Finding A Summer Opportunity

Step 1: Determine your search criteria

What industry are you targeting?

What skills are you trying to learn or practice?

How much time can you dedicate per week?

What geographic locations interest you?
Remember, some programs offer housing and/or living stipends!

Are you willing/able to accept unpaid opportunities?

What other considerations do you need to keep in mind?

There are many ways to approach finding opportunities. You may wish to try all or some of the following:

Database Search Approach
Search databases or job posting boards

Handshake – more than 60,000 positions are posted on Handshake annually (internships & research)
www.pathwaystoscience.org – STEM-specific opportunities with an emphasis on research
MSU Education Abroad – international internship & research opportunities
LinkedIn, Indeed, and others – job boards with a vast array of options

Organization-first Approach
Identify organizations you'd like to work for and see what experience they offer

Network Approach
Use connections to identify opportunities

Review newsletters sent from your advisors, departments, student organizations, etc.
Let connections know that you're looking for a summer opportunity and ask if they have any leads

Review the MSU Career Handbook for information on resumes, cover letters, and interviews
Gather your information: education (institution, major, etc.), past/present jobs and responsibilities, volunteer work, extra curriculars, awards, potential references
Research the organizations and roles you're applying to and make note of key skills you can offer
Draft your documents
Submit documents to, or schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor for personalized feedback, support, and to practice interviewing skills