DePaul iPrep

Your internship search planner

 THE FIVE STEPS TO GETTING
AN INTERNSHIP

1 4
Learn About Internships at DePaul Page 2 Make Connections Page 13

 Attend a UIP/Co-op Internship Orientation  Contact an ASK mentor to practice

or the iPrep Workshop networking with career contacts
 Explore internship programs in your major  Attend networking events and
company presentations
How to Earn Academic Credit  Join student and/or professional
with Your Internship Page 3 organizations

2 5
Go After an Internship Page 17
Decide What Internship Makes
Sense for You Page 4  Apply for internships utilizing DePaul
internship resources
 Work with an advisor to identify your skills  Attend a Job and Internship Fair
and experience level  Consider DePaul’s On-Campus
 Attend relevant workshops Interviewing (OCI) opportunities
 Review the “What can I do with a
Major in...?” resources at
http://careercenter.depaul.edu
Need Help? Contact Us Page 24

3
Get Ready for the Internship: Resume,
Cover Letter and Interview Resources Page 6

 Get a critique on your resume and cover

letter from a Peer Career Advisor or
Career Center Advisor
 Practice mock interviews through
a career advisor or an ASK mentor
 Create a career portfolio of your work and
accomplishments and practice
presenting it
 1 Learn About Academic Internship Options at DePaul

What is an Academic Internship?

An academic internship is a structured and supervised professional experience with an approved company, agency,
or organization. In this type of internship, students apply concepts learned in the classroom to the work they do at
their internship sites.
Students at DePaul pursue academic internships for many reasons: to earn academic credit through experiential
learning, to gain career experience, to begin building a professional network, to become highly marketable upon
graduation and often to earn money. Thousands of students complete internships for academic credit each year
through DePaul. An approved academic internship is one of the several ways students fulfill their Junior Year
Experiential Learning Requirement.

Short-Term Internships Long-Term Internships

A short-term internship can be an excellent way to
help you gain work experience and valuable career
insight by interning for a period of 10 weeks or more.
Students can meet with an advisor to determine if a
short-term internship paired with an academic course
would fit within their academic plan.
_____ The University Internship Program (UIP)
DePaul University's Internship Program links
you, a UIP instructor, and an employer to give
you the knowledge and experience you need
to succeed in a highly competitive market
place, all while gaining academic credit and
fulfilling your Junior Year Experiential Learning
Requirement. UIP currently offers six courses
tied to professional development, academic
credit can be earned for paid and unpaid
internships. For information on course topics,
visit: http://careercenter.depaul.edu/
student/job/uip
A paid internship that allows you the opportunity to
work for the same employer from 6 months to 3 years
is an excellent way to gain challenging, industry-
specific work experience. Students with a goal of
interning within a organization or industry that is in line
with your long-term career interests should speak with
their internship advisor about Co-op opportunities.
_____ The Cooperative Education Program (Co-op)
The Co-op Internship Program, which includes
a 4-credit course that will fulfill your Junior
Year Experiential Learning Requirement,
gives DePaul undergraduates the opportunity
to integrate classroom study with paid “real
world” experience within your major field of
study and graduate with one to three years of
professional work experience.
For more information, visit:
http://careercenter.depaul.edu/student/
job/depaul_coop.aspx

_____ Internship Programs in Your Major On-Campus Employment

Several programs within DePaul provide
internship courses paired with an internship
experience. These courses may be taken for
course credit and may fulfill the Junior Year
Experiential Learning requirement. Ask your
Academic Advisor for more information on
options within your major.
Internships and employment positions at DePaul may
provide significant opportunities to enhance your
analytical, technical, and interpersonal skills.
On-campus opportunities may include both short and
long-term internships and a course that will fulfill your
Junior Year Experiential Learning Requirement. If you
have been awarded Federal Work Study, you can
apply it towards on-campus job opportunities.

For more information about on-campus employment and

to access the Campus Job Board, visit
http://studentemployment.depaul.edu.

DePaul iPrep 2
™ How to Earn Academic Credit with Your Internship
Getting Started with UIP or Co-op

Short Term Internships: University Internship Program

Undergraduate students are required to fulfill the Liberal Studies Experiential Learning requirement. The University
Internship Program (UIP) is a workplace-focused way to fulfill that requirement, and this guide outlines the steps
you need to take to participate.

Want to receive internship opportunities via email?

Visit http://careercenter.depaul.edu/student/job/uip. Complete the online profile to begin receiving email listings
of available paid and unpaid internships in your major.

