Indiana University Bloomington Internships: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Indiana University Bloomington offers a wealth of internship opportunities designed to provide students with practical experience, skill development, and career exploration. These internships span various fields and cater to different academic levels, ensuring that students can find valuable experiences to complement their studies.

The Daniel C. Smith Internship Program at the IU Foundation

For students interested in philanthropy and higher education fundraising, the Daniel C. Smith Internship Program at the IU Foundation presents an exceptional opportunity. This paid internship, named in recognition of Dan Smith's leadership and advocacy for student success, runs from mid-May to mid-August, requiring a 40-hour workweek for 12 weeks. Interns are competitively compensated for their time and matched with a "host unit" based on their skills and interests, allowing for direct supervision and mentorship by a frontline fundraiser at IU.

Program Highlights

Professional Development: Interns are integrated into their teams and have the opportunity to network with the IU Foundation’s professional staff and the rest of the intern cohort.
Skill Development: The program provides a solid foundation in development and prepares students for success in a variety of nonprofit-oriented careers.
Impact: The program was created to support students financially and professionally, especially during challenging times.

On-Campus Internship Program (OCIP) at IU Indianapolis

The On-Campus Internship Program (OCIP) offers students the chance to gain quality internship experience in areas directly related to their academic programs. These paid internships, located on campus, allow students to explore their interests and encounter real-world experiences.

Benefits of OCIP

Professional Environment: Exposure to a professional work environment and workplace expectations.
Networking: Creation of a professional network.
Experiential Learning: Earning experience on the IU Indianapolis Experiential and Applied Learning Record.
Career Exploration: Exploration of career interests and gaining relevant work experience.

Professional Development Component

The OCIP includes a professional development component that provides resources for students to learn about careers they're interested in. This is measured through a point system, where interns earn points for various activities:

1 Point: Career Services Appointments (resume or cover letter review, job search appointment, or career development advising).
2 Points: Informational or Mock Interview with a professional outside of a career services office.
2 Points: Job Shadowing at any organization or with any professional in the community of their interest.
3 Points: Public Showcase (required) at the end of the internship experience.
3 Points: Workshops on or off-campus that will help gain insight into their area of study.
3 Points: Career development events attended, such as career fairs or school-specific career approved events.

After earning 12 points and completing a year within their internship, the On-Campus Internship Program will be indicated on their IU Indianapolis Experiential and Applied Learning Record.

Read also: Navigating Accreditation

Finding Internships within OCIP

Positions can be found on Handshake by looking for postings with "On-Campus Internship Program" in the position title.

First-Year Internship Program

The First-Year Internship Program is designed for first-year students and first-year transfer students to impact Indiana University as soon as they step foot on campus. Through this partnership, students will work on and execute an initiative that promotes productive change on campus.

Program Options

First-Year Cabinet: Interns work under the direct mentorship of executive directors, engaging in policy development, advocacy efforts, research, and event coordination.
First-Year Congressional Interns: Interns serve within Congress, learning the legislative process through active participation, assisting in drafting legislative ideas, and attending legislative workshops.
First-Year Court: Interns serve as a Judge on the Conduct Court of the Student Body Supreme Court, participating in university misconduct hearings and judicial discussions.

Students in the program have the opportunity to participate in an 8-week, 1-credit course to enhance their leadership skills and further their knowledge of IU Student Government.

Internship at Indiana University Press

An internship at Indiana University Press offers current IU students the chance to learn about and experience the many facets of scholarly publishing. These internships are awarded on a competitive basis and are available only to graduate and undergraduate students currently enrolled at Indiana University. These internships are unpaid and only available if you are able to receive course credit.

Sustainability-Focused Internships

Indiana University offers a variety of sustainability-focused internships, providing students with opportunities to contribute to environmental initiatives across campus.

Scope 3 Intern

The Scope 3 Intern will develop a deep understanding of reporting greenhouse gas emissions associated with IU’s value chain (Scope 3). They will lead the data analysis required for IU to strategically approach the new frontier of Scope 3 reporting and act as the primary Secretary for the IU Scope 3 Working Group.

Sustainable Waste Management Intern

The Sustainable Waste Management Intern assists with waste reduction and diversion efforts, including launching and coordinating programs, developing education and outreach campaigns, data analysis and tracking.

Sustainable Athletics Intern

The Sustainable Athletics Intern will be responsible for helping to develop internal sustainable athletics practices and research new ways to reduce the environmental impact of athletic events.

Sustainable Labs Intern

The Sustainable Labs Intern will be responsible for helping develop internal sustainable lab programs for Indiana University laboratories and research new ways to reduce the environmental impact of laboratories.

Sustainable Energy Intern

The Sustainable Energy Intern assists with energy conservation and efficiency efforts on their respective campus, including launching and coordinating programs, developing education and outreach campaigns, data analysis and tracking, as guided by the Climate Action Plan.

Read also: IU Bloomington Fall Semester

Sustainable Food Systems Intern

Sustainable Food Systems Interns, working with campus dining partners, will play a critical role in strengthening sustainable, healthy, and ethically-sound food system initiatives across IU.

Sustainable Housing Intern

Sustainable Housing Interns, working with campus residential program partners, will play a critical role in strengthening sustainable, low waste, and accessible residential sustainability initiatives across IU.

Sustainable Transportation Intern

Sustainable Transportation Interns, working with campus transportation demand management (TDM), parking, bus, and fleet partners, will play a critical role in strengthening sustainable, safe, and accessible transportation system initiatives across IU.

