According to a 2024 student survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), students who participated in an internship had more job offers before graduating than those students who did not participate in an internship. And, their starting salaries were approximately $12,000 higher! Additionally, the NACE 2026 Job Outlook survey revealed that 79 - 87% of employers considered completion of an internship within their industry when making hiring decisions. When applying for jobs, having participated in an internship is a great way to demonstrate that you possess the skills employers are looking for!
Internship Spotlights
Nate Agosta - Turfgrass Internship
Summer internships are required by the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture for their students due to their experiential component and educational value.
Nate Agosta is a senior Plant and Landscape Systems major pursuing the Turfgrass Science and Management option. He interned at Lost Rail private golf club near Gretna, NE in summer 2025.
Riley Bruno - Forensic Toxicology Internship
UNL's Forensic Science Program includes an option in forensic chemistry, which is the application of chemistry and chemical methods, using modern analytical equipment, to assist in the identification of unknown materials found at a crime scene.
Riley Bruno is a senior who is double majoring in forensic science and chemistry. In Summer 2025, she spent 12 weeks as a forensic toxicology laboratory intern for LabCorp in Southaven, Mississippi.
Atirath Deb Roy - PGA Golf Management Internships
The PGA Golf Management Program features 16 months of full-time internship work in the golf industry. Three separate internship experiences are required prior to graduation.
Atirath Deb Roy is a senior from New Delhi, India and is double majoring in PGA Golf Management and economics.
Nia Meyer - Nebraska Wildlife Rehab
Nebraska Wildlife Rehab rescues and rehabilitates native Nebraska wildlife and migratory birds for return to the wild; preserves and restores native habitats; and educates youth and adults about the importance of wildlife and ecosystems.
Nia Meyer is a senior fisheries and wildlife major from Chadron, NE. In Summer 2025, she participated in an internship with Nebraska Wildlife Rehab.
Getting Started
If you are interested in gaining experience via an internship, there are many ways to learn about available opportunities:
- Schedule an appointment with a CASNR career coach to discuss your interests and career goals and discuss how to identify internship opportunities. Many academic advisors will also send internship opportunities to their advisees so be sure to regularly check your e-mail!
- Search Handshake for internships in Nebraska or around the U.S.!
- Create a LinkedIn profile, search for internships, follow organizations, and connect with alumni and recruiters.
- Interested in an international internship? If so, check out GoinGlobal!
Earning Academic Credit
It may be possible to earn academic credit for your internship. Here's how:
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss if academic credit for your internship will fulfill the experiential learning requirement for your degree. If not, will it fulfill another requirement for your major? Or, will it count as an elective? Discuss if your internship meets the criteria to earn academic credit and for how many credit hours.
- In order to earn academic credit, many departments will require that you work with a faculty sponsor to determine the learning objectives for the internship and how you will earn a grade. Examples of assignments could include keeping a weekly reflection journal, writing a final reflection paper, giving an oral presentation, etc. You may be asked to fill out an academic contract signed by you, your faculty sponsor and internship supervisor to ensure that everyone understands the expectations for earning academic credit.
Benefits of Earning Academic Credit
Earning academic credit can add value to your internship experience by:
- Having successful completion of the internship documented on your transcript.
- Collaborating with a faculty member to reflection on and process the learning that took place during the internship and how it relates to your other coursework and future career goals.
Report Your Internship
We would love to hear about your internship experiences! Not only will the information you provide help prospective and current students learn about internships and majors, as importantly, it directly impacts UNL's accreditation and academic rankings, therefore influencing the future value of your degree. Please take a moment to fill out the survey to the best of your ability with the most accurate information.
Reflect on Your Learning
Use MyRed to select a course that satisfies UNL's Experiential Learning (EL) requirement. Your academic advisor can assist you in finding an EL course with a focus on gaining skills through internships.
Support for Your Journey
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