Senior architecture major Rodolfo Arroyo said he had been looking for an internship since the beginning of 2009. He applied for five internships and only one firm called back, just to tell him they were not looking for interns at the time.
'I think it's pretty tough,' he said. 'Unless you are applying for something that's in demand, it'll be hard to get an internship right now.'
Arroyo said he is working on sending as many resumes and portfolios as he can to find an internship this year.
Indiana's unemployment rate went up to 9.8 percent in December from 9.3 percent in November. With an unsteady job market ahead for this year, internships have acquired more importance for both students and employers.
Pam Norman, executive director of Indiana Internnet, said because some companies are obligated to do work force reduction, they are hiring interns to compensate the work that needs to be done.
She said the transition was seen last year, when postings from employers increased by 30 percent from 2008. More universities are also making it a requirement for students to get an internship.
'I think this change is a correlation to the economy we're seeing,' she said.
Ball State University's Career Center has undergone some changes this year as the search for internships has increased.
Mark Hannon, associate director of the Career Center, said the center started posting unpaid internship offers, in addition to its list of paid internships.
'We know that, because of the current economy, there are a number of organizations that don't have the funding to pay interns,' he said. 'We always encourage employers to make paid internship offers but it's not always possible.'
However, unpaid internships have become another way of ensuring a job, through the connections made with employers and co-workers.
Norman said in the last year many of the students got an internship experience that turned into a full-time job.
'I encourage students to keep looking for paid internships, but also to keep an open mind for unpaid internships, which have as much value,' she said.
Norman said although students should expect a tough economy ahead, they should also try applying for internships, which could lead them to obtaining a job.
Students in search of internships should also keep in mind the demand for each field.
Graduate student Terry Fields said it was easy for him to find an internship for this summer. He secured his position in November. Fields is studying residential property management, an area he said is in demand.
'It's almost like they're coming out for you, specifically looking for interns,' he said. 'In this field it's not a matter of whether you will get the internship, it's more like 'Where do you want to go and how much do you want to make?'
Indiana Internnet helps students find internships or establish connections with other students and employers in the field. Like Monster.com or internships.com, Indiana Internnet has a matching system where students applying for an internship can post resumes and employers have internship postings.
Norman said Indiana Internnet has found that the largest pool of internships are in the areas of business management and information, technology and services. These fields have been growing in the past few years.
'It is a reflection of Indiana businesses,' she said. 'They are looking for those areas in general business management. There are also a good number of service companies in the state of Indiana.'
Other areas, such as those that are media-related, are competitive among students searching for an internship, Norman said.
'The number of internships will only continue to increase as students are required to have internship experience as an academic pursuit,' she said. 'And employers see value in interns; they are going to offer a greater number of internships and will continue expanding the responsibility.'
In order to find the right internship and endure the process, Norman's advice for students is for them to look everywhere: job searching Web sites, professors, family and friends.
Students should also be open-minded about the opportunities that are offered, she said. Some internships are project based, and, although they don't last 10 weeks, they are more focused and students usually acquire more experience, Norman said.
Hannon recommends students to have a positive attitude, to show potential employers that they are willing to contribute to the company and to have good communication skills.
Arroyo said he will send his resumes and portfolio to companies before the architecture job fair in February. Architecture majors are required to get an internship to enter graduate school at Ball State.
'I've had the opportunity before to take a job but I've passed it thinking I'll get a job from another company I've applied for, and then they never call me back,' he said. 'So this time, whoever calls me back first, I'll probably take that job.'
The Career Center has events during the Spring Semester to help students in their search for internships. Cardinal Job Fair, which will take place Feb. 18 at Worthen Arena, is organized by the Career Center.
The Career Center also holds workshops that range from mock interviews to learning how to use social media effectively at work. Students can access the Career Center's schedule through the Ball State Web site.
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