How to find an internship, co-op, post-grad, or research opportunity

Looking for your next opportunity can feel like a big task, but you do not have to do it alone. This page will help you learn simple ways to search for internships, co-ops, post-grad jobs, and research positions that fit your interests and goals. You will also find helpful tips to make your search easier and more successful.

Steps to finding an internship

Both internships and summer jobs provide temporary employment, internships are generally more focused on career development and gaining industry-specific experience, whereas summer jobs are often seen as a way to earn income during the summer break.

The timing for internship applications can vary depending on the industry, company, and geographic location. However, in general, it’s never too late to look for an internship. 


While it’s generally advantageous to start the internship search early, adaptability and persistence are key. Even if the traditional recruitment season has passed, you can continue exploring opportunities, refining your resume and cover letter, and networking to increase your chances of finding an internship that aligns with your goals.

Here are some effective ways to find internships:

  • Handshake
  • Online Job Boards: Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn
  • Company Websites
  • Networking: Leverage your personal and professional networks to inquire about internship opportunities. Attend career fairs, industry events, and networking functions. Networking can often lead to hidden or unadvertised opportunities.
  • Professional Associations: Explore professional associations related to your field of interest. Some companies post internship opportunities on their social media pages.
  • Social Media: Follow companies, organizations, and job boards on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
  • Government and Nonprofit Programs: Check for internship programs offered by government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions. These entities often have structured internship programs.
  • Local workforce development agencies or community organizations: Some cities or regions have job placement services that connect students with local businesses and organizations offering internships.

Unpublished job opportunities, often referred to as “hidden” or “unadvertised” jobs, can be discovered through proactive networking, informational interviews, and strategic outreach.

Networking: Leverage your personal and professional networks to inquire about internship opportunities. Networking can often lead to hidden or unadvertised opportunities.

There are plenty of productive and fulfilling activities you can engage in during the summer, even if you’re not pursuing a traditional internship. Here are some ideas:

  • Skill Development: Use the summer to enhance your skills. Take online courses, workshops, or attend local classes to improve your proficiency in areas relevant to your career goals.
  • Freelancing or Gig Work: Explore freelance opportunities or gig work in your field. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or TaskRabbit offer various short-term projects that can contribute to your portfolio.
  • Volunteer Work: Consider volunteering for a cause you are passionate about.
  • Research Projects: Undertake independent research projects in areas that interest you. This could involve literature reviews, data analysis, or any project related to your academic or career interests.
  • Start a Personal Project: Launch a personal project, such as a blog, podcast, YouTube channel, or a creative endeavor. This not only allows you to showcase your skills but also demonstrates your initiative and creativity.
  • Online Challenges and Competitions: Participate in online challenges or competitions related to your field. Whether it’s coding challenges, design competitions, or business plan contests, these can be excellent opportunities to test and showcase your abilities.
  • Networking and Informational Interviews: Use the time to expand your professional network. Connect with professionals in your industry, schedule informational interviews, and seek advice about your career path.
  • Part-Time Jobs: Take on part-time employment in a role that aligns with your interests or allows you to develop transferable skills. This could include roles in retail, customer service, or tutoring.
  • Entrepreneurship: If you have a business idea, consider starting a small venture. This could be an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and project management.
  • Professional Development Workshops: Attend workshops, seminars, or conferences in your area of interest. Many events offer insights into industry trends, networking opportunities, and chances to learn from experts. Many of these can be found in Professional Associations. Explore professional associations related to your field of interest. Some companies post internship opportunities on their social media pages.


Should I get an Engineering Co-op?

An engineering co-op, short for cooperative education program, is a type of work-integrated learning experience commonly offered by universities and colleges in collaboration with industry partners

  • Yes, but that can be a good thing!  If a co-op pushes your graduation later, it may also give you an extra summer for additional experience before graduation.

  • You’ll need to check in with your 4 year advisor, but when you coop, your financial aid gets pushed off a semester like your courses.   While you co-op, you do not pay tuition since you aren’t taking courses, and you earn money!

  • Searching for a co-op works like searching for an internship or full-time job. However, since fewer students are looking for coops, fewer are posted. You should also target companies and reach out proactively to ask about coop opportunities.  Meet with a career coach to talk about your strategy.

  • Not everyone uses the same terms.  Co-op is the term WashU uses.  Some companies may talk about fall / winter / spring internships.  

How can I find Research Opportunities?

Use the Center for Career Engagement resources to find research opportunities and support that align with your career goals and interests.

You have many opportunities to get involved in research. From class credit to scholarships, there are many research opportunities at WashU and other universities and in all WashU Departments including within McKelvey Engineering that will complement your academic studies.

Start by exploring:

Yes. There are many summer research opportunities at WashU and at other universities.

You can start as early as your first year if you’re motivated and have time.

Many students join labs in sophomore year after taking introductory courses.

