Getting Started On Your Internship Journey...

If you are like many students, you know that you want an internship and that other students have gone on internships,

but don't know how to do it yourself. Let's see if we can help you begin....

1. Always Know that You have Help

Know that we, the MMBIO Internship Office, are here for you at ANY point in this quest that you have undertaken. We have many resources, and have helped many students. Some of these steps may seem impossible, but just ask and we will help you get through them. Never say "I can't" on the road to success.

2. Narrow your search

There are thousands of internships out there in hundreds of fields. Where do you think you might want to go? Are you thinking of Graduate work anywhere? What kinds of things would you like to study?

3. Seek out information to fit with step one.

Most universities and businesses have websites. Look them up, learn what goes on there, and see if there is already an established undergraduate research program in place. Type in a search for the subject that you are interested in, and find the best places to do research. See the FAQ pagefor some good search options.

4. APPLY!

Act now, there are limited openings. Remember you can always turn someone down if you decide to do something different, but you cannot apply after the deadline or after all of the positions are filled!

If there is an established Internship Program, then please follow all of the steps of the application process carefully. Most applications will require letters of recommendation, don't worry, please visit our "frequently asked questions" section. Remember that the same professor can send a copy of the same letter of recommendation to as many internships as you apply for.

If there is NO established Internship Program, then please do the following. Research the provider (company, school, gnome, etc. that you would like to intern with). You will need to be knowledgeable about what they do and what you would like to do there. The more interest that you can show in the provider's work, the more likely you are to be able to work there. Remember to look for posted jobs on their site. Some of these jobs will count as an internship, and you may be surprised that you qualify to apply for many of them. Lastly approach the provider about doing research with them. For those who are not confident in their abilities to convey their goals and ideas over the phone, I would suggest written contact. Remember to show interest and enthusiasm.

5. Be Patient...

Apply to more programs while you are waiting. Most of our successful interns applied to many programs and contacted many offices. Don't worry, this really is worth it! Also, most programs expect that not all accepted will really attend, hence the reason for a waiting list. Meaning, you are not obligated to anyone or anything just because you applied.

6. Talk to the internship office!

If you haven't already contacted us, then you have been missing out on a lot of help, but now you must contact us. We need to know where you are going and if you would like to receive graded science credit for your experience. There are some forms that must be on file, so please contact our office.

 7. Apply for a scholarship

Once again, this can be turned down if you decide that you don't need it. This will help to pay for academic credit for you while you are gone. You can apply for BYU Scholarships at the BYU scholarship website, also look up scholarships at the Office of Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships!