First and foremost, what does an internship mean to you? Is there a definition or experience that defines an internship? Think Intern founded InternNYC understanding that an internship is different for everyone. One of the coolest parts of running this company is the opportunity to discuss with so many people the goals and expectations they have in coming to New York to intern.

Some of the internships we offer are paid, most are unpaid. But it’s not about that. An internship has simply become part of one’s education. There is no doubt a worthy debate over the “need” for a student to have an internship and the financial burden that has become our education system. However, there is a lot of confusion in regards to the concept of “paying to work”. One would not pay to work at McDonalds, however, someone very well might pay to educate themselves on what it’s like to work in the music industry. Paying for education, whether in the form of a classroom lecture or a hands-on field experience, is a reality of our society.

In our program, all of our students receive college credits for their internships. Many students are able to graduate early and save on their tuition bills by receiving credits for applying their course work in the workplace. Internships provide students dan experience in a career that breaks the confines of the typical “day job” or part time job that many Americans have. It’s an educational lagniappe that allows you to test your knowledge in the real world, outside of the classroom.

Another key element in exploring our company is in the relationships we have with employers. The assumption that an employer should take on the task of hiring and recruiting interns does not accurately represent the majority of the companies we work with. Many small and medium sized businesses have little interest or the necessary resources to take the time to accept applications, interview, and hire interns. For many employers, an internship program isn’t really for them (though few of them complain about having extra help in the office ☺), it’s for the student.

Our company is about educational growth. Not job placement. I very much look forward to the mainstream acceptance of the educational value in internships.

This is an exciting week for us with the launch of www.thinkintern.com just days away. Please check back early next week for the official launch and help us spread the word; the newest, coolest, free-est resource for internship opportunities nationwide is almost here!

For this January, with the inauguration, we were asked to focus our internships on public service and internships/jobs in the government for students.

Below are the internships for the month of January:

Department of Veterans Affairs
(Internship and Entry-Level Job)

If you’re interested in a two-year internship that includes specialized training, a full-time salary, benefits, and travel, the VA Technical Career Field Program is a great option. Internships are available in a variety of specialties, including Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Management, Finance, Blind Rehabilitation, and Health Information Management. Additionally, experienced VA professionals conduct training. Successful completion of the program may lead to a specialized career in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

To find out how to apply for this opportunity, click here.

Department of Education
(Internship)

The Department of Education is constantly seeking students who are interested in gaining experience and exposure to government, education, and public policy. Internships are available in a wide variety of areas, including Policy Analysis, Public Affairs, Intergovernmental Relations, Legislative Affairs, Law, Finance, and Program Management. Special offices within the Department include Elementary Education, Student Financial Aid, Civil Rights, Bilingual Education, and Teacher Development, among many others.

To find out how to apply to this internship, click here.

Department of State Foreign Service Officer Program
(Entry-Level Job)

If you’re looking for a hands-on, full-time career that advocates American foreign policy, protects American citizens, and promotes American business interests throughout the world, the Foreign Service Officer Program could be a great match for you. This program places candidates in over 265 embassies, consulates, and missions around the world. If you’re capable, dedicated, and up for the challenge of working overseas, you should consider applying to the Foreign Service Program.

To find out how to apply for this opportunity, click here.

St. Louis Language Immersion Schools
(Full-Time Volunteer Opportunity)

Build your resume by demonstrating your bilingualism and interest in education. St. Louis Language Immersion Schools, new charter schools opening in St. Louis, Missouri, in the fall of 2009, are looking for a total of five full-time AmeriCorps interns who are fluent in Spanish to have lunch with students, tutor those who need extra help, and run the after-school program–all in Spanish. AmeriCorps volunteers receive a living stipend, health insurance, student loan deferral, and over $4,000 toward their education (graduate or loans) after the 9-month program is over.

To find out how to apply for this opportunity, click here.

For the spring, our campus reps are covering the following campuses:

1. Indiana University – Bloomington
2. University of Colorado – Boulder
3. University of Wisconsin – Madison
4. Tulane University
5. College of Charleston
6. Lehigh University
7. New York University

Our list of schools and campus reps will be growing this spring. Be sure to check back for an update.

