INTERNSHIPS

Internships

Cal State East Bay encourages all students to complete at least one internship before graduation. Internships can be paid or unpaid, for academic credit or not, and are designed to provide real-world experience related to your field of study or career goals. These structured learning opportunities can take place during the summer or academic year.

To help you prepare, explore the Career Empowerment Center website for guidance, tips, and internship prep support. We also offer several online tools to support your search and readiness:

Handshake – Our job and internship platform where opportunities are posted year-round.
Jobscan – Optimize your resume and cover letters by matching them to job descriptions and improving your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Big Interview – Practice your interview skills anytime, anywhere with our virtual training system. You’ll also find helpful tips for preparing before and following up after interviews.
Interstride – Explore global and domestic job/internship opportunities, connect with international student communities, and access tools to support your global career goals.
Parker Dewey - Provides short term, project-based opportunities that support both professional development and real workplace needs.
Forage - Job simulations designed to give students a chance to learn what it’s like to work at a company
LinkedIn Learning - Access thousands of expert-led courses on in-demand skills, from coding to career development, to boost your employability. Earn certificates and showcase your learning achievements on LinkedIn.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to apply, our resources are here to support your internship journey every step of the way.

TYPES OF INTERNSHIPS

Internships: Students gain practical experience in a professional setting related to their field of study
Micro-Internships: Short term research or projects typically completed within 10-40 hours
Service-learning: Students apply their knowledge and skills to address community needs while learning
Study abroad: Students immerse themselves in a new culture and learn through direct interaction with that culture
Research projects: Students engage in hands-on research, developing research skills and gaining a deeper understanding of a topic.
Community-based projects: Students work with local organizations to address real-world problems
Simulations and Role-Playing: Students engage in scenarios that mimic real-life situations, allowing them to practice skills and decision-making.
Apprenticeships: Students or early-career professionals receive structured, paid training while working alongside skilled professionals, developing expertise over time in a specific trade or profession.
Externships: Students observe and shadow professionals in the workplace over a short period, gaining exposure to job functions, company culture, and career pathways.
Fellowships: Graduate-level students or recent graduates engage in advanced study or research, often contributing to public service, innovation, or policy work while deepening expertise in their field.
Cooperative Education (Co-Op): Students alternate periods of academic study with full- or part-time employment, applying what they learn in class directly to professional projects, often for academic credit.
Traineeship (Unpaid Internships): Students engage in educationally focused work experiences designed to build skills and understanding of their field, typically in alignment with academic goals or academic credit.

Upcoming Career Events

Feb

12

Business & Public Service Career and Internship Fair

The Spring 2026 Business & Public Service Career and Internship Fair presents an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates seeking internships and career prospects in various fields including legislation, public health, environmental safety, research associate, fundraising, social work, and related disciplines. Participating in this event provides you with the chance to: Explore open positions and discover new career paths. Learn about organizations hiring in specific industries. Gather valuable information directly from employers. Demonstrate effective communication skills in a professional environment. Every interaction with an employer has the potential to open doors to jobs, internships, new opportunities, and valuable connections.

Feb

10

Public Service Internships - Secure one Today!

This session will provide an overview of the public service landscape, highlight the benefits of working in this sector, and equip you with essential tools to stand out in the application process. Whether you're interested in policy, education, social services, or local government, this workshop will guide you through the steps to land a meaningful internship that aligns with your values and career goals.

Mar

19

STEM & Healthcare Career and Internship Fair

The Spring 2026 STEM & Healthcare Career and Internship Fair presents an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates seeking internships and career prospects in various fields, including coding, science, business, computer science, engineering, mathematics, technology, IT, and related disciplines. Participating in this event provides you with the chance to: Explore open positions and discover new career paths. Learn about organizations hiring in specific industries. Gather valuable information directly from employers. Demonstrate effective communication skills in a professional environment.

Contact Us

Career Empowerment Center

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.
SA2300
Hayward, CA 94542

(510) 885-2789

internships@csueastbay.edu

https://careercenter.csueastbay.edu/channels/internship/

Internships Coordinator

Cherié Meredith

California State University, East Bay-INTERNSHIPS