If you’ve ever felt pressure to “get experience” before landing your first internship, you’re not alone. At the Lundquist College of Business, we see this all the time. Motivated students want to build their skills, strengthen their résumés, and feel confident walking into interviews.
What Do You Want To Get Out of It?
Here are some of the goals Ducks often have when looking for early experience:
- Quick ways to build skills
- Opportunities to earn money while learning
- Exploring global opportunities
- Chances to practice leadership skills employers value
- Flexible options that fit a busy schedule with minimal stress
If any of these resonate with you, here’s the good news: there are many ways to build meaningful, resume-ready experience before your first internship.
The comparison chart below breaks down several common pathways—including student leadership, campus jobs, project-based work, and virtual simulations—based on factors like cost, flexibility, mentorship, and real-world exposure.
Explore Your Options
There isn’t just one “right” way to gain experience. Different opportunities offer different benefits depending on your goals, availability, and interests.
For instance, if you’re looking for flexibility, options like job simulations or LinkedIn Learning may be a good place to start. If you want hands-on experience, campus jobs or project-based work might be a better fit.
The most important thing isn’t choosing the “best” pre‑internship experience. It’s choosing something that helps you grow, stretch, and build confidence in the business world.
Every opportunity in our resource guide above offers something valuable. The key is to start somewhere.
Consider your schedule, your strengths, your long-term goals, and what genuinely interests you. Then, take the first step.
Get Support Along The Way
If you want help outlining that next step or polishing your resume to prep for one of these experiences, Mohr Career Services is here to support you.
You can book an appointment with our professional career staff through Handshake or stop by Lillis 155 during drop-in hours Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
