Student Internships: A World of Opportunity Awaits You!
By Ashley Kilday, Contributing Writer
In a competitive job market, setting yourself apart is critical for success. An internship is your gateway to gaining that competitive edge.
Why Consider an Internship?
Dr. Poonam Gulati, Executive Director of UHD’s Impact Learning Office, is an advocate for comprehensive student growth. “Internships or field experiences are an excellent way for students to gain experiences in particular areas,” she said. “In addition, students can learn soft skills that are vital in the job market. These include communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.”
Brett Hobby, Director of the Career Development Center at the Marilyn Davies College of Business, emphasized the pivotal role of internships in readying students for their careers: “With an internship, students secure hands-on experience at a level above classroom experience. What employers are really looking for is related work experience tied to what the student wants to do.”
Where Could I End Up?
UHD offers experiential learning opportunities in a diverse array of internship initiatives. As Dr. Gulati explained, “Field experience courses are offered in all departments, and faculty play a crucial role in placing students at various sites. The career offices publish internship opportunities to prepare students for the workforce.”
She also noted that the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCESL) orchestrates a summer internship program, predominantly within the nonprofit sector, and the Office of the President collaborates with the City of Houston Mayor’s Office to offer select positions each summer.
Benefits for Both Sides
Internships allow students to cultivate specialized knowledge as well as invaluable soft skills like collaboration and flexibility. The opportunity also fosters cross-generational understanding, as internships provide a unique platform where fresh perspectives from younger generations meet the wisdom of seasoned professionals, creating a rich exchange of ideas.
Where Do I Sign Up?
UHD departments have previously established internships with internal and community partners:
UHD Center for Community Engagement & Service Learning (CCESL)
UHD General
Communication Studies
Social Sciences
English
Houston Health Department
Government Internships
CareerRookie.com
Any Intern
Internships.com
Texas Workforce Commission
For more internship resources, visit the Student Success and Student Life internship webpage, and start your career prep today!
Image credit: Nuthawut Somsuk / iStock
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
