Try a Work-and-Learn Experience

Internships

Paid internships are the most common type of work-and-learn experience that Ivy Tech students take advantage of. In-person internship options can range from a short, 8-hour project-based experience to a short-term, non-credit, one-week micro-internship to a 16-week or longer internship (for credit or non-credit). Virtual internships, where communication between employers and interns takes place through a variety of methods such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, telephone, and email, are also viable choices in today's flexible work environment. Virtual internships range from 5–40 hours or in some cases up to 6 months.

To learn more about how internships work, contact your local Ivy Tech Career Coach.

CONTACT YOUR CAREER COACH

Look for Internships in HireIvy

Ivy Tech's employer partners get the word out about available internship opportunities to students and alumni via HireIvy, Ivy Tech’s job portal and career services system. Be sure to check HireIvy regularly, as new internship opportunities are posted regularly.

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Share Your Intern Story

• Students: Complete this survey to share your incredible internship journey. It might make it on this website to help us celebrate YOU!
• Ivy Tech Faculty/Staff: We know you work hard to get our students engaged with meaningful Work-and-Learn experiences - tell us your big wins!
• Employers: Complete this Pledge Survey to celebrate and share incredible Ivy Tech interns you've worked with past and present!

Micro-Internships

Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. These projects enable you to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build your networks as you seek the right full-time role. 

• Typically require 5-40 hours, and can be bundled to create a longer-term experience

• Each project has a discrete deliverable due within a few days to a few weeks, making it easier for companies and interns to evaluate outcomes

• Require no onboarding and can be completed with minimal instruction

• Can be either on-site or virtual, depending on the specific requirements of the project. We typically suggest remote, as this provides more flexibility and accessibility.

• Available year-round as needed

• Provides an easy way for interns and companies to build authentic relationships

Cost

As an intern, there should be no cost to you. On the contrary, you will get paid for your work! The employer sets the price for each project. All projects are fixed-fee, and most are listed between $200-$600, typically implying $15-20/hour based on estimated hours of work. 90% of this fee goes directly to you, the intern, and there are no obligations or other fees even if the relationship turns into an internship or full-time role.

To learn more about how micro-internships work, contact your local Ivy Tech Career Coach.

CONTACT YOUR CAREER COACH

Take a tour and learn more about a company's environment and what they have to offer. This is a great opportunity to see jobs firsthand and expand your career options, debunk myths about careers, and explore how a job might work for you.

Attending an internship or career fair gives you the opportunity to network with potential employers. Did you know that over 80% of all job offers come through networking? It's true!  A survey conducted by LinkedIn found that 85% of critical jobs are filled via networking of some sort. So it's important to be prepared when you attend an internship or career fair. Here's some information to help you get ready:

1. Be prepared to interview on the spot!
2. Have your coach-approved resume in hand.
3. Be prepared with your elevator pitch to answer the question, "Tell me about yourself and what you are interested in."
4. Research the employers before attending the fair and know something about them that you can reference during a conversation.
5. Know the role you are interested in pursuing and the skills needed so that you can align your answers to the role.
6. Address employer questions using the STAR interviewing techniques.
7. Keep your answers simple and concise — the employer wants to speak to everyone.
8. Come prepared with a few questions to ask the employer. For example: What types of skills are most important for someone pursuing this role? What advice would you give a college student when preparing for an interview with your organization? Is there an opportunity for a job at the conclusion of your internship?

Reach out to a Career Coach for additional guidance and assistance on how to prepare for an internship/career fair.

Find Your Local Career Coach

A job shadow is an opportunity to observe a professional, and their associated tasks, in the workplace.
It is also an opportunity to connect and network with a potential employer, and preparations similar to an interview should be followed.

Put away cell phones and be attentive and interested in what the professional shares and ask if it is okay to take notes. Always research the company beforehand and have questions prepared that aren't available on their website. It is important to have reliable transportation that day and be on time and dressed in professional clothing or attire expected for the worksite. Have a resume in hand and ask if you can leave a copy with the person you observed.

Contact a Career Coach for assistance on how to arrange a job shadow.

Find Your Local Career Coach

Guest Speakers may be part of your classroom assignment; however, if not, you should use the opportunity to ask relevant questions. Always research the company and the speaker to help you assemble a list of questions you want to ask. Remember to be courteous and a good classmate (teammate) and allow others the opportunity to ask questions as well.