The spring scramble is on as college students work to secure summer internships. Every year, more than 630 internships are advertised directly to College of Charleston students through the Career Center. Hundreds more are funneled through academic departments.
May typically has the highest volume of internships advertised through the Career Center. In May 2013, students had more than 150 internships to choose from.
“We do see a lot of internships posted in March, April, and May, but Charleston offers a lot of opportunities year-round,” explains Katie Smith, internship coordinator for the Career Center. “September and October are also busy months and I think that’s a huge benefit to students – they can intern at great, nationally recognized companies right here in Charleston during the fall or spring semesters.”
In the past year, College of Charleston students have completed internships at BMW Manufacturing, with the 2013 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, Hagemeyer North America, Orient-Express North America, Charleston Magazine and more.
RELATED: Watch a video of Rachel Feldman talking about her summer internship.
In 2013, 398 companies listed internships with the Career Center, and 39 percent of those companies posted multiple positions. Communication/media internships are the most common, but a significant number of positions are also posted in the non-profit, hospitality and healthcare fields, among others.
Companies like Bartles & Associates, Charleston Port and Seafarer’s Society, Forbes Media, Lowcountry Orphan Relief, and SeaTrust Institute post internships every year.
RELATED: Post an internship.
Internships are required for many majors, like arts management, public health, and hospitality and tourism management.
“Internships serve as a culminating experience that allow our students to put what they have learned into practice,” explains Sue Balinsky, public health program director. “It allows them to explore a career field and gain experience in a professional environment with appropriate supervision. In addition, an internship allows our students to make professional contacts and encourages networking in the field.”
One-third of all internships advertised with the Career Center are paid positions. NACE’s 2013 Student Survey shows that 63.1 percent of paid interns received at least one job offer.