1. Attend the UIP Orientation

The UIP Orientation will help you prepare for your internship and give you a comprehensive overview of the
program and class requirements of the internship courses. You must attend the UIP Orientation before
enrolling in an ISP class. The Orientation is not required for ISP 350 students.

To register for the Orientation:

• Login to DePaul Experience at http://depaul.experience.com
• Click on “Calendar” and select the “Calendar Search” option. Select “UIP Orientation” as the Event Type
in the drop-down menu.
• Click “Search.” View time and location details by date, and pre-register using the “Sign-up” button.

2. Complete the UIP Internship Online Proposal Form

Once you have secured an internship, you must complete the UIP Online Proposal Form, found at
careercenter.depaul.edu. To find the form, select the “Student” section, then “Find a Job/Internship/ Co-op,”
then “University Internship Program.”

Long Term Internships: Cooperative Education Program (Co-op)

The Co-op Internship Program gives DePaul students the opportunity to graduate with six months to three years of
paid work experience, receive on-going feedback from the Co-op Advisor and your work supervisor, and to fulfill the
Experiential Learning Requirement. Upon successful completion of your Co-op experience you will receive a
Certificate of Achievement and a notation on your transcript indicating you’ve held a long-term internship during
your academic career. More than 50% of graduating Co-op students receive an offer for full time employment at the
end of their internship.

1. Attend a Co-op Program Orientation

The Co-op Info Sessions will give you a comprehensive overview of the program and eligibility
requirements. Register for a Co-op Info Session through www.depaul.experience.com

2.Your current job may qualify for the Co-op Program

For more information, contact the Assistant Director of Co-op at 312.362.5220 or CoOp@depaul.edu
to discuss your participation in the program.

DePaul iPrep 3
 2 Decide What Internship Makes Sense for You
How your interests, skills and major will
help you decide
Identify your skills
• What have I done in previous positions
or course projects?
• What are my strengths?
• What have I had responsibility for in
past employment or involvement?
Identify your interests
• What do I wish I could do all day?
• What do I want to get more involved in?
• What do I enjoy talking about?
• What do I enjoy learning about?
• Review the What Can I Do With
a Major In…?” Guides
http://careercenter.depaul.edu/student/
explore/selecting_major.aspx
Identify your values
• What do I want most in a work setting?
• What do I need to keep me in a job?
• What motivates me?
• What type of people, location,
interaction, authority and involvement
are important to me?
DePaul iPrep
Below are a few resources to help you identify
your interests. They’re to be completed, as
needed, with a career advisor, in a workshop, or
through a course.
Coursework
 Enroll in ISP 240:” The Liberal Arts and
Career Pathways,” a 2 credit course
designed to help you explore possible
career options
_______________ Completion Date
Career Assessments
 The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
_______________ Completion Date
 Strong Interest Inventory
_______________ Completion Date
Card Sort Activities
 Skills & Accomplishments
- Understanding skill strengths and
identifying what you would like to
improve
_______________ Completion Date
 Values Cards
- Learning to prioritize your work values
and using them as a career resource
guide
_______________ Completion Date
4
™ Brainstorming Notes

What are some skills you feel you already have that could help you land an internship opportunity (technical,
organizational, interpersonal, etc)?

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

What are some skills/experiences that you would like to develop in an internship role (event planning, marketing,
project management, etc)?

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

What are some departments (on-campus) or companies (off-campus) that would provide you with internship
opportunities within your field of interest?

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

DePaul iPrep 5
 3 Get Ready for the Internship: Resume, Cover Letter
and Interview Resources

The most popular tool to use in securing an interview is the resume. Resumes are often a work in progress.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach in resume writing; writing an effective resume requires practice and feedback.
If you are looking to create your first or revise an existing resume, visit a DePaul Career Center Peer Career
Advisor or attend a workshop.

You can also consider creating a career portfolio of your achievements, which can be showcased in a variety of
ways. Consider attending the How to Build a Portfolio Workshop and searching web portfolios of other professionals
in your internship industry.

Workshops:
To view dates, times, locations, and workshops, visit depaul.experience.com

 Introduction to Resumes and Cover Letters

 Advanced Resume and Cover Letters
 How to Build a Career Portfolio

Attendance at Resume/Cover Letter writing workshop DATE

______________

Resume Samples

 Download resume and cover letter samples from the Career Center’s web site at
http://careercenter.depaul.edu/student/resume

Meet with a Peer Career Advisor – walk-ins welcome!

