How to navigate internship, undergraduate research, study abroad applications

The College of LAS Life + Career Design Lab can be found at 2040 Lincoln Hall — The Life + Career Design Lab can be found at 2040 Lincoln Hall.

If you are interested in how to find an internship, participate in undergraduate research, or study abroad, check out some of the tips that LAS Life + Career Design Lab has given you. Our interns in the lab are trained to help you explore your interests in whatever you are passionate about. Stop by to find answers to your questions, because you never know where conversations could lead you in the future!

How to find an internship: Maggie Vacchiano

If you are searching for an internship, there are many resources at Illinois you can utilize. Handshake@Illinois is one of the internship platforms available at the U of I. Handshake is a career services platform that helps connect students to employer events and opportunities. Handshake has an online job board that allows students to learn about different positions employers have within their companies. Handshake also has information about career fairs where students can meet with companies face to face about internships and when employers are coming to campus to host information sessions or other events.

Another great place to find out about internships is through professors and other faculty/staff on campus. They can inform you about internships they know of and possibly give you tips on the steps they took to find one or commonly see from other students.

You will want to consider what type of experience and skills you are trying to gain from the internship and what companies fit your interests. It is important to know that you can intern in the fall, spring, or summer, it just depends on what fits into your schedule. Networking on sites like LinkedIn can also provide you with contacts if you want to make a personal connection with someone who works at a company you are considering.

How to participate in undergraduate research: Ariana Daneshbodi

Students at Illinois get involved with undergraduate research because it provides an opportunity to explore your field of study. It is a great way to apply what you have learned in the classroom and further solidify your interest. To get started, you can visit the undergraduate research website. Here, you can learn about opportunities and information sessions. You can reach out to some of your professors via email or through office hours to see if they have openings in their research labs. It is important that you establish a personal connection. If the professor finds that you will be a great fit, you will have the opportunity to fill out an application or interview. Most research labs will require that you have general knowledge in that area of research, and, sometimes, your passion alone will get you through the door. Your goals should be to stand out and get involved on campus and in your community.

How to study abroad: Amanda Lynn
Step 1: Consider your own interests and goals

Personal: Challenge yourself, be independent, discover empathy for others, or build friendships

Academic: Acquire another language, experience other parts of the world, conduct field work, participate in research, or gain an international perspective of your field
Professional: Perhaps you want opportunities to intern abroad, attend networking events, or observe international work cultures

Step 2: Choose a program
You have many choices when it comes to studying abroad. You should consider what type of program you think would be the best fit for you. For example:

Length of program: You have the option to study for different periods of time: a semester or an academic year or short-term on a faculty-led or summer program
Type of program: When considering a program, it is important to think about your preferred type of learning environment. For example, do you want to learn to be more self-directed or independent with other international students? Or, would you prefer to learn with other study abroad students from the University of Illinois?
Living arrangements: Different programs offer different choices, from living in a student residence with local students or an apartment with fellow study abroad participants, to living with a local family. When considering living arrangements, think about your goals.
Meet with a study abroad advisor: Schedule an appointment with an LAS International Programs Advisor to help you explore the options available to you based on your goals. They're also available from 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday in the LAS Life + Career Design Lab.

Then, search for a program that fits your career interests and goals!

Step 3: Plan your academics and finances before you apply
Academic planning: Once you've narrowed your choices, you should meet with your academic advisor to discuss how a certain study abroad program might affect your path to graduation. Discuss your goals for the program with your advisor and bring a list of potential courses that you might take.
Financial planning: You should also consider the finances of study abroad. Learn more about financial planning and using financial aid for study abroad through resources at the lab.

Step 4: Apply to a study abroad program
Click the apply button on the brochure page of your chosen program. The application is a two-step process.

Pre-decision: You'll submit a preliminary application to be reviewed. Be sure to check the application deadline and the materials you may need to submit, which may include a copy of a valid passport, transcripts, or other documents. After you complete your preliminary application, it will be reviewed by a range of study abroad faculty and staff.
Post-decision: Upon acceptance to a program, you must complete a new set of application requirements specific to particular programs. Requirements vary based on the location of your host institution and the administrative practices themselves.
Pay attention to the deadlines. Most program applications require electronic recommendations to be submitted on your behalf. Make sure to request any recommendation at least two weeks prior to the application deadline.