The Office of Career and Experiential Learning Services is excited to share that 25 students were placed in internships, both internal and external, during the Spring 2026 term. This is a significant accomplishment, especially given the population we serve: working adults who balance multiple responsibilities and often choose SUNY Empire’s virtual learning environment for its flexibility and ability to earn a degree from home.
A common question we hear is: Are internships realistic for working adults?
The answer is yes.
While internships may not be the right fit for every student, participation can be a powerful career-building tool. According to a 2025 Handshake survey, 12% of students reported they did not expect to participate in an internship before graduating, often due to barriers such as caregiving responsibilities, the need to work, and limited access to opportunities (Mowreader, 2025). These challenges are real, but they don’t have to be roadblocks.
Internships allow your resume to be considered rather than overlooked. Employers are looking for more than coursework alone; they value hands-on experience, transferable skills, and professional confidence. To help reduce barriers, SUNY Empire’s Internship Initiative offers stipends and need-based grants, including support for travel, and childcare, making participation more accessible for working students.
If you haven’t yet spoken with an advisor about internships, or you’ve been considering one but weren’t sure where to start, now is the time! Career and Experiential Learning Services work with students to connect them to internal opportunities across the university and external internships aligned with career goals, offering real-world experience alongside faculty and staff with a wealth of professional knowledge.
Tips to Get Started and Engage with Career Services
- Talk with your academic advisor
Ask if you have room in your degree plan for an internship and how it can support your academic and career goals.
- Schedule a meeting with Career Services early
You don’t need to be “career-ready” to meet with us. We help students explore interests, clarify goals, and build a plan, no matter where you are in your journey.
- Reflect before your appointment. Think about:
- The type of work or field you’re interested in
- How many hours per week you can realistically commit
- Whether a remote, hybrid, or in-person internship would work best for you
- Start career planning before your final year
Resume reviews, LinkedIn support, mock interviews, and career exploration are available well before graduation, and the earlier you engage, the more you gain.
- Ask about funding and support options
Don’t assume cost is a dealbreaker. Our team can walk you through available stipends and grants designed specifically for working students.
Internships are not just for traditional students, they are for you, your goals, and your future. Career and Experiential Learning Services is here to support you every step of the way as you begin careering before you graduate.
References
Mowreader, A. (2025, July 25). Students See Internships as Must-Haves. Inside Higher Ed. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/life-after-college/2025/07/25/students-see-internships-must-haves
