The Magic “I” Word: Internships

  • According to employers, one of the most valuable types of experiences you can have.
  • Organizations hire many full-time employees from summer or academic year interns.
  • Kansas Micro-internship Program

The National Association of Colleges and Employers defines an internship this way:

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent.   

To ensure that an experience—whether it is a traditional internship or one conducted remotely or virtually—is educational, and thus eligible to be considered a legitimate internship by the NACE definition, all the following criteria must be met: 

  • The experience must be an extension of the classroom: a learning experience that provides for applying the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or be the work that a regular employee would routinely perform.
  • The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other employment settings.
  • The experience has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications.
  • There are clearly defined learning objectives/goals related to the professional goals of the student’s academic coursework. 
  • There is supervision by a professional with expertise and educational and/or professional background in the field of the experience.
  • There is routine feedback by the experienced supervisor.  
  • There are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer that support learning objectives/goals. 
If these criteria are followed, it is the opinion of NACE that the experience can be considered a legitimate internship

Benefits/Advantages of Internships

While many students wait until their junior or senior year to complete an internship, completing an internship while you are still undecided allows you to explore career paths before you commit to a major. Juniors and seniors can use an internship to experience the variety of specialties within their chosen field and determine the best fit for individual skills, abilities, and interests.
Employers frequently cite the work experience gained by internships as important in their hiring decisions for college graduates. An internship is a great way to gain experience in your career field and can help to put you ahead of other candidates in the job search.
The process for finding an internship is, in many cases, identical to finding full-time employment. Finding job openings, contacting employers, developing your resume and cover letter, interviewing, and evaluating offers are all skills that you will practice during your internship search.
An internship will put you in contact with professionals in your field of interest - a perfect networking opportunity.
Employers frequently mention new graduates’ lack of “professionalism” in the workplace. The best way to learn how to fit into the professional workplace is through practice. An internship is your orientation to the world of work!
Employers like to hire interns into full-time positions after graduation. During an internship, employers are able to observe your daily behavior, work ethic, and ability to fit in with their organization. Think of an internship as an extended interview.

Types of Internships

Internships can be either paid or unpaid depending on the career field and employer resources.  Internships in business fields (accounting, marketing, finance) are more likely to be paid than those in social science careers (social work, education, history).  Consider whether or not your personal financial situation will allow you to accept an unpaid internship. An unpaid position can be a great experience and has the same networking opportunities and professional benefits of a paid internship. When considering an unpaid position, it is important to weigh the long-term benefit of your experience against the short-term financial gain.
If you will receive college credit for your internship you need to contact your academic department to arrange this.  Internships that are for college credit will require you to enroll in an internship course and have a faculty advisor. Each department handles internship credit differently so be sure to check with your advisor before accepting or beginning an internship.  Internships for which you do not receive college credit are still valuable experiences.
The length of internships varies; however, students commonly complete internships over the summer or during a semester while taking classes. Summer internships are more frequently full-time, while internships completed during the semester tend to be fewer hours per week to allow students to continue to take classes. In the early stages of your internship search, consider which option fits into your schedule. Location of an internship also is a factor; summer internships can be found nationwide, or even internationally, while semester internships may have to be local.
During your internship search you may run across the term co-op. A co-op, or cooperative education, experience is typically a semester of full-time employment. Students in a traditional co-op setting do not take college courses during the co-op. Employers may use the term internship and co-op interchangeably, so be sure to ask about the employment time frame and expectations.

Each employer has unique internship parameters, so be sure to ask lots of questions during the selection process to ensure that the experience is what you are seeking. Your accomplishments and tasks completed during your internship are more important than simply having the word “Intern” on your resume.

At the start of your internship, meet with your supervisor to discuss your interest areas and internship goals. While you may not be able to tailor your entire experience, showing initiative and ownership of your experience will demonstrate professionalism and dedication to the position.  Make your specific areas of interest and experience known to your internship supervisor.

