Internship and co-op season is kicking off, and for many students it marks one of the most exciting times of the year. Beyond adding a line to the resume, these opportunities give undergrads and grads hands-on experience, a chance to build confidence, and connections that often turn into full-time roles later on. University relations professional Kati Findley explains that internships can also be the first big step in figuring out what kind of career path feels right.
She encourages students to be strategic in their applications: highlight coursework or projects that relate directly to the role, showcase soft skills like teamwork and communication alongside technical abilities, and use career fairs as practice grounds rather than high-stakes auditions. One genuine conversation, she says, can often go further than a perfectly rehearsed pitch.
For Findley, the value of internships goes far beyond the short-term: they’re about gaining real skills, mentorship, and clarity on the future.
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