Learning by doing — what we call experiential learning — is at the heart of a liberal arts education, and that is why our students can be found working as interns in a variety of businesses and organizations in Texas and across the globe.
That is also why the College of Liberal Arts is partnering with alumni to create a new Longhorn Internship Program specifically designed to connect our undergraduates with alumni for internships, mentorship and support.
Internships give students who are preparing to enter the job market a valuable opportunity to apply what they have learned to real-world situations, while employers benefit from the work of engaged, creative students who are trained as critical thinkers, strong communicators and problem solvers.
Internships are also a great opportunity for employers who are also alumni of the College of Liberal Arts to help a future alumnus or alumna gain valuable workplace experience, networking opportunities and insights into potential careers.
It is no surprise that our students, with their broad and diverse exposure to the humanities and social sciences, land prestigious internships in major companies as varied as Morgan Stanley and Amazon and in nonprofits such as the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. In the public sector, our interns work in high-profile places such as the White House, Congress and the Texas Legislature.
Alumni can help current students as they connect the dots between their academic studies and their professional goals by providing internship opportunities, and they can also serve as an intern’s direct supervisor, mentor or sponsor.
Since the majority of internships — almost 75 percent — are unpaid, alumni can also help students afford internship opportunities by contributing funds to help with living expenses, travel and other costs associated with unpaid internships.
The Longhorn Internship Program is a great way to stay connected to your college and university while helping our future alumni on the road to success. For more information on how you can become involved, please visit our college website or call our Career Services Office at 512-471-7900.
Randy L. Diehl, Dean
David Bruton, Jr. Regents Chair in Liberal Arts