Treat your internship as a job interview. Since many employers hire full-time employees from recent interns, your performance during the internship can determine whether or not you are offered a position.  During your internship, act as you would if you were a full-time employee.  Following the dress code, arriving on time, staying on task, and completing work within deadlines will impress your supervisor.  Even if your company does not have a position open, a positive reference from your internship will be very helpful during your job search.

 

Available internships from Handshake

This list is updated directly from the Handshake website. View all openings (handshake website)
Link: Chemical Engineering Intern at ACCI Specialty Materials
Date: Thu, 15 May 2025 2:05 PM
Employer: ACCI Specialty Materials Expires: 11/15/2025 ACCI Specialty Materials is a leading chemical manufacturing company based in Linden, NJ with a manufacturing plant in Harrisonville, MO. We are currently seeking a Summer Intern to help develop PSSR's (Prestartup Safety Reviews), PHA's (Process Hazard Analysis)  for new products and help in  updating the Health & Safety program.Responsibilities:Assist in the development of a PSSR's manufacturing equipmentHelp update the Health & Safety program by reviewing policies and procedures and recommending improvementsAssist in safety audits and inspections to identify potential hazards and make recommendations for corrective actionsAssist with the implementation of new safety initiativesWork closely with the with experienced Chemical Engineers and HSE to ensure compliance with safety regulationsParticipate in safety training sessions and provide input on new training programsRequirements:Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in a related field (e.g. Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science)Strong attention to detail and organizational skillsExcellent communication skills, both written and verbalAbility to work independently and as part of a teamProficient in Microsoft OfficePrevious experience in a manufacturing environment a plusThis is a great opportunity for a motivated student who is interested in gaining hands-on experience in developing in plant and batch process engineering. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals and make a real impact on our operations.To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position and how your skills and experience make you a strong candidate.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. This position is based in the Kansas City metro area. We are conducting in-person interviews only at our facility: 1701 W Vine St Harrisonville, MO 64701.  If you are interested, please arrive between 9AM and 3PM Monday through Friday with your resume and complete an application.  Resumes submitted through this platform will be discarded without review.
Link: Accounting Internships - Audit & Tax (Spring & Summer 2026) at Adams Brown
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2025 1:56 PM
Employer: Adams Brown Expires: 11/21/2025 As a valued member of our team you will immediately be exposed to all aspects of tax compliance and audit + assurance working with all levels of our team across the 14 different offices in Kansas and Arkansas. Adams Brown is a Top 125 largest firm in the US with clients across the state & country in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, professional services as well as restaurants and oil & gas.Our team is technology focused to be efficient while managing client relationships to assist them reach their short & long-term goals. We have created a positive, dynamic, people-oriented environment that is genuinely committed to serving clients and working as a close team.Adams Brown utilizes both firm wide and office focused communication to help share knowledge throughout the firm. We have centralized training processes to help you learn the technical and time and work management skills to be successful which you will continue to build on as your career progresses. In addition, you will have a dedicated Intern Site Coordinator who will be your go-to person for questions throughout the internship.You will be given the opportunity to work with co-workers who specialize in payroll, financial reporting, and wealth management services as well as business consulting as we are a part of the Adams Brown ONE team, ONE goal, ONE firm concept. You will also have the opportunity to be apart of a specific Industry such as: Agriculture, Closely Held Business, Construction & Real Estate, Health Care, High Net Worth, Governmental, & Manufacturing. Questions? Visit https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/careers/ or contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Jordan Gaylord at jgaylord@adamsbrowncpa.com.An unofficial transcript is required at the time of application. AdamsBrown, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Link: Account Management Intern at Advisors Excel
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2025 1:37 PM