Leveraging Handshake for Internship Opportunities

Every IU student has a Handshake account-this is where you find upcoming career events, internships, and job opportunities. This is your FIRST STEP in preparing for your future career!

Career Competencies and Professional Development

According to NACE (the National Association of Colleges and Employers) there are eight Career Competencies that students should have to be career ready upon graduation. These skills are: Communication, Career & Self-Development, Critical Thinking, Leadership, Acceptance, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Technology.

Professional Development Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

To maximize your internship experience and prepare for your future career, consider the following steps:

Assess your career competencies: Evaluate yourself objectively using the NACE Competencies Self-Assessment worksheet.
Become involved in extracurricular activities: Join and participate in activities outside of class, such as a student club or professional associations related to your career interests.
Craft your college resume: List any new clubs or organizations you join, any committees you serve on, and an ongoing list of technical programs and languages you learn! You can add class projects too! Once you overhaul your resume, make an appointment with Luddy Career Services to have it reviewed and ready to upload to your Handshake profile.
Conduct informational interviews: Reach out to professionals in the IU community (faculty, academic advisors, Luddy alumni, or Bloomington business leaders). Ask for 20 minutes of their time and bring questions about their roles and career path.
Attend career fairs, workshops, and events: Go to Luddy Career Services career fairs, workshops, and events!
Ensure your selected major aligns with your interests, values, and abilities.
Make an appointment with a Luddy Career Coach: Explore career resources and services, and to review your career goals.

Sophomore Year: Building Your Foundation

Update your resume: Ensure your resume is up-to-date and let a Luddy Career Services professional review it. And do not forget to upload your refreshed resume to your Handshake account!
Begin to compile your portfolio of work: Begin a cumulative file of various projects which highlight your competencies and creativeness.
Research companies and organizations: Research allows you to learn about opportunities available to you.
Revisit the NACE Competencies Self-Assessment worksheet: Re-evaluate yourself objectively or ask someone who knows you well to evaluate you.
Explore ways to elevate your career competencies: Check out the numerous workshops and events offered through Luddy Career Services. All events, presentations and career fairs may be found in Luddy’s Handshake.
Build your career network: Now is the time to intentionally begin growing your professional connections.
Search for an internship: Internships are available for Sophomores, as are many Leadership Programs.
Attend career fairs, workshops, and events hosted by Luddy Career Services!
Practice interviewing: The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be when an internship or job is on the line!

Junior Year: Gaining Momentum

Update your resume: As you settle in for your third year, do not forget to update your resume, have it reviewed by Luddy Career Services, and upload it into your Handshake account!
Organize your portfolio: Decide how best to organize and showcase past or current projects. Be ready to reference examples during interviews.
Update your profiles: Make sure your social media accounts are professional and appropriate for anyone who may be looking.
Begin to collect professional references or letters of recommendations for applications: Consider past supervisors or instructors.
Go to Luddy Career Services career fairs, workshops, and events!
Grow your professional network: Create content on hot topics in your major or career focus area. Share a project or accomplishment of which you are proud. Showcase your work and be an advocate for your professional self!
Revisit the NACE Competencies Self-Assessment worksheet: Re-evaluate yourself objectively or ask someone who knows you well to evaluate you.
Continue to grow your career competencies: Participation in activities outside the classroom, such as a student club or professional associations related to your career, can help highlight your interests and leadership abilities.

Senior Year: Launching Your Career

Update your resume and have it reviewed by Luddy Career Services: We can help you put the final polish on it. And don’t forget to upload it into your Handshake account!
Do another social media audit: Are your social media accounts professional and appropriate?
Begin your job search: Finding desired employment can take time. Start early-the process takes time, and many opportunities close in September and October.
Revisit the NACE Competencies Self-Assessment worksheet: Re-evaluate yourself objectively one final time.
Be confident in your skills!
Share thoughts on current events in your field of study: Engage with other professionals in your desired field. Follow organizations or companies who have mutual interests or missions. Intentionally create your digital footprint.
If you secure a job offer, consider connecting with a Luddy Career Coach to review the offer and benefits package, or discuss your negotiation strategy.
If you are furthering your education, use the Fall Term to prepare for Graduate School.

Internship Course and Faculty Internship Coordinator

Prioritize tracking your internship hours and regularly checking Canvas for announcements and assignment due dates each week. Your faculty internship coordinator plays a crucial role in ensuring that your internship's learning objectives are met. They serve as a valuable resource for both you and your site supervisor throughout the internship experience. You can expect regular scheduled conversations and frequent feedback on your reflections submitted in the internship course.

Site Supervisor/Preceptor Responsibilities

The site supervisor or preceptor establishes clear expectations and goals for the internship, ensuring you understand your duties and objectives. They provide the necessary training and resources to help you acquire the skills needed to perform your tasks competently. Through regular interactions, they assess your progress and offer constructive feedback to help you improve and grow professionally.

Addressing Conflict

Assess the nature of the conflict and try to resolve it with your site supervisor/preceptor professionally. If the conflict persists, seek advice from your faculty internship coordinator. They can provide additional support and mediate if necessary.

Building Relationships

Take the initiative to introduce yourself to colleagues, attend meetings, and participate in employer events. Show genuine interest in getting to know people.

Time Management

Balancing an internship with other commitments, such as classes or part-time jobs, requires careful planning and time management.

Asking for Feedback and Career Advice

Yes, it is appropriate to ask for feedback or career advice from your internship colleagues. Doing so can be highly beneficial for your professional development.

Letters of Recommendation

Asking for a letter of recommendation or reference from your internship supervisor should be approached professionally and respectfully and is typically done at the conclusion of the internship.

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