Students are often aware of the positive benefits of an internship but aren’t always clear on how to become a standout candidate. To help, we’ve simplified the process into seven actionable and repeatable steps. Complete all seven steps and you’ll have the skills and confidence to apply for an internship when the time is right for you. If you’re planning on an internship now or in the future, it’s time for the Big 7:
You can begin your journey to a paid internship now, even if you’re not sure what you’d like to do after graduation.
How To Use The Big 7
The Big 7 is your roadmap to preparing to apply for an internship. This preparation can begin as soon as your first day as a Wildcat. No major or career plan? No problem! You’ll find guidance and support for each step through CCR and across campus. Some steps require you to take some extra initiative, but we’re here to help guide you to success! Visit the Big 7 Hub and register for upcoming workshops and events.
Early Career Explorers
If you’re just starting your academic journey, you might be thinking “It’s way too early to be thinking about an internship!” You may not be ready to apply, but there are steps you can take now to prepare. The Big 7 is your roadmap. Commit to taking steps during the course of your first and second year, like activating your Handshake profile, getting involved and creating a strong resume. Build the skills and confidence for when the time is right. Download the Big 7 roadmap and commit to your next step. For 1:1 support, drop into LifeLab.
Internships have a big impact on future career success!
Wildcats who participate in paid internships:
- Develop key career-readiness skills
- Increase their chances of landing a full-time job at graduation
- Report higher starting wages by nearly 5K!
(Sources: Graduating Senior Survey AY24, AY22)
Use the Big 7 as a roadmap to your paid internship.
Active Seekers
If you’re ready to begin your search for an internship – ideally the summer after your sophomore and junior years – the Big 7 is a guide for preparing to apply. By completing all seven steps before you apply, you’ll have done everything possible to become a strong candidate – you’ll have an online profile, skill-building experiences, a strong resume, a polished self-introduction and confidence in your interviewing skills and search strategy. Avoid the overwhelm that comes with looking for an internship by using the Big 7 to build skills and confidence. For 1:1 support schedule a meeting with Career Coach on Handshake.
Help with the Big 7 Steps
The Center for Career Readiness has a team of folks dedicated to supporting you with your internship journey. You don’t need to “be totally ready” or have it all figured out. You’ll find a full calendar of Big 7 workshops, events and drop-in hours listed on our website and in Handshake in the collection labeled “Big 7”.
Build confidence with each step.