If you are starting in junior year, that is still a great time to begin. The quality of your experience matters more than when you start.

Not always. Many labs are willing to train students who are new to research.

What matters most is:

  • Genuine interest
  • Reliability
  • Willingness to learn

It can also help to have some background in things like:

  • Relevant coursework
  • Programming
  • Statistics
  • Lab safety

But don’t worry if you do not have everything yet. A lot of students start with little or no experience.

Include:

  • A clear subject line, such as: Undergraduate interested in [topic] research — [Your Name]
  • A brief introduction with your major, year, and how you found their work
  • 2 to 3 sentences explaining why their research interests you
  • Relevant coursework, skills, and your availability
  • A resume or cv
  • An unofficial transcript if it seems appropriate
  • A polite question asking whether they are taking undergraduate students and whether you could meet

  • Lab research: You work as part of a research group under a principal investigator, or PI
  • Research assistant: You help with specific tasks such as data collection, coding, or experiments, usually under a graduate student or postdoc
  • Independent study: You work on a more self-directed project, often for credit, with a faculty mentor, sometimes after gaining experience in a lab

Dear Professor [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [first-year/sophomore/junior/senior] majoring in [major] at WashU. I learned about your research on [specific topic] and was especially interested in [specific reason].

I have taken [relevant coursework] and have experience with [relevant skills]. I am interested in learning more about your work and exploring whether there may be opportunities to get involved in your lab.

If you are accepting undergraduate students, I would be grateful for the chance to meet with you or learn more about possible opportunities.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your email address]

  • Start early if you can, but don’t stress if you are starting later
  • Be specific about what interests you
  • Tailor each email to the professor’s research.
  • Follow up politely if you do not hear back.

If you are not sure where to begin, the Center for Career Engagement is a great place to explore your options and find support. Make an appointment!

Finding a Job After Graduation

The Center for Career Engagement is here to help you at every step of your job search. Whether you are just getting started or getting ready to apply, you do not have to do it alone.

The job search process looks different for everyone. Your path may not look exactly like someone else’s, and that is okay.

You may already know how to search for internships. Finding a full-time job is a little different. With internships, you may focus on learning, mentoring, and whether you like the field. With full-time jobs, you should also think about:

  • Salary and benefits
  • Room to grow
  • Company culture
  • Location or remote work
  • Your long-term career goals

Yes, you should still consider applying.

Job postings often list the ideal candidate, not the only person who can do the job. If a job says it wants 2 to 3 years of experience, you may still be a good fit. If you are missing a few qualifications, that does not always mean you should skip it.

You may still be a strong candidate if you have:

  • Transferable skills
  • Related experience
  • Enthusiasm for the role
  • A willingness to learn

After you apply, there are a few helpful next steps:

  • Send a follow-up email if you have a contact person or recruiter. Keep it short, polite, and professional.
  • Connect on LinkedIn if it feels appropriate. Add a short note that shows your interest.
  • Research the company so you understand its values, culture, and recent news.
  • Prepare for assessments if the employer asks you to complete one.
  • Attend networking events or webinars if the company or industry offers them.
  • Follow the company on social media to stay up to date.
  • Get ready for interviews by practicing common questions and reviewing your resume.
  • Keep applying to other jobs while you wait.

If an employer asks about your expected salary, take a little time to think before answering.

You can:

  • Look up salary ranges for similar jobs
  • Think about your experience and skills
  • Consider the full benefits package
  • Share a salary range instead of one number
  • Stay open to discussion

Example response

I am excited about this opportunity and would love to contribute to your team. Based on my research and experience, I think a fair salary range would be $X to $Y. I am also open to talking about the full compensation package, including benefits and growth opportunities.

A few simple steps can help:

  • Research the company
  • Learn about its values and culture
  • Practice common interview questions
  • Be ready to talk about your skills and experience
  • Make a mock interview appointment with the Center for Career Engagement

Information on Technical Interviews

Yes, if the situation allows it.

Negotiation may be more limited for entry-level jobs, but it is still helpful to know your value and be ready to talk about pay if asked.

Employers often look at LinkedIn and other online profiles.

A few good steps are:

  • Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date
  • Use a professional photo if you have one
  • Review your social media for anything unprofessional

Rejection is a normal part of the job search process.

Try to:

  • Learn from the experience
  • Ask for feedback if possible
  • Stay motivated
  • Keep applying

In most cases, you should focus first on full-time jobs after graduation. Many companies do not hire recent graduates for internship roles if you are no longer enrolled in school, so internships are usually only a good option if the employer says they are open to hiring new graduates that way.

Temporary jobs can also be a helpful choice. These jobs are usually short-term and can give you experience, income, and a chance to build your resume while you keep looking for a full-time role. If you are not finding full-time openings right away, a temporary job can be a good way to stay active in your field and keep learning.