Q. What is an internship?
A. An internship is an on-site work experience either directly related to your major field of study or your career interest. It can be paid or unpaid, and held anytime throughout the year. Working alongside experienced employees, interns acquire relevant skills and contribute their talents to a variety of projects.

Q. When is a good time to start looking for an internship?
A. If you mean during which year of academic study, no year is too soon. Depending on your major and course load requirements, you may be ready to intern as soon as you’ve adjusted to the rigors of your new college schedule. Remember, your academic work is always your first priority.

If you mean at which point during the year, internship opportunities are available throughout the year. It's best to begin your internship search the semester prior to your desired placement to ensure you have time to apply and interview for available positions.

Internship Term:	Applications Accepted:
Summer	January-April
Fall	May-August
Spring	September-December

 

Q. How long do internships last and how many hours will I be required to work?
A. Our yearly internship calendar is divided into three terms: spring, summer, and fall. Each internship cycle is approximately three months in duration, but can extend beyond that term. Schedules will vary and are flexible around students’ schedules with an average weekly commitment of 12-20 hours, depending on availability and program needs.

Spring and fall internships typically require a minimum commitment of two days per week. Summer internships typically require a minimum commitment of three days per week.

Q. Can I get academic credit for my internship?
A. Some internships are eligible for academic credit.

Check your college’s internship guidelines prior to applying for an internship for credit. Often your internship must relate directly to your major and will require you to complete a certain number of hours at the internship site. You may also be required to complete additional work and meet specific criteria designated by a faculty member who will also act as the internship sponsor.

Q. Can an unpaid internship be included on my resume as work history?
A. All experiences related to a particular internship or job can be included on a resume. As a student, relevant coursework, co-curricular activities, community services, volunteer experiences, and previous internships and jobs can also be included on a resume. Again, it is the relevant skills and experience that employers are looking for.

Q. Do I need to be a current student to be eligible for an internship?
A. No. Our applicants may be high school students, college students, graduate students, and recent graduates.

Q. Can I intern with the City if I’m an employee of the City?
A. Yes. City employees can participate in certain volunteer, unpaid internships. Please contact your department Human Resources Liaison to find out more information.

Q. When will I be contacted?
A. You may be contacted any time during the application period. The City of Irvine communicates Internship recruitment status via email and through Government Jobs. Please check your Government Jobs inbox regularly and your email, including your spam/junk folder.

Q. What if my question isn’t answered here?
A. Please call the Human Resources Department at 949-724-6067 or email recruitment@cityofirvine.org.