 Peer Career Advisors provide resume and cover letter support and critiques. Reach the Peers by phone at
(312) 362-5415, via email at peercareeradvisor@depaul.edu or walk into the Loop or Lincoln Park Career Center
and Office of Academic Advising Support. Walk-in hours vary each week.

The brainstorming sheet on the next page can help you get started on your resume.
Track your resume development and revision progress:

COMPLETION DATE REVIEWED BY

First draft of resume/cover letter ___________ ___________________

First resume/cover letter review ___________ ___________________

Final draft of resume/cover letter (as needed) ____________ ___________________

Final resume/cover letter review (as needed) ____________ ___________________

DePaul iPrep 6
™ Brainstorming Your Skills and Accomplishments
for your Resume or Portfolio

Defining your accomplishments:

Check the following boxes which apply to your
internship, work, volunteer or academic experiences.

 Utilized time management skills to balance a job
with school work
 Communicated with multiple groups of people
 Coordinated or participated in a volunteer activity
 Lead or participated in on-campus or off-campus
organizations
 Trained, managed, or delegated tasks/schedules
to others
 Analyzed, calculated, or computed data and
statistics
 Possess enthusiasm and knowledge about a
subject
 Designed or created artwork, publications or
marketing materials
 Provided good customer service
 Utilized computer software. Do you have examples
of your projects you can share?
 Are you current on industry news and events?
 Do you have social media, HTML or web 2.0 skills?
 Promoted a campus event or activity
 Raised money or organized a fundraiser for an
organization or event
 Wrote or edited communications materials
 Filmed, edited or directed a movie or video blog
 Accomplished a large task or project by yourself
 Sold or marketed a product to others
 Listened to, counseled or mediated others
 Represented, greeted or acted as a source of
information to others for an organization or job
 Helped mentor, coach, or educate others
 Calmed someone who was upset or angry in
a work/volunteer setting
 Completed additional training or sought out
additional opportunities to learn about a subject
 Do you write and/or speak different languages?
 Are you an idea person? Have you contributed
or shared these ideas?
 Do you consider yourself creative and innovative?
 Are you someone who can “make things happen”
and help implement ideas?
 Do you consider yourself a quick learner or
someone adaptable to new situations?

Use the lines below to elaborate on a few of your checked boxes. Which of these experiences can be showcased in
a resume or portfolio?

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

DePaul iPrep 7
™ Practice and Prepare for an Interview

Practice Interviews
Practice interviews will enable you to receive useful feedback on your interviewing style and will help strengthen
your interviewing technique. There are several ways to brush up on your interviewing skills:

1. Practice online with InterviewStream

InterviewStream is a free online interview preparation tool that allows you to:

• Simulate a live interview using your computer and a webcam

• Pick questions for a video interviewer to ask you
• Replay your responses to evaluate your performance
• Email your responses to others for review

Try it for free at http://depaul.interviewstream.com.

2. Attend an interviewing workshop such as Interviewing Skills or Advanced Interviewing Skills. Register for
these workshops and others at http://depaul.experience.com

3. Schedule a Practice Interview with Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) to receive tips on proper interview
etiquette and immediate feedback about your resume and interview skills. Schedule a practice interview by logging
into http://depaul.experience.com and clicking on the “Practice Interviews with ASK Alumni” link.

4. Need additional help? Meet with an advisor in the Career Center. Schedule an appointment by calling
(312) 362-8437 Loop or (773) 325-7431 Lincoln Park.

DePaul iPrep 8
™ Practice Interview Notes
As needed, please use the boxes below to take notes on any feedback you receive from one or more practice interviews.

_______________________________ _________________________________________________
(Interviewer #1 Name) (Interviewer Title/Organization)

Strengths:

Areas for Improvement:

Additional Suggestions:

_______________________________ _________________________________________________
(Interviewer #2 Name) (Interviewer Title/Organization)

Strengths:

Areas for Improvement:

Additional Suggestions:

DePaul iPrep 9
™ Practice Interview Notes
As needed, please use the boxes below to take notes on any feedback you receive from one or more practice interviews.

_______________________________ _________________________________________________
(Interviewer #1 Name) (Interviewer Title/Organization)

Strengths:

Areas for Improvement:

Additional Suggestions:

_______________________________ _________________________________________________
(Interviewer #2 Name) (Interviewer Title/Organization)

Strengths:

Areas for Improvement:

Additional Suggestions:

DePaul iPrep 10
™ Practice Interview Notes
As needed, please use the boxes below to take notes on any feedback you receive from one or more practice interviews.

