<p>UVA’s Science & Technology Policy Washington, D.C., Internship Program (man, that’s a long name!) helps engineering students get government internships. </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.seas.virginia.edu/enews/enews_aug05/interns.html[/url]”>http://www.seas.virginia.edu/enews/enews_aug05/interns.html</a></p>
<p>Okay, a real-world insertion, here. Internships are VERY, VERY hard to get. That’s because they almost always lead to a job offer (meaning there are lots of students chasing the internships), and companies rarely offer them (for government contractors, they come out of overhead). My S has an internship–it came out of the blue in mid-June. Of most of his friends in the e-school, he thinks he’s the only one. </p>
<p>I don’t want to discourage people, I just want you all to know what you’re up against. Internships are great, and they really help give a different perspective to your education. But, if you want one, you will have to hustle.</p>
<p>This program will have a few. Recruiters might offer a few. Be prepared to be proactive: call people back, ask for referrals, send out resumes, even cold-call people. The prize is worth the effort, but don’t think it’s an easy task.</p>
<p>Honestly, it depends on what company you’re trying to work for. Some company internships are more coveted than others. Whatever the case, most corporations love getting free labor. It might take some work to get an internship, but if you’re smart and hard-working, it’s not that hard.</p>