Future Leaders Project

An internship is a chance for students to get hands-on experience in a job related to their career interests. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), internships let students gain real-world experience, build connections in their chosen field, and allow employers to get to know potential future employees.

Internships offer lots of great benefits, like:

• Real-world experience: Gain skills that help you stand out when looking for a job after college.

• Explore careers: Try out different career paths to see what’s the best fit for you.

• Mentorship: Work closely with professionals who can guide you and help you grow.

• Networking: Meet new people and expand your professional connections, which can open doors to future internships or jobs.

Internships vary, but here are some common types:

• Business Development

• Community Outreach

• Data and Research

• Digital Marketing / Social Media

• Economic Development

• Human Resources

• Information Technology

• Marketing / Communications

• Project Coordination

During your interview, you’ll get more details on specific opportunities available for you.

Most internships are in Clark County, though some may be in Cowlitz County or Portland.

Most internships will be either fully in-person or hybrid, providing a mix of in-person and remote work. If you’re interested in hybrid roles or remote work, ask about it during your interview.

Internships are typically 20 hours a week for about 10 weeks (from June to August). Some internships may be more flexible, with longer or shorter work periods, depending on the employer and your schedule. The details will be worked out during your interview or once you receive a job offer.

You may be able to earn college credit for your internship, but you’ll need to talk to your academic advisor first. Usually, the internship must be approved by your academic department, and if it is, you’ll enroll in an internship class and pay tuition for the credits.

When you apply for an internship, you won’t know which internships are available right away. After the application deadline in March, you’ll be invited for an interview, where the FLP team will learn about your career goals and skills. Based on this, they’ll match you with internships that fit your interests. If a company likes your profile, they may invite you for a second interview.

Yes! You can do an internship more than once with FLP, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

No, you don’t have to accept an internship offer. If you decide it’s not the right fit for you, just politely let the employer know and thank them for the opportunity.

Some internships can turn into full-time job offers, either at the same company or through networking with other employers. While it’s not guaranteed, completing an internship greatly increases your chances of landing a meaningful job after graduation.

If you have questions or need help with your application, reach out to Bill Stahley at bstahley@wsu.edu or call 360-546-9273.