the first semester of her first year, and has 8-15 hours per week available during the academic year is eligible to participate in the program. During the summer students are able to participate in both full-time and part-time internships.

Will I receive credit for an internship? / What if an internship requires that I receive credit?
Although Barnard does not award academic credit for internships alone, that does not prevent students from participating in an internship that requires credit. A student can obtain a letter from the Career Development Office that states that she will be participating in the internship under the Barnard College Internship Program, will complete a seminar series (see section on internship seminar), fill out an evaluation upon completion of the internship, and will receive co-curricular credit for the internship. In order to receive this letter students must meet briefly with the Associate Director/ Internship Program. This letter is sufficient for most internship sponsors. Please allow three business days to process the letter. Unless specified, letters should be picked up at OCD. Arrangements may sometimes be made to receive credit through combining an internship with an academic class or a course of independent study. An independent study must be developed and worked on with a faculty advisor.

What is the Internship Seminar?
Any student may participate in the internship seminar series. Seminars take place throughout the semester and are an opportunity for students to talk to other students doing internships and to discuss internships with the Associate Director/ Internship Program. The seminars are very informal and last for about an hour. The dates are listed on the Career Development web site and on the co-curricular letter request form. Students doing internships that require "Co-Curricular Credit Letters" as well as those receiving Alumnae and Donor-Sponsored Internship Grants are required to attend TWO seminars during the semester of the internship and meet individually with the Associate Director/ Internship Program.

Internship workshops are held at the beginning of each semester and offer strategies on how to get internships and how to market experience to potential employers. Workshops also discuss the alumnae and donor sponsored internship grant program and what to expect at an internship. Career Development also provides information on the latest internship opportunities through this website, bi-weekly newsletter, and e-mail.