Unlocking Potential: Internship Opportunities for Adults

Internships are often seen as opportunities for young adults and college students, but they can also be incredibly valuable for adults at various stages of their careers. These experiences offer a chance to gain new skills, explore different industries, and enhance career prospects. This article explores the diverse landscape of internship opportunities available to adults, highlighting their benefits and providing resources for finding the right fit.

The Value of Internships for Adults

While internships are traditionally associated with students, adults can greatly benefit from these opportunities as well. Here's why:

Skill Development: An internship gives workers the chance to learn new skills, observe a workplace environment, build relationships with co-workers and managers, get used to a regular schedule, and test their abilities to contribute and be productive.
Career Change: Internships provide a low-risk way to test out a new career path before committing to a full-time position.
Networking: Internships offer the chance to build relationships with professionals in a desired field, expanding one's professional network.
Resume Enhancement: Adding internship experience to a resume can make an adult job seeker more competitive, especially when re-entering the workforce or seeking a career change.

Types of Internship Programs for Adults

Internship programs for adults come in various forms, catering to different needs and experience levels.

Government Internships

Government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels offer a wide range of internship opportunities for adults. These internships can provide valuable experience in public service and insight into governmental operations.

Federal Internships: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) values the contributions made by students and recent graduates of all ages and backgrounds. DOL is seeking bright, innovative, results-oriented individuals to join our Pathways Internship Program. As an Intern, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable on the job training and experience related to your field while pursuing your education. Internship can be seasonal (spring, summer, fall or year round). At the successful conclusion of this program, you may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a federal career or career conditional position. Interns may work full-time or part-time schedules. The Pathway Internship Program replaces STEP/SCEP. Ideal candidates for DOL internships are individuals pursing undergraduate or graduate degree programs in various fields. The Recent Graduates Program provides developmental experiences in the federal government. It is intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who, within the previous two years, graduated from qualifying educational institutions with an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from qualifying educational institutions. To be eligible, applicants must apply within the previous two years of degree or certificate completion except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation - who have up to six years after degree or certificate completion to apply. For more than three decades, the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program has been the federal government's premier leadership development program for advanced degree (e.g., masters or professional degree) candidates. Whether you are on a career path, or in the process of determining which career you would like to pursue, the CDC has numerous commissioned corps, internship, training, and volunteer opportunities for students of all academic disciplines and levels. If you are a student or a recent college graduate, and are looking for rewarding work experience to supplement your education, then the Pathways Program is just for you! The Pathways program is made up of three main components: the Internship Program which offers internship and summer employment opportunities to students; the Recent Graduates Program where recent college graduates can obtain enriching developmental work experience in public health and related support occupations; and the Presidential Management Fellows Program that offers leadership development opportunities to students who are in the process of completing their master’s, law, or doctoral-level degree within the academic year. The Internship Program is for high school and college students in search of an internship or other opportunity to gain work experience while in school. The program is designed to provide students who are enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service. The Student Summer Employment provides training and work experience for individuals during summer months. Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a diploma, certificate, or degree-seeking student. Student summer employment opportunities are announced January through March of each year. Visit USAJobs beginning in January for more information on applying for summer employment with CDC. Have you recently graduated from a qualifying educational institution or program? If yes, then explore the many opportunities available under the new Pathways Recent Graduates Program (RGP). The recent graduates program offers developmental experiences in the Federal Government in an effort to promote possible careers in civil service. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation. Veterans have up to six years after degree completion to apply. Will you complete your master’s, law, or doctoral-level degree during this academic year? If yes, we invite you to explore a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program. The PMF Program is a two-year, paid program designed to develop future leaders committed to excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs. The program is highly competitive and candidates must be nominated by their graduate program’s dean, director, or chair. Upon successful completion of the program, fellows may be eligible for permanent placement within a federal agency. In accordance with Executive Order: Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Government, this Fellow program will sunset.

Read also: Explore Cook Medical Internship Opportunities
State Internships: The Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR) has developed an internship program that will provide participants with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in these areas before graduating from college, under the tutelage of a mentor. As an intern, you will work closely with experienced department of Revenue professionals, gaining insight into their job responsibilities and duties. You will be able to explore, experience, and learn one of the primary functions of the department, allowing you to integrate classroom knowledge into practical principles in a work environment. ALDOR Mission Statement: The mission of the Alabama Department of Revenue is to efficiently and effectively administer the revenue laws in an equitable, courteous, and professional manner in order to fund governmental services for the citizens of Alabama. When hiring new employees, the Alabama Department of Revenue seeks qualified candidates who are majoring in accounting, information technology, computer science, or any business-related field (such as business administration, public administration, finance, marketing, or management). Colleges and universities in the state of Alabama have some of the best academic programs in these disciplines in the country.

Non-Profit Internships

Non-profit organizations often rely on interns to support their missions. These internships can be a great way for adults to contribute to a cause they care about while gaining valuable experience.

Active Minds: As a growing nonprofit organization, Active Minds relies on our interns tremendously as they work directly on important initiatives and projects, as well as assist staff with a variety of administrative tasks. Active Minds offers internships in the Fall (September-December), Spring (January-April), and Summer (June-July). Intern positions vary depending on the needs of the organization and are posted at the start of each application cycle. We expect interns to work 20 hours a week, set a consistent work schedule between 9:00am-5:00pm ET, and commit to staying on for the entire program.