We will releasing the new website (dubbed Think Intern 2.0) in the next few weeks and we’re excited to see everyone’s response – just in time for the big summer internship rush…

Every month, Think Intern provides the Hispanic College Fund with internship opportunities for their student newsletter. Received by more than 100,000 students across the country, we work hard to find great companies and organizations to spotlight.

Nordstrom Retail Internship Program

Who? Nordstrom Department Stores

What? The Summer 2009 Internship Program

When? Applications accepted starting January 2009

Where? Nationwide (26 States with programs)

Why? This retail internship is designed for students interested gaining real world experience in the world of fashion. As a paid internship offered in a variety of Nordstrom stores, you will receive mentoring from senior staff members and work directly with clients. Advancement opportunity, including full-time Assistance Management positions, are offered to successful interns following their internship.

For more information, go to http://careers.nordstrom.com/careers/careerpaths/intern-retail.asp

Major League Baseball Internship Program

Who? Major League Baseball’s Media and Internet Company – MLB.com

What? The MLB.com Summer 2009 Internship Program

When? Program begins in early Summer 2009 – Applications accepted now

Where? New York City

Why? If you’re looking for a hands-on, paid internship in on-line media and you’re a baseball fan, this is the perfect internship. Summer dates are flexible depending on your school schedule and you will be responsible for working on the MLB.com and each of the 30 individual team websites. These paid internships are available in streaming media, finance, marketing, club marketing, e-commerce, legal, technology, sponsorship, design, journalism, and public relations.

For more information, go to http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/help/jobs.jsp?job=internships or send your cover letter and resume to Interns2009@mlb.com.

Turner Internship Program

Who? CNN, TBS, Turner Entertainment Network, Turner Sports

What? The Spring 2009 Internship Program

When? Application deadline is March 15, 2009.

Where? Mainly Atlanta, GA – also in Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Chicago.

Why? Ready for on-the-job work with one of the nation’s largest television media companies? Working in entertainment, news, and sports, this internship provides interns with a wide range media and journalism related responsibilities, whether you’re more interested in working in front or behind the camera. Although this internship is un-paid, it is a great opportunity to break into the competitive world of television media!

For more information, go to http://www.turner.com/careers/internships.html

Brookings Institute Internship Program

Who? Brookings Institute

What? Communications and Metropolitan Policy Internship Program

When? Rolling

Where? Washington, DC

Why? If you’re interested in working with one of the nation’s premier non-profit public policy organizations, the Brookings Institute internship is perfect for you. Based in the heart of national public policy (Washington, DC), this internship’s task will range from research on urban policy to responding to inquires from media and governmental organizations. All internships are unpaid and each program has different requirements for both applying and daily responsibilities once hired.

For more information, go to http://www.brookings.edu/about/employment/internships/MetroCommunications.aspx

For many students living and attending school outside the NYC metro area, finding both a quality internship and safe/affordable/secure housing can be incredible challenges. In regards to housing, many summer residences fill up early or are hard to find on-line. By working together, Think Intern will be able to help make interning in New York City one step easier for many students. 

We’re extremely excited for this relationship and we look forward to making an NYC internship possible for more students.

Marriott International Internship Program

Who? Marriott International (Hotels and Resorts)

What? The Marriott Internship Program

When? Rolling, on-going

Where? Nationwide

Why? If you’re looking for a hands-on, paid internship in business or hospitality, check out the Marriott Internship Program. Marriott is one of the world’s largest lodging companies, with 3,000 properties in 68 countries worldwide. Internships include accounting, finance, catering, culinary, front office, human resources, restaurants, and sales. With locations nationwide, this internship is ideal for students looking to co-op or intern while currently taking classes.

For more information, go to http://www.marriott.com/careers/CollegeInternships.mi

The Art Institute of Chicago Internship Program

Who? The Art Institute of Chicago

What? The Spring 2009 Internship Program

When? Application deadline is January 2, 2009

Where? Chicago, IL

Why? This museum education internship is designed for students interested in education, outreach, and research.  From working on education programs for pre-school children to participating in research projects, students studying the arts, education, or museum studies, are encouraged to apply. All internships are in Chicago, are paid well, and multiple openings are available for this summer internship.

For more information, go to http://www.artic.edu/aic/jobs/internships/Mus_Ed_Summer_2009.html

National Public Radio Internship Program

Who? National Public Radio

What? The Spring 2009 Internship Program

When? Application deadline is November 15, 2008

Where? Culver City, CA and Washington, D.C.

