The human services field is a wide and diverse one, with many opportunities for students who are interested in helping people.
An internship in the human services field will give you the chance to gain practical experience in the field and learn how to provide services that will be meaningful to those who need them. An internship can also help you determine whether this is a career path that would be right for you.
It’s important to research the types of jobs available as well as what skills are required for those jobs before applying for an internship. You should also think about whether there are any organizations or agencies that would be a good fit for you based on your interests and goals.
If you decide that an internship is right for you, there are several steps you need to take before applying:
Know what type of internship experience you want during your time at school. For example, do you want to work directly with clients? Or would it be more beneficial if your internship involved assisting with case management activities?
Make sure that your school has an established program or department dedicated to human service internships. If your school does not have such a program, ask someone from the counseling center or career development office who can help guide you through finding one nearby that fits what you’re looking for.
Internship For Human Services
Human Services Internships
- School Clinic Internships
- Department of Health & Human Services
- Other Government Internships
- Private Sector and Non-Profit
- Voluntary Community Service
Human services majors looking for great internships to fulfill academic requirements or bolster their resume for future employment have plenty of options to choose from. While many people in the profession find internships and eventual employment in government organizations, there is also a consistent need for the skill-set in most commercial industries. Internships provide real-world experience and helps students determine how to proceed with their career once they graduate.
School Clinic Internships
Since many colleges require one or two semesters of internship service as part of the core curriculum, students should carefully consult with their teachers and faculty advisors to make sure they meet the requirements. Academic internships usually revolve around clinical application of knowledge gained during coursework and are broken down into several different parts, like case studies and behavioral therapy. Many schools offer resources to help students find a suitable internship opportunity.
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Department of Health & Human Services
The United States Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) is a great source for human services internships. The expansive organization is an umbrella for a variety of national and local programs that are designed to improve living conditions, reach out to communities and provide essential services to citizens. The HHS offers internship opportunities to high school students as well as adults pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Related resource: Top 14 Cheap Online Human Services Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
Students who are interested in applying for an internship with the HHS or any other federal institution should create an account to access listings on the US Office of Personnel Management’s website. This also provides the opportunity to explore other government agencies for suitable internships or potential future employment.
Other Government Internships
Students who want to focus on a certain aspect of human services during their internship can look into specific programs run by government agencies. The HHS Office of Women’s Health offers a variety of human services internship opportunities for those who want to learn more about the challenges and issues that impact women in communities across the country. There are a wide range of positions available, including paid and voluntary, so students can look for ones that fit their schedule and professional goals.
Private Sector and Non-Profit
Human services students can also find plenty of great internship opportunities in the private sector with businesses or non-profits. Many large companies maintain a human resources department and they also look for customer service representatives with professional people skills. Students who want to receive credit for an internship with a private company should check with faculty advisors to make sure it will count towards their academic requirements.
Voluntary Community Service
Many areas of human services are oriented around serving local communities, especially individuals who are vulnerable or otherwise in need. Volunteer internships with a community outreach effort can provide a wealth of personal and professional rewards for human services students. They also offer networking opportunities for young professionals to meet others with a common interest.
Internships are among the most important educational experiences a student can have, which means they should take their time to find one that adds real value to their education. Fortunately, there are hundreds of different human services internships for students to browse as they look for an opportunity that piques their interest.
