Internships

What is an internship?

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." --National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)

An internship is practical work experience that is directly related to your major field of study or career interest. Internships are typically short term in nature and typically last anywhere from 3 months to a year. Most internships are part-time during the school year and/or full-time during summer or winter break. Some are paid and others are not. For information about earning academic credit, talk to the internship supervisor in your department.

Why should I participate in an internship?

A great internship experience can expose you to many aspects of an industry and will promote the development of transferable skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Many college students participate in internships to gain relevant experience in a particular career field as well as to get exposure to determine if they have a genuine interest in the field. Internships are also an excellent way to begin building connections that will be invaluable in developing and maintaining a strong professional network for the future.

How do I obtain an internship?

There are many resources available to assist you in finding an internship. You should pursue several different strategies in your search including:

• Office of Career Services: Our office can help you identify sources for internship opportunities and evaluate those you might be considering. We can also assist you in putting together your resume and cover letter for any opportunities in which you are applying.
• Networking: Speak with family, friends, faculty, college advisors about what type of internship you want and when and where you want to do it. They might be able to provide you with some contacts and advice for getting started. The department chair in your major area may be able to provide you with a listing of employers that have hired previous students for internships.
• Job Boards: There are several websites that are dedicated to internship listings. Check out www.internships.com, www.jobcentral.com or conduct an internet search to locate additional online job boards.
• Contact Employers: Contact or visit employers in the region and inquire about part-time jobs or internship opportunities. To find listings of employers in your career area of interest, the yellow pages can be a good resource!
• Job Fairs: Attend career/job fairs locally and within the region you would like to pursue an internship. Many employers that participate in career/job fairs have internship opportunities. Even if the employer is not looking for interns, you may still want ask about the possibility. To view a listing of upcoming local job fairs, click here.

Internship Partners and Faculty Supervisors by Academic Department

Click on the department name below to view a listing of employers that have previously hired student interns from that department.

• Art

  Supervisor: Mike Jones
  The Richards Group (Dallas, TX)
  Zachry Associates, Inc. (Abilene, TX)
  Core Group Advertising (Dallas, TX)
  InFocus Video (Abilene, TX)
  Abilene Regional Medical Center (Abilene, TX)

• Business

  Supervisor: Dr. Doug McIntyre
  Milsoft Utility Solutions, Inc.
  Abilene Regional Medical Center
  Hendrick Health Center
  American Heart Association
  Perini’s
  State Farm Insurance
  K Mart
  First United Methodist Church
  Condley & Company, CPA
  Davis Kinard & Co, PC
  Busch Jewelers
  Best Buy Co.
  Texas High School Rodeo Assoc.
  Guidestone Financial Resources
  Walgreen Co.
  Texas Tech Small Business Dev. Center
  Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau
  Baker Ready Mix & Building Supplies
  Diamondback Golf Club
  The Marketing Arm
  Victory Records
  FFIN
  Deaconess Hospital
  Briercroft Fire and Water Restoration
  Stamford Memorial Hospital

• Criminal Justice

  Supervisor: Dr. Karin Brown
  Abilene Police Department
  Taylor County Sheriff’s Department
  Taylor County District Attorney
  Taylor County Juvenile Justice Center
  U.S. Postal Service
  Taylor County Restitution Center
  Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Parole Division
  Taylor County Domestic Relations Office
  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
  Taylor County Community Supervision and Corrections Department
  Abilene Fire Department
  Serenity House Substance Abuse Treatment Facility
  U.S. Probation Department
  Emergency Management Department
  Winter's Police Department
  Child Advocacy Center at the Taylor County Law Enforcement Center
  Forensic Science Department (APD)
  Regional Crime Victim Crisis Center
  Victim's Assistance Office (DA's Office)
  Child Protective Services
  Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division (Chaplaincy Program)

• Communication

  Supervisor: Charlene Strickland
  AAF Abilene ( American Advertising Federation)
  Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau
  Boys and Girls Club of Abilene
  BSM
  Big Brother Big Sister
  Creative Graphic Solutions
  Cultural Affairs Council
  Cumulus Broadcasting
  The Grace
  Glass Jar Studio
  HSU Sports Information
  HSU Office of Alumni Relations
  HSU Neighborhood Enhancement Center
  HSU Student Development
  HSU News and Information
  Healthy Skin Day Spa
  Hendrick Hospital
  Hendrick Home for Children
  National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature
  Jordan Taylor & Co.
  KTAB/KRBC News
  KTXS-TV
  St. Paul United Methodist Church
  Texas Country Reporter
  University Baptist Church
  U.S. Congressman Randy Neugebauer
  Western Heritage Classic Planning Committee
  YWCA