Why? Get involved with NPR and get hands on experience in a variety of fields while receiving academic credit for your work. Internships cover a broad range of areas and specialties, including media relations, business development, research, editorial, finance, audio engineering, marketing, creative design, corporate communications, and digital media. With internships offered all year, even if you’re not ready for this spring, you can inquire about summer and fall internships too.

For more information, go to http://www.npr.org/about/jobs/intern/

Clinton Foundation Internship Program

Who? William J. Clinton Foundation

What? Clinton Foundation Internship Program

When? Application deadline is October 15, 2008

Where? New York City, NY, Boston, MA, Little Rock, AR, and Hong Kong

Why? Internships are available in a long-list of areas and industries, including foreign policy, climate change, development, finance, graphic design, and national archives, among many others. The program is geared towards students who wish to gain real world, valuable work experience while making a positive impact on people around the world.

For more information, go to http://www.clintonfoundation.org/how-you-can-help/internships

About The Program

Our summer program provides students with safe and secure housing in Manhattan, transportation, social events, seminars, and a support staff.   During the summer, students will have independent internships across Manhattan, along with numerous group events and opportunities to socialize. 

New York City has long been the premier internship destination for college students. After seeing students frustrations first-hand, we’re creating a program that addresses all of the major obstacles and challenges that typically come with a New York City internship. Our program is way more than simply an internship – it’s a complete New York City living and working experience.

Doctors Without Borders Internship Program

Who? Doctors Without Borders

What? The Spring 2009 Internship Program

When? Application deadline is January 15, 2009

Where? New York City

Why? This non-profit organization offer interns practical work experience in their development, human resources, communications, executive or program departments, as well as a basic introduction to the field of international medical humanitarian aid and advocacy. All internships are in New York City, are paid, and are available in three different terms per year.

For more information, go to http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/work/office/internships.cfm.

Southwest Airlines “NoLimits” Internship Program

Who? Southwest Airlines

What? The Spring 2009 Internship Program

When? Application deadline is September 19 – October 1, 2008

Where? Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Nashville, TN, and Chicago, IL.

Why? Get involved with Southwest Airlines “NoLimits” Internship Program to gain an insider’s view into the airline industry and to learn from hands-on business experience. Internships cover a broad range of areas and specialties, including dispatch, finance, public relations, marketing, graphic design, and maintenance. Perks also include a casual dress code, social functions, and free unlimited space-available travel on Southwest Airlines.

For more information, go to http://southwest.com/careers/internships.html.

The Susan G. Komen For The Cure Internship Program

Who? Susan G. Komen For The Cure

What? The Spring 2009 Internship Program

When? Application deadline is November 15, 2008

Where? Dallas, Texas or one of 125 affiliate offices nationwide

Why? Join the global leader in the fight against breast cancer. Best known for their events like Komen Race for the Cure, Komen is working to eliminate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by funding research grants, supporting education, screening and treatment projects in communities around the world. Internships include a variety of departments, including brand marketing, cause related marketing, communication, community health, development, strategic planning, and public policy.

For more information, go to http://cms.komen.org/komen/AboutUs/Careers/index.htm.

NASA Kennedy Space Center Internship Project

Who? N.A.S.A. (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

What? Kennedy Space Center Internship Project

When? Application deadline is October 15, 2008

Where? Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida

Why? If you’re pursuing a degree that is relevant to aeronautics, engineering, or science, you might be interested in the Kennedy Space Center program. The program is geared towards students who wish to gain real world, valuable work experience related to their academic studies. Successful participants may be invited to pursue additional co-op programs or full-time employment.

For more information, go to http://www.nasajobs.nasa.gov/studentopps/employment/programs.htm.

The Internship Guidebook will be sent to every INROADS office to be distributed to students and prospective interns. Since INROADS and Think Intern share a similar commitment in assisting students in their internship and career development, we are confident that the Internship Guidebook will be a great resource for their applicants.

As a reminder, Think Intern is publishing the Internship Guidebook, a new publication to give students tips and advice on succeeding in their internship search and making the most of their experience once they’re on the job. Since Think Intern is focused on providing students with internship information and opportunities, the magazine is the first of many resources that Think Intern will be releasing this year, including a full website later this fall.