_______________________________ _________________________________________________
(Interviewer #1 Name) (Interviewer Title/Organization)

Strengths:

Areas for Improvement:

Additional Suggestions:

_______________________________ _________________________________________________
(Interviewer #2 Name) (Interviewer Title/Organization)

Strengths:

Areas for Improvement:

Additional Suggestions:

DePaul iPrep 11
™ Practice Interview Notes
As needed, please use the boxes below to take notes on any feedback you receive from one or more practice interviews.

_______________________________ _________________________________________________
(Interviewer #1 Name) (Interviewer Title/Organization)

Strengths:

Areas for Improvement:

Additional Suggestions:

_______________________________ _________________________________________________
(Interviewer #2 Name) (Interviewer Title/Organization)

Strengths:

Areas for Improvement:

Additional Suggestions:

DePaul iPrep 12
 4 Making Connections by Networking

What is networking? Networking is the act of building professional relationships that may become mutually
beneficial to both parties, and an important part of participating in the professional world. Networking is more than
just talking to other industry professionals; it is creating a social network of anyone who can increase your chances
of discovering good job prospects. These personal contacts include friends, relatives, current and former
employers, coworkers, instructors, classmates, neighbors, or anyone you have met within your social interactions.

This list will help you focus on what personal contacts you can go to for advice or career mentoring. Fill out the list
below to brainstorm the social contacts with which you already share a networking relationship.

Academic Contacts: Teachers, Faculty and Classmates:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

DePaul Alumni or Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) Contacts:

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Social Contacts: Friends, Family, Neighbors:

11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Contacts Met Through Extracurricular Activities:

16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

Contacts Met Through Industry Professionals or Trade Associations:

21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

DePaul iPrep 13
™ Brainstorming Internship Networking Conversation
Topics

Research is a very important component to networking within your industry. You should know what is new in your
chosen internship, industry or major, and how those trends will affect future employers and clients. Fill in the
questions below about the latest news within your industry.

1. Research three news websites and list three article headlines/topics related to the internship you are interested in:
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________________________

2. Name three local companies or organizations within your potential internship’s industry or your major:
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________________________

3. List DePaul student clubs related to your potential internship’s industry or your major:
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________________________

Possible networking questions to ask other professionals:

1. How did you get started in your industry?

2. What are some of your typical duties from day to day?
3. What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?
4. What aspect of your job do you find the most challenging?
5. What types of skills do I need to have in order to be successful in your industry?

Reaching out:

Networking can start out with an introduction, a conversation, a phone call, or even an email. DePaul offers a
variety of outlets for networking, including targeted networking events, student/professional organizations, and
career mentoring. In many cases, your opportunity to meet someone else depends on your willingness to reach out.
We rely on email because we find it safe and easy, but communicating through email can be tricky. Remember that
email is a one-sided conversation and that your first email to someone is also your first impression on that person.

For tips on reaching out and sample introduction emails, visit http://ask.depaul.edu and click on
Conversation Starters.

DePaul iPrep 14
™ Keep Track of Your Networking Targets:
Use the following networking log entries to help organize your interactions with contacts.

NETWORKING LOG Date: __________________________________

Name:

Title: Phone:

Organization Name : Email:

Networking questions I will ask:

What did I learn from this contact? Referrals made by this contact:

Date of follow-up correspondence: Have you thanked this contact with a letter or email?

NETWORKING LOG Date: __________________________________

Name:

Title: Phone:

Organization Name : Email:

Networking questions I will ask:

What did I learn from this contact? Referrals made by this contact:

Date of follow-up correspondence: Have you thanked this contact with a letter or email?

DePaul iPrep 15
™ Keep Track of Your Networking Targets:
Use the following networking log entries to help organize your interactions with contacts.

NETWORKING LOG Date: __________________________________

Name:

Title: Phone:

Organization Name : Email:

Networking questions I will ask:

What did I learn from this contact? Referrals made by this contact:

Date of follow-up correspondence: Have you thanked this contact with a letter or email?

NETWORKING LOG Date: __________________________________

Name:

Title: Phone:

Organization Name : Email:

Networking questions I will ask:

What did I learn from this contact? Referrals made by this contact:

Date of follow-up correspondence: Have you thanked this contact with a letter or email?