Corporate Internships

Some companies offer internship programs specifically designed for adults who are looking to change careers or re-enter the workforce. These internships typically focus on providing practical skills and experience in a corporate setting.

Internships for People with Disabilities

A number of businesses, organizations, and agencies now recognize the value of these experiences. Although some are designed for college students with disabilities, others are open to students in their last year of high school or young adults who've left school. Project SEARCH Indiana is a transition employment model developed at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in 1996. Students in transition-those with disabilities who are in their last year of high school and who are eligible for Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation services-are finding employment as a direct result of their Project SEARCH Indiana experiences. During the course of the internship year, students develop extensive resume portfolios and are sometimes offered employment by the host business or a related business when the internship ends. Prospective interns meet with an Indiana InternXperience coordinator to set goals and determine strengths, interests, and preferences for a "good fit" internship. Business placements are determined by the student's field of interest, location, and goals. Note that this site offers internships for any type of student and is not specific to disability. Talk to your VR counselor, local WorkOne office, or community employment provider if you are interested in applying for an internship you see listed on Indiana Intern. American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Summer InternshipsAAPD is a national disability advocacy organization. Through its summer internship program in Washington, D.C., AAPD places college students with federal agencies, Congressional offices, and not-for-profit and for-profit businesses. A Title 5 non-competitive hiring authority used to hire individuals with disabilities. No vacancy announcement is required. No grade limitation on appointment. Individual may have a probationary period for up to two years and could be converted to the competitive service after the probationary period is completed. Conversion to Permanent Position: After completing two years of satisfactory performance, employees may be converted to appointments in the competitive service. Conversion to Permanent: After completing two years of successful service, employees may be converted to appointments in the competitive service. Conversion to Permanent Position: After completing two years of satisfactory performance, employees may be converted to appointments in the competitive service. Requirements: Veterans who are qualified for the positions must have retired from active military service with a disability rating of 30% or more, OR be rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs within the last year as having a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Authority: Schedule A, 5 CFR 213.3102(ll) permits appointments of readers, interpreters, and personal assistants for employees with disabilities. Employment as a reader, interpreter or personal assistant is no longer necessary for reasons beyond management’s control, e.g., resignation or reassignment of the person being assisted.

Apprenticeships: A Pathway to Skilled Employment

While internships are typically short-term, apprenticeships offer a longer-term, structured approach to gaining skills and experience.

Read also: Unlock summer legal internships

Apprenticeships vs. Internships: An internship is a short-term work experience, usually for a semester or summer. Internships can be paid or unpaid, but do not always result in a paid position with the company. An apprenticeship is usually longer, is paid, often involves classroom or online learning, and is designed to create skilled employees. An apprenticeship almost always results in a paid position.
Department of Labor (DOL) and Apprenticeships: Department of Labor (DOL) refers to apprenticeships as a "proven solution" for employers seeking to recruit, train, hire, and retain skilled workers. Businesses developing and relying on apprenticeships vary from traditional construction or building trades to those in information technology and health care. DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is committed to increasing the number of apprenticeships available to adults and young adults with disabilities. The agency is promoting inclusive apprenticeship program models. The ODEP apprenticeship webpage includes links to the agency's Apprenticeship Disability-Inclusion Guides for young adults, educators and service providers, and businesses.

Finding Internship Opportunities

Numerous resources are available to help adults find internship opportunities that align with their career goals.

University Career Centers: The Career Center maintains a working relationship with many employers throughout the country in an effort provide students with a broad range of internship opportunities. You can complete one or more internships anytime throughout your time at The University of Alabama, and there are plenty of opportunities available for you locally, nationally, and even internationally.
Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor list internship opportunities across various industries and locations.
Professional Organizations: Many professional organizations offer internship programs or have job boards that list internship opportunities in their respective fields.
Networking: Reaching out to contacts in your desired field can uncover hidden internship opportunities.
Government Websites: USAJobs is a comprehensive resource for finding internships and other employment opportunities in the federal government.
Center on Community Living and Careers: On this page, you'll find information and links to internship opportunities within Indiana and a few nationwide. The Center on Community Living and Careers provides this information for the benefit of young adults, their families, and the professionals who support them. We do not, however, coordinate internships or work directly with the agencies or organizations listed here.

Tips for a Successful Internship

To make the most of an internship experience, adults should keep the following tips in mind:

Set Clear Goals: Before starting an internship, define your objectives and what you hope to achieve.
Be Proactive: Take initiative, ask questions, and seek out opportunities to learn and contribute.
Network: Build relationships with colleagues and supervisors, and attend networking events.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback on your performance and identify areas for improvement.
Document Your Accomplishments: Keep track of your achievements and contributions to showcase your skills and experience.

Overcoming Challenges

Adults pursuing internships may face unique challenges, such as financial constraints or balancing work and family responsibilities. However, these challenges can be overcome with careful planning and resourcefulness.

Financial Assistance: Some organizations offer stipends or grants to help interns cover living expenses. The Division of Student Life offers stipends for undergraduate students participating in unpaid internships. Awarded stipends vary from $500 to $1,000 and are limited.
Flexible Schedules: Look for internships that offer flexible schedules or remote work options to accommodate other commitments.
Career Counseling: Seek guidance from a career counselor or mentor to navigate the internship process and address any challenges that arise.

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