Internships allow students to gain hands-on experience, build their network, and acquire crucial skills. With that in mind, many colleges offer students an option to participate in internship placement programs before they start a full-time job. These programs create invaluable opportunities for students and put them on the right career path. One can compare several colleges with strong internship programs and choose an option based on their career goals and preferences.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University is among the leading colleges in the country, offering several courses that prepare students for the competitive job market. Here, students learn both applicable and soft skills that broaden their horizons and make them appealing candidates for a job. The university has a co-op (cooperative education) program where students alternate between academic lessons and on-field work. Once selected for the program, students can get a chance to work with companies in different fields, such as finance, research, engineering, marketing, software development, and media.
Before signing up, those who want to learn more about the co-op program can take a co-op preparation course comprising classes on conducting interviews, writing resumes, and the correct workplace etiquette. Students participating in the internship placement program must contact their co-op director before their internship. While the co-op program is optional, most students participate.
Drexel University
Drexel is among the top colleges with internship opportunities. While it might not beat other universities in pure academics, it is a great place to be when looking for an internship or placement. The institution requires students to participate in one to three internships before they graduate from their program. The number of internships that need to be completed will vary based on the student’s choice of degree.
Most co-ops at Drexel University last for six months, meaning students will have six months of academic education alternating with the placement. Students can take a co-op preparation class during their junior or sophomore year, depending on whether their course has a 4-year or 5-year duration.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a top choice among students looking to gain practical knowledge along with academic education. The institution requires its students to take up an internship of any sort before they graduate. Students who do not meet this requirement may not receive their degree certification. This is especially true for students majoring in design, applied science, engineering, art, architecture, information technology, and planning. That said, students from other majors can also opt into the co-op program if interested.
If students cannot find an internship associated with their major, the University of Cincinnati ensures they find one that suits their skill set and helps them grow. Most students complete multiple rounds of co-op before graduating.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology is among the top choices for students seeking academic excellence. The university places a heavy focus on both research-based learning and the application of acquired skills. It also has one of the strongest cooperative education programs in the country. Students who choose to enroll in this program work for at least three semesters. Georgia Tech’s website claims this is the country’s largest voluntary cooperative education program.
The institute also offers a comprehensive Graduate Internship Program. Students with good academic standing can sign up for this program to work with industry leaders in their specific study area.
Purdue University
Purdue University is one of the oldest educational institutions in the country. It is known to encourage students to sign up for internships and provides them with real-world working experience while they are in college. However, students must work with the same employer as long as they are at Purdue. This means all their internships, usually between three and five, are to be completed with the same company. It allows students to build a working relationship with their employer, take on greater responsibilities, work on more projects, and ensure students gain valuable experience. This long exposure can help students successfully prepare for their future careers.
Duke University
Duke University is a haven for students veering towards social sciences and art. Like a few other universities, it requires students from certain fields to have obligatory internships or complete their co-op programs to qualify for their degree completion. For instance, art history and public policy students must do an internship or two before graduation. The university has different internship requirements for different degree programs or courses.
Duke University also has grant assistance for students who have taken up unpaid or low-paying summer internships. To qualify for the grant, the internship should pay less than the amount specified by the institute.
A strong internship placement program can give students the confidence and experience to transition smoothly into their first careers. When choosing a college, students should keep a few things in mind.
- Check whether internships are optional or mandatory.
- Make sure the university connects closely with the desired field of interest.
- Evaluate the career support structures available at the institute, such as workshops, career coaches, or mentoring.
- Consider colleges that host on-campus recruiting events like hiring fairs that provide immediate access to multiple employers in one place.
