<p>**I’ve been hearing this “lack of internship” excuse from a lot of people in Gainesville. To me, the quality of the career services department is incredibly important in choosing a college, and it sounds like UF is doing a terrible job creating opportunities. I’ve been telling people this year to avoid UF for that reason. **</p>
<p>UF had the #1 career resource center in the entire country this past year and sure, a lot of students don’t get internships, but then again a lot do. I’m a freshman and I got an internship because I worked hard for it. I didn’t just show up at the showcase, hand out my resume, and expect something in return. The CRC helped me out a lot, but only because I sought out the help. If you don’t put yourself out there and network, no one benefits. </p>
<p>Then again, I got the internship through a program by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). My internship now pays me and afterwards, SHPE will provide me with a scholarship. As far as housing, I’m originally from Miami and my internship is in Texas. I had to secure my own housing, which wasn’t easy! I also have no car, so I take public transportation everywhere. But the company pays/reimburses me for everything: flight, housing, food, public transportation, etc. </p>
<p>Engineering internships are harder to come by the further you are from graduation, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible. I had **three other UF friends (freshmen!) ** who also got internships at top companies. It’s possible; you just have to put forth more effort than most other sophomores/juniors/seniors are putting in!</p>