Internships are a great way to start exploring your career while you’re still in college. You don’t need tons of experience – just your coursework, curiosity, and willingness to learn. Whether you apply online or reach out to a company on your own, internships give you a chance to gain entry-level experience, meet professionals in your field, and figure out what kind of work actually interests you.

You can start as early as your first year – it’s never too soon! Some majors might have a class that requires working experience. They might call it an internship, practicum, externship, or clinical, but they all mean the same thing: hands-on learning that helps you grow.

Internships vs. Jobs

Internships are all about learning and usually are a semester or year long. You’re there to build skills and share your work with the company. A job, on the other hand, usually means you’re hired to do specific tasks for a long period of time.

Before you start your internship, make sure you talk with your supervisor about what you’ll be doing and what you hope to learn. That way, you’re both on the same page.

Are Internships Paid?

Some internships pay, some don’t. It’s important to ask about pay before you accept an offer or start creating your own internship opportunity.

If it’s paid, you might earn an hourly wage or get a set amount (called a stipend) for the whole experience. Since internships are temporary, they usually don’t come with benefits like health insurance.

If it’s unpaid, you’re volunteering your time, so be clear about how many hours you’re willing to commit. Unpaid internships are more common in fields like politics, education, healthcare, and nonprofits. Paid internships tend to show up more in tech, finance, and larger companies.

When Should You Start Looking for Internships?

Finding an internship takes time, so it’s smart to start early. Some companies—especially the competitive ones—open applications 4 to 8 months before the internship begins. That means if you’re thinking about summer 2026, applications might already be live!

Most internships start accepting applications about 3 to 4 months ahead of time. If you’re looking locally or planning to create your own internship, the timeline can be shorter—1 to 2 months is usually enough.

Bottom line: give yourself time to search, apply, and hear back. If you’re aiming for something next semester, start looking 2 to 3 months in advance so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

There are two main ways to find an internship: (1) Apply online or (2) Create your own by reaching out to a company directly.

Option 1: Search & Apply Online

Start with Handshake — NECC’s job and internship board. You already have an account! Log in using your MyNECC info: necc.joinhandshake.com/edu.

Once you find an internship that interests you, read the description carefully. Check for any required coursework or qualifications. Then take a look at the company’s website to learn about its mission and values.

If it feels like a good fit, go ahead and apply! Most internships ask for a resume and cover letter, just like a regular job.

After exploring Handshake, you can also check out other sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, or individual company websites.

Option 2: Create Your Own Internship

Can’t find the perfect internship? Make one!

Start by thinking about your goals—do you want to explore a certain industry or work on a specific type of project? Then look for companies doing similar work.

Use Handshake or your local Chamber of Commerce website to find contact info for businesses that match your interests. 

Once you’ve got a few in mind, send a professional email explaining who you are, what you’re looking for, and why you’re interested in working with them. It might take a little more effort, but creating your own internship can lead to amazing opportunities.

We’re here to support you — whether it’s resume guidance, interview prep, or career planning. If you would like to talk more about this process and have a cheerleader in your search, contact NECC’s Career Services through Navigate or email (careerservices@necc.mass.edu).