Internships & Experience

Both experience and education are vital aspects of job searching. Most job descriptions require practical work experience and skills in a given career field of interest. Usually the job description will have experience requirements in a specific field. When a student has successfully completed an internship, this experience can be used as the highlighting point of their resume to state that they have work related experience.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) conducts substantial annual research reports on the following benefits of completing an internship: increased salary after graduation, increased probability of being hired, development of job skills, decreased amount of time in the job search, and many other valuable job research topics.

Internship opportunities are offered year round; however, the application process is usually one to two semesters prior to the internship.  This means that if a student wants an internship in the summer, they need to be looking and applying for internship opportunities in the fall prior to the summer of choice.  This may seem like a long time before the internship starts, but that is when most large companies recruit for their summer interns.

Make an appointment today to speak to a Career Counselor about how to search for internships in your field of study.

Public Relations Internship Experience - Video

For Credit Internships

An Internship Experience connects the instructions in the classroom to the reality of the workplace. Internships for credit are a one-time experience related to the student’s field of study. Internships denoted by the 499 course number are "for credit." Many majors require an internship experience before graduation and almost all allow a 499 course to count as an upper level elective.  A student can only take one 499 course within their major; however, internships and experience opportunities should be sought after throughout the student’s academic career, not just to complete the 499 requirement.  A student has the opportunity to apply and work internships, externships and job shadow opportunities during any semester (fall, spring, and summer) at any classification (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, graduate).  The employer will stipulate the qualifications.  A student can have as many “internships” as the student can handled.  Students do not have to register the internship with the university.  The internship will not show on the student’s transcripts, but it will show on the student’s resume.

All questions on internships for credit must be directed to the Faculty Intern Advisor (FIA)  for each specific major.

Zero-Credit Internships

Internships denoted by the 299 course number are "zero credit" and are to be used for students to gain practical experience in their chosen areas of study.  The 299 internship program is specifically designed for international students to meet Curricular Practical Training (CPT) requirements established by US federal regulations.  U.S. students should contact the Career Center to discuss 299 internships.

Opportunities for Career Exploration

The Washington Fellowship - Internship Program

The Washington Fellowship program and the New York City Fellowship program provides students from all majors and programs with excellent internship opportunities in and around the nation’s capital and in Manhattan.  Students are equipped with professional development and provided with a designated Internship Coordinator giving them the best chance of obtaining a high profile internship.  Previous internships through The Washington and New York City Fellowships include: Fox News, National Geographic, the State Department, the National Zoo, the FBI, the Port Authority, and many others.  This program seeks to prepare Christ-centered students for community, civic and cultural leadership. 

Externship/Job Shadowing

Externships are different from internships in that they are shorter in duration.  Externships can be for just one day, or for a week, allowing students to easily complete externships over a winter or spring break. The shorter time span can also be a benefit in providing more externship opportunities and thus more insights into different work environments.  Externships are generally considered job shadowing. The shorter duration of externships is not structured towards more long-term job results but is intended for students to observe, explore and ask questions.   It does not provide the same extensive, hands-on work experience as internships.  Externships are generally unpaid and do not offer college credit. They are intended to give students a short, real-life preview into their career.  Find someone to shadow for a defined, brief amount of time to see what really happens in a field of interest.  

Volunteer Service (CSER)

Community service work can often be the best way to connect with an organization and show passion for what they do. Use opportunities to meet others in your field by volunteering at events and connecting with people in that industry. Residential students should look for key CSER opportunities within their field of interest or where key industry skills can be learned.

Employer's Perspective

Liberty University students benefit greatly from internships and externships.  Employers are posting internship opportunities daily on LUNETWORK in search of Liberty talent, and many of these internships lead to job offers, such as the example below:

"Drew has been a delight to work with.  What a breath of fresh air to have a young person come in with the ethics, values, and professionalism needed to do the job.  From greeting to grooming, to writing and design, Drew is prepared for the workforce!  We were so pleased with Drew's performance that we have offered him the Marketing and Social Media Coordinator position and look forward to having him as a permanent member of the Communications team." - Jacqui, Medical Center Health System