Employer: Advisors Excel Expires: 10/09/2025 Position: Account Management InternDepartment: Creative ServicesReporting to: Associate Director & Training ManagerLocation: Topeka, KS - OnsiteOverview:Are you looking for an opportunity to build your marketing and account management skills? This role will need your enthusiasm and detail orientation as you process account tickets, orders, reports, mailing, and assist with culture events for the department. If you are passionate about providing the ultimate client experience, this in-house internship could be perfect for you!What you’ll do: Assist with managing inboxes and communicationsProcessing overdue tickets in the account coordinator queueSubmit print ordersSubmit print and web requestsOrganize/distribute print samples to account managersSend proofs to advisorsAssist with coordinating team outings and culture eventsAssist account managers with weekly project cleanupAssist account managers with scheduling calls and calendar invitesMail out client facing materialsExperience you’ll bring:Strong knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OutlookDetail oriented, focused on quality in all aspects of your workAbility to manage projects/tasks while navigating a variety of competing prioritiesOutstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with all personality types and with all levels of staffBonus Points:Experience with data analyticsInterest in project managementSome college credits (particularly in marketing, mass media, or business)What you’ll get:Access to an on-site café & gymContinuous personal and professional development opportunitiesRecognition for hard work & exemplary performanceEmployee sponsored events…and more!Who We Are:Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors’ businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team!Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here – as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily.
Link: Compliance Summer Intern at Advisors Excel
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2025 2:55 PM
Employer: Advisors Excel Expires: 01/16/2026 Position: Compliance Summer InternDepartment: ComplianceReporting to: Compliance ManagerLocation: Topeka, KS - OnsiteOverview:Are you ready to make a splash this upcoming summer? Join us as a Compliance Intern and take part in an engaging project aimed at enhancing our compliance program! You’ll not only support our organization’s compliance needs but also have the chance to showcase your work to our compliance leadership team at the end of the summer.What you’ll do: Manage an exciting summer project to enhance reporting capabilities for our surveillance and supervision teamsParticipate in engaging industry training sessions to boost your knowledge and skillsTake on a variety of tasks as needed, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative work environmentExperience you’ll bring:Self-starterAbility to take ownership of projectsExceptional problem determination skills with a high attention to detailConfident, professional and articulate written and verbal communication skillsBonus Points:Completed coursework in corporate compliance, business transactions, or other related topicsPrevious experience in business law, particularly securities, insurance, or compliance lawWhat you’ll get:Access to an on-site café & gymContinuous personal and professional development opportunitiesRecognition for hard work & exemplary performanceEmployee sponsored events…and more!Who We Are:Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors’ businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team!Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here – as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily.
Link: Finance Summer Intern at Advisors Excel
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2025 2:32 PM
Employer: Advisors Excel Expires: 01/23/2026 Position: Finance Summer InternDepartment: FinanceReporting to: Finance Project ManagerLocation: Topeka, KS - OnsiteOverview:Are you looking to get experience on all sides of corporate finance? This position provides the opportunity to contribute to key projects within our Finance team. The intern role is designed to provide students with the foundation needed to become successful in an Accounting or Finance career. Interns will be placed into one or more departments within the firm to learn and develop core business knowledge while completing special projects.What you’ll do:Participate in on-the-job training as directed by department managersAssists with data gathering and preparation for projects as assignedComplete administrative tasks such as scanning, copying and organizing of documentsEngage in job shadowing with different divisions within Finance and One AEMiscellaneous spreadsheet reports as directedAssists Finance Leadership and department with various administrative and project requestsOther duties as assignedExperience you’ll bring:Ability to working independently, but also as a collaborative team memberDetail oriented, focused on quality in all aspects of your workPC knowledge including Microsoft Suite productsStrong organizational skillsTime management skillsBonus Points:Working toward an Accounting/Finance degreeWhat you’ll get:Access to an on-site café & gymContinuous personal and professional development opportunitiesRecognition for hard work & exemplary performanceEmployee sponsored events…and more!Who We Are:Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors’ businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team!Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here – as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily.
Link: Community Engagement Intern at Advisors Excel
Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2025 3:24 PM
Employer: Advisors Excel Expires: 10/01/2025 Position: Community Engagement InternDepartment: Employee ExperienceReporting to: Director of Community EngagementLocation: Topeka, KS - OnsiteOverview:Are you passionate about making a difference in the community? Join us as a Community Engagement Intern and be a vital part of Advisors Excel's impactful initiatives! In this role, you'll dive into various administrative tasks while actively participating in the execution of volunteer events. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute to our community projects, we want to hear from you!What you’ll do: Perform administrative functions related to community engagement including entering data into spreadsheets and maintaining filesAssist community engagement team with coordination of volunteer eventsAssist community engagement team with charitable donation requestsAssist with community engagement email inbox; reply to various inquiries and upload documents to appropriate filesInteract with employees and community partners to provide needed informationShop, pickup, deliver and package items as needed for community engagement eventsAssist with creation of internal staff communication Experience you’ll bring:An interest in community outreach, human services, or related areas.Confident, professional, and articulate in written and verbal communication; ability to build a rapport with all personality typesGood organizational skills and record keeping (attention to detail is critical)Enthusiastic, dependable, self-motivatedAbility to handle confidential informationBonus Points:Strong knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel and OutlookPrevious office experience; general skills- scheduling, phone skills, typing, etcWhat you’ll get:Access to an on-site café and gymContinuous personal and professional development opportunitiesRecognition for hard work & exemplary performanceEmployee sponsored events…and more!Who We Are:Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors’ businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team!Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here – as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily.
Link: Media Content Intern at Advisors Excel
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2025 1:43 PM
Employer: Advisors Excel Expires: 10/10/2025 Position: Media Content InternDepartment: Media Solutions Reporting to: Associate Director of Television InitiativesLocation: Topeka, KS - OnsiteOverview:As a Media Content Intern, you'll dive into the dynamic world of TV and radio content development, organization, and dissemination. Working closely with our Media Content team, you'll play a vital role in supporting various projects through research, compliance coordination, writing tasks, and managing email correspondence with clients. You'll also have the chance to tackle special assignments and production tasks, making every day an exciting new challenge. Do you enjoy being at the heart of media production and contributing to the creative process? If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you!What you’ll do: Assist Media Content team in maintaining content library for both radio and TV platformsHelp with researching retirement articles and facts, and maintaining database of sourcesImplement compliance revisions in scriptsPrepare/personalize scripts for upcoming TV and/or radio productionsReview produced radio and TV content as neededAssist TV and Radio production teams as neededExperience you’ll bring:Familiarity with broadcast writing stylePC proficiencyStrong attention to detailAbility to professionally communicate with clients via email, phone, and in-personAbility to meet deadlines and keep pace in a fast-paced environmentAbility to work independently but also as a collaborative team memberProfessional approach and appearanceBonus Points:Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mass Media, Marketing, Journalism, or another related fieldWhat you’ll get:Access to an on-site café and gymContinuous personal and professional development opportunitiesRecognition for hard work & exemplary performanceEmployee sponsored events…and more!Who We Are:Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors’ businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team!Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here – as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily.
Link: Surveillance Compliance Intern at Advisors Excel
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2025 1:52 PM
Employer: Advisors Excel Expires: 10/10/2025 Position: Surveillance Compliance InternDepartment: ComplianceReporting to: Compliance ManagerLocation: Topeka, KS - OnsiteOverview:Are you ready to kickstart your career in compliance? In this dynamic role, you’ll play a crucial part in supporting our compliance efforts by managing data to monitor the day-to-day activities of our advisors and registered representatives. Your essential duties will include auditing data feeds for accurate reporting and tackling data errors to resolve any issues that arise. In a fast-paced, ever-changing regulatory environment, we’re seeking a self-motivated individual who embraces change and thrives on proactive problem-solving. If you’re eager to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you!What you’ll do: Manage and troubleshoot