Internships are like a crash course in the real world for college students, giving them a taste of what it's like to work in their field, learn practical skills, make connections, and figure out what they really want to do with their careers.

Offsetting the Cost of Unpaid Internships

Internships offer some of the most valuable ways to set college students up for the world of work. By working as an intern, not only will you gain training, professional experience, and content to add to your resume, you'll also build a network of professional contacts who can guide your next steps. All students are encourage to intern at least once during your undergraduate studies, if not multiple times.

Finding an internship in your specific area of interest is also recommended. However, not every organization or agency has the funds to pay interns. Fortunately, BSOS has funding to support students who have the opportunity to intern but face a financial hardship if they accept their offer. There are two times you can apply for the funds to support internships (for the Winter/Spring semesters or Summer/Fall).

There are several different funds specifically to support ECON students (and other funds for BSOS students as a whole that may apply to you).

Go to the BSOS Experience Funds website to learn more about eligibility and application guidelines.

The University Career Center also offers the following scholarships for unpaid internships:

• Bright Futures Initiative: 'Unpaid Internship' Scholarship
• Sustainability Internship Scholarship

You are encouraged to apply to all scholarships where you meet the eligibility requirements and may be awarded more than one scholarship, depending on the circumstances.