Real-world Experience | The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Internships, research opportunities and study abroad programs can help you develop career-readiness skills and gain hands-on training.

No matter what you are studying at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you have access to diverse experiences that set you up for academic, professional and personal success.

An ASU student examines bones at the Institute for Human Origins.

An ASU English student works at her internship.

Get on-the-job training.

Internships and part-time jobs are a great way to explore potential career paths and build practical experience. Research shows that students who do internships are more likely to land great jobs after graduation, giving you a competitive edge in launching your career.

An internship is a structured, professional learning experience that provides college students with the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Internships can take place in-person, remotely or in a hybrid format and typically align with a student's field of study or career interests.

A well-designed internship includes clear learning objectives, mentorship and meaningful work responsibilities that contribute to the intern's professional growth.

Internships may vary in duration, from a few weeks to several months, and can be either paid or unpaid depending on the industry and organization. They can occur domestically or internationally, offering valuable insight into different work environments and cultures.

Unlike short-term jobs or volunteer positions, internships focus on learning and skills development with structured supervision and guidance.

Students may have the opportunity to earn academic credit for internships that align with their academic program. While requirements vary by department, credit is typically granted for internships that provide a structured learning experience with clear, measurable outcomes.

Students interested in earning credit should consult their department's internship guidelines for specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.

LIA 484

For students who secure internships outside of their academic department or are otherwise ineligible for departmental credit, there may be an option to earn general internship credit through the Dean's Office. This process often involves enrolling in a credit-bearing course, completing reflective assignments and providing documentation of the work experience. Learn more about LIA 484.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, students may qualify for an internship scholarship to help offset costs associated with their internship experience. Scholarships can assist with travel, living expenses or other costs related to the internship.

Eligibility criteria and application deadlines vary, so students are encouraged to explore available options early in their planning process. Learn more about the internships scholarships below, along with other scholarship options, through the ASU Scholarship Universe portal.

Woodside Nonprofit Scholarship

This scholarship provides up to $2,500 for immersion students currently studying in The College completing an internship with a nonprofit organization.

Roskind Internship Scholarship

This scholarship provides up to $2,500 for immersion students currently studying in The College completing an internship. Preference is given to students in the School of Politics and Global Studies.

Bataille Internship Scholarship

This provides a scholarship of up to $1,000 for an immersion student in The College completing an internship.

Jackson Family Internship Scholarship

This scholarship provides up to $2,500 for any student, online or immersion, studying in The College completing an internship.

Please note: This is not a comprehensive list. Reach out to the Futures Center or your academic advisor for tailored assistance in identifying internships.

ASU students explore castle ruins in Scotland.

Gain a global education.

Completing a study abroad program has professional, academic and personal benefits. Become a global citizen with new perspectives, cultural awareness, independence and more. Find a program that matches your goals through ASU’s Global Education Office.

Please note: This is not a comprehensive list. Explore all programs on the Global Education Office website.

An ASU researcher checks on a honeybee hive.

Engage in hands-on research.

Participating in undergraduate research is a great way to interact with experts, acquire new knowledge, develop analytical and problem-solving abilities and gain valuable experience for graduate school applications and resumes.

Please note: This is not a comprehensive list. Reach out to the Futures Center or your academic advisor for tailored assistance in identifying research experiences.

I’ve always wanted to be a district attorney, but now with this internship and my majors, I am more open to what might happen and whatever I fall in love with.”

Logan H.
Family and human development, political science major
Capital Scholars program participant

I wondered how studying honeybees online would even be possible. Once I saw how they conducted it with the cameras, I thought it was interesting and wanted to get that experience.”

Jamal B.
Biological sciences major
OURS program bee research participant

I didn’t even have a passport before going to Costa Rica, and ASU helped me get it. This was my first time leaving the country. I’d never been to an airport or packed a suitcase other than for my dorm room.”

Maria V.
Global health major
Costa Rica study abroad participant

Real-world opportunities