data errors and updates to keep our surveillance system running smoothlyAssist with maintaining active data feeds for personal trading accountsSupport audits of the surveillance systems filesTake charge of compliance projects like a boss! We need someone who can drive these initiatives independently.Support other compliance teams as assigned. Collaboration is key, and we’re all about teamwork!Experience you’ll bring:Self-starter and have interest in compliance and data managementAbility to work independently and take ownership of projectsExceptional problem determination skills with a high attention to detailAbility to gain knowledge and understanding of compliance requirements and regulationsConfident, professional and articulate written and verbal communication skillsBonus Points:Completed coursework in corporate compliance, business transactions, or other related topicsPrevious experience in business law, particularly securities, insurance, or compliance lawWhat you’ll get:Access to an on-site café and gymContinuous personal and professional development opportunitiesRecognition for hard work & exemplary performanceEmployee sponsored events…and more!Who We Are:Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors’ businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team!Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here – as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily.
Link: Creative Department Summer Intern at Advisors Excel
Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:51 AM
Employer: Advisors Excel Expires: 02/06/2026 Position: Creative Department Summer InternDepartment: Creative Services Reporting to: Creative Services Program Manager  Overview: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work for a top tier ad agency? Do you want to understand what creativity means at a growing company? As a Creative Department Intern, you will assist the Social Media Manager, Creative Department Assistant, and members of the Creative Team with various creative and administrative tasks. If organization and flexibility are your strong suits, this fast-paced, energetic environment might be just the fit for you.All Summer Interns will be included in Topeka’s Top City Internship program. The Top City Internship program is comprised of several large and small businesses and gives you the opportunity to visit and tour other great companies in the Topeka area, listen to talks from top business influencers and the chance to network with other Interns in the program throughout the city.  What you’ll do: Coordinate and order promotional items, event supplies and gifts for clientsAssist in ongoing birthday campaigns for clients including mailings and e-blastsCompose, coordinate and distribute daily communication to staffMaintain records and receipts of department purchasesAssemble gifts and materials for events (client and staff), Prep space for meeting rooms for events, Assist in ordering food and beverage for eventsAssist in coordinating Creative group lunchesAssist in scheduling for Creative Department leaders and other creative meeting needsAssist Creative leadership in gathering, tracking, and reporting on Creative strategic plan, KPIs, and other reporting tasksAssist Creative leaders and department with various administrative and project requests Assist the Corporate Marketing Team and Social Media Manager with content creation and various tasks across multiple platformsSupport AE Media teams with tasks related to TV production, media buying, radio, and digital campaignsPerforms other duties as assigned Experience you’ll bring: High School DiplomaPassion for creating positive work environment Outgoing, loves working with peopleStrong organizational, time management and problem-solving skills Detail oriented, focused on quality in all aspects of your workAbility to independently manage projects/tasks while navigating a variety of competing priorities and frequent interruptionsOutstanding communication skills with the ability to interact with all personality types and with all levels of staffFamiliarity with Microsoft Suite Bonus Points: Currently or previously enrolled in secondary education programExperience with digital design/editing platforms (e.g. Adobe or Canva) Reliable transportation to run occasional errands  What you’ll get: Access to an on-site café and gym Continuous personal and professional development opportunitiesRecognition for hard work & exemplary performance Employee sponsored events…and more!  Who We Are:Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions, to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors’ businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team! Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here – as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily. 
Link: Marketing & Communications Intern at Ag Partners Cooperative, Inc.
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2025 6:00 PM
Employer: Ag Partners Cooperative, Inc. Expires: 10/11/2025 Marketing & Communications InternLocation: Seneca, KS or Hybrid/RemoteCreate and publish media content across digital, print, and broadcast mediumsDevelop and distribute social media contentAssist in managing the company website & customer platformsVideo and photography development and editingCoordinate with all departments to provide promotions and updates to employee & customers
back to top button