DePaul iPrep 16
 5 Go After an Internship: Finding and Applying to Internships
Below are some resources that can guide you through the process of finding meaningful short and/or long-term
internship opportunities. In conjunction with your internship advisor, you may want to consider one or more of the
following strategies for finding an internship:
DePaul Experience
http://depaul.experience.com
DePaul Experience is an online database that gives you
the opportunity to seek out short and long-term
internship opportunities. View hundreds of job openings
which are available only to registered students and
alumni of DePaul.
Campus Job Board
http://studentemployment.depaul.edu
Several on-campus jobs that are coded as Ladder Level
C (1-2 years of experience required) or Ladder Level D
(2 or more years of experience required) provide
significant opportunities to enhance your analytical,
technical, and interpersonal skills.
Going Global
https://international.depaul.edu/loginAll.asp
Search for jobs and internships around the world. Going
Global is an international career database with country
career guides, job postings, internship listings, news on
H-1B Visa employers and more. Campus Connect log-in
required.
The Career Center’s Job & Internship Fairs
http://careercenter.depaul.edu
Job & Internship Fairs are a great way to connect with a
variety of top employers in one place at one time.
DePaul's largest fairs, the Fall and Winter Job &
Internship Fairs, are open to all majors. Other fairs, such
as the Not-For-Profit Fair and Education Fair, are
geared toward specific career interest areas.
DePaul iPrep
On-Campus Interviewing
http://careercenter.depaul.edu/student/job/
The On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) Program brings
hiring employers to DePaul's Loop and Lincoln Park
campuses to host interviews and hold company
presentations that highlight their available job
opportunities. Employers hire primarily for entry-level
professional positions and full and part-time internships.
OCI is an extremely competitive program, with hundreds
of Chicago and the nation's most prominent
organizations interviewing and meeting with hundreds of
DePaul students and alumni each year.
Create Your Own Internship
http://careercenter.depaul.edu/employer/hire/coop.aspx
If an organization you want to work for does not have a
formal internship program, there is the possibility that
you can create your own position. Use your research
and networking skills to find a contact within the
organization, and be sure you can tell the employer
what you plan to offer as an intern or ideas for internship
projects. If your potential employer is interested, the
Career Center is also available to answer any questions
regarding how to get started offering internships for
students at DePaul.
17
™ Application Tracking
It is recommended that you visit each organization’s website to learn more about their mission, goals, departments, and
product(s) before you apply to the internship and certainly before you interview. Take notes on the internship program or
position of interest; use this log to keep track of your research and applications below:

_________________________, ________________________________, ___________________________

(Organization) (Internship Position) (Application Deadline)

Research Notes:

Position Requirements:

Contact Person:

Date Applied:

Interview date:

Follow-up:

_________________________, ________________________________, ___________________________

(Organization) (Internship Position) (Application Deadline)

Research Notes:

Position Requirements:

Contact Person:

Date Applied:

Interview date:

Follow-up:

DePaul iPrep 18
™ Application Tracking
It is recommended that you visit each organization’s website to learn more about their mission, goals, departments, and
product(s) before you apply to the internship and certainly before you interview. Take notes on the internship program or
position of interest; use this log to keep track of your research and applications below:

_________________________, ________________________________, ___________________________

(Organization) (Internship Position) (Application Deadline)

Research Notes:

Position Requirements:

Contact Person:

Date Applied:

Interview date:

Follow-up:

_________________________, ________________________________, ___________________________

(Organization) (Internship Position) (Application Deadline)

Research Notes:

Position Requirements:

Contact Person:

Date Applied:

Interview date:

Follow-up:

DePaul iPrep 19
™ Application Tracking
It is recommended that you visit each organization’s website to learn more about their mission, goals, departments, and
product(s) before you apply to the internship and certainly before you interview. Take notes on the internship program or
position of interest; use this log to keep track of your research and applications below:

_________________________, ________________________________, ___________________________

(Organization) (Internship Position) (Application Deadline)

Research Notes:

Position Requirements:

Contact Person:

Date Applied:

Interview date:

Follow-up:

_________________________, ________________________________, ___________________________

(Organization) (Internship Position) (Application Deadline)

Research Notes:

Position Requirements:

Contact Person:

Date Applied:

Interview date:

Follow-up:

DePaul iPrep 20
 Contact Us

Need Help? Meet with a Career or Academic Advisor.

Your advisor can walk you through the internship search process and help you
identify search strategies to find the opportunities you want.

Loop Office
DePaul Center
1 East Jackson Blvd
Suite 9500
Chicago, IL 60604

Phone: (312) 362-8437

Fax: (312) 362-8565

Lincoln Park Office

Schmitt Academic Center
Room 192
2320 N. Kenmore Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614

Phone: (773) 325-7431

Fax: (773) 325-7432

http://careercenter.depaul.edu