• Fitness & Sport Sciences

  Supervisor: Ron Rainwater
  Hendricks Center for Rehab
  HSU Volleyball
  GNC
  HSU Intramural Sports
  American Heart Association
  YMCA- Abilene TX.
  HSU Sports Information
  HSU Football
  West Texas Rehab
  Women’s Super Fitness (San Antonio, TX)
  Stephenson Oil & Gas
  HSU Athletic Department
  Abilene High School
  Abilene Country Club
  Alliance After School Care
  Abilene Regional Hospital
  Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Abilene, TX)
  Midland Lee High School
  Ripken Baseball Academy (Aberdeen, MD)
  Twin Creeks Hospital (Allen, TX)
  Athletic Supply
  Outdoor Education Camp (Brownwood, TX)
  Graham Regional Wellness Center
  Houston Knights AAU Basketball Team
  USA Men’s National Soccer Team
  Harris Down Town Ft. Worth Hospital
  University of Texas Frank Erwin Center
  Rose Park Tennis Center
  Air It Out Football Camp
  Abilene Cooper High School
  Gymnastics Sports Center
  Cisco High School
  Abilene Wylie High School
  McMurry Women’s Basketball
  City of Abilene Recreation Division
  HSU Soccer
  First Baptist Family Life Center
  Trilogy Athletics (Midland, TX)
  HSU Women’s Basketball
  Power Shack Gym
  Rebound Physical Therapy
  Clyde High School
  Abilene Boys & Girls Club
  Boys Club of America
  Morgan’s Buildings & Spas
  HSU Baseball
  Prime Time Family Fun Center
  The Citadel
  APEX

• Political Science & Legal Studies

  Supervisor: Sandy Self
  Law Office of Whitten, Hacker, Hagin, Anderson, Allen & Self
  Law Office of Mehaffey & Watson
  Law Office of Lynn Ingalsbe
  Law Office of McMahon, Surovik, & Suttle
  Federal District Court, Abilene Division
  Taylor County District Attorney’s Office
  Law Office of Vickie Carter
  Law Office of Gravley and Leggett
  Texas State Representative Susan King
  Former Texas State Representative Bob Hunter
  Texas Attorney General’s Office
  Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
  The Blackstone Foundation
  Abilene City Attorney’s Office
  Eastland Court of Appeals (11th)
  United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
  United States Congressman Randy Neugebauer
  United States Congressman Pete Sessions
  Eastland County Criminal District Attorney’s Office
  Eastland County Court
  Big Brothers/Big Sisters of West Texas
  Lead America
  Taylor County Democratic Party
  Preemptive Love Coalition
  Christian Life Commission
  Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger
  Congresswoman Kay Granger

• Social Work

  Supervisor: Melissa Milliorn
  Abilene Independent School District – Head Start
  Abilene Independent School District – Student Assistance Services
  Abilene Independent School District – Student Attendance Officers
  Abilene Neighborhoods in Progress
  Abilene Regional Medical Center
  Adult Protective Services
  Advancing Babies Chances (ECI)
  Ben Richey Boy’s Ranch
  Betty Hardwick Center (MHMR) HCS
  Big Brothers/Big Sister
  Cancer Services Network
  Care Inn of Abilene
  Christian Homes of Abilene
  Child Protective Services
  Connecting Caring Communities
  Coronado Nursing Center
  Crime Victim’s Crisis Center
  FOCUS, Inc.
  Harmony Family Services
  Hendrick Center for Rehab
  Hendrick Home for Children
  Hendrick Medical Center
  Hendrick Hospice – Rainbows
  High Sky – LIFE Aftercare
  Hope Haven
  Just People
  Mesa Springs Retirement Center
  Methodist Children’s Home
  Noah Project
  New Horizons
  Northern Oaks Nursing Center
  Oaks at Radford Hills
  Salvation Army
  Steps2Strides
  Taylor County Adult Probation
  Taylor County Juvenile Justice
  Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services
  Texas Department of State Health Services
  Wisteria Place Retirement Living
  WTRC/HOBC

• Sociology

  Supervisor: Dr. Joanne Roberts
  Children’s Protective Services