Should I Consider an Internship?

Internships can be key stepping stones for people entering the workforce for the first time. For students, they are a bridge between academic learning and workplace expectations. However, internships aren’t “just for kids” anymore as more adults are seeking new careers or returning to work after a prolonged absence due to health, retirement, caregiving, or other personal reasons. Some people call these types of programs “returnships.”

What is an internship?

An internship is a temporary position, but that’s where the definition stops. The type of an individual internship can vary. It can be paid or unpaid, full or part time. An internship can be in-person, hybrid or fully remote. Internships can also vary in length, ranging from several weeks to a full year. In some cases, an internship involves obtaining college credit. In all cases, the benefit of an internship for an individual is to gain relevant skills and experience in a particular field of work.

Why should I consider an internship?

No matter whether you are a first-time worker or an experienced professional, there are internships worth investigating. For people with a disability, an internship can be a way to test whether working is a viable and good fit for you, as well as to gain valuable industry knowledge and build practical skills. Internships also have the potential to lead to full-time employment. Companies often use internships as a recruitment strategy that allows them to evaluate potential candidates for future job openings. Many organizations prioritize hiring individuals who have interned with them because it is an efficient way to bring in employees who are already familiar with their work and company culture.

What is a Returnship?

A returnship is an internship for those who have taken a break from work. Returnships provide an opportunity to get reintroduced to the workforce and refresh your skills. It also provides recent experience to aide in finding a full-time job. Path Forward and iRelaunch are organizations that are working to normalize career breaks and provide job boards specific to returnships and reentering the workforce.

How do I find an internship?

Finding an internship will depend on your individual situation. For example, a student will likely turn to their high school or college career center. These centers provide resources, such as internship listings, resume workshops, and interview coaching.

Many governments, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit companies offer internships specifically for people with disabilities. Some organizations sponsor internships for people interested in learning about disability-related advocacy, policy and research. You can find many of these with a simple website search for “disability internships.”

Other techniques, such as networking can be useful by building connections with professionals in your field of interest. Networking doesn’t mean just formal events; casual conversations in coffee shops, libraries, or local events can lead to new connections.

Don’t overlook digital connections for possible leads to internships. Platforms such as Handshake (for students) and LinkedIn are great websites to find listings, and they offer the ability to connect with recruiters.

Additionally, community or library bulletin boards or specialized job websites that cater to specific industries are possible avenues to use for locating internship listings. You can explore multiple routes to find an internship that suits your interests.

Can the Ticket to Work Program help me?

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the services and support they need to find and maintain employment, including internships, as they move toward financial independence through work.

The Ticket Program can support you throughout every step of your job search. Through the Ticket Program, a service provider such as an Employment Network (EN) can assist you with your internship search. ENs can help you write your resume and cover letter, find internships to apply for, and prepare you for an interview.

How Can I Learn More?

To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; or visit choosework.ssa.gov.