UCI Internship Programs and Career Experiences can serve as a great starting point for students seeking to engage in meaningful experiences. Various departments at UCI offer a wide range of diverse internship opportunities, enabling students to develop valuable skills and knowledge that are transferable to their future careers.
Explore the programs below to discover more about these valuable internship opportunities.
UCI Division of Career Pathways (DCP) Internship Programs and Career Experiences
Are you seeking academic credit for a secured internship, either potential or upcoming?
- You can inquire about enrolling in Uni Studies 193 with DCP Internships to determine if it qualifies for course credit.
- This course allows students from all majors to receive credit for an approved internship on or off-campus. This course is managed online via UCI Canvas including assignment submissions as well as supplemental resources.
- Internship sites may be public or private, for profit or non-profit agencies, organizations, companies, or corporations offering paid or unpaid internship learning experiences (restrictions may apply).
- For students looking to enroll in Uni Studies 193 prior to securing an internship, visit Handshake to find opportunities that may be qualified for this course.
- This course is offered during the following quarters: Fall, Winter, Spring, and 10-week Summer Session.
Email dcp-internships@uci.edu to learn more.
The UCI Division of Career Pathways (DCP) Peer Educator Program offers a unique opportunity for a select group of students to receive comprehensive training and professional development while providing invaluable career advising and support to their peers. Through individual drop-in meetings, workshops, and outreach tables across campus, Peer Educators assist fellow students in various aspects of career planning, such as developing resume and cover letters, navigating the job and internship search, preparing for interviews, and planning for graduate school. This role is instrumental in helping DCP's mission to educate and engage students and alumni in realizing their career potential. Peer Educators gain professional skills and are trained on an ongoing basis through weekly team meetings and regular one-on-one meetings with the Program Supervisor. Please view our Peer Program website for more information.
UCI Campus Internship Programs and Career Experiences
The ANTrepreneur Center is a hub where UCI Students can get help to develop the skills necessary to start, operate or grow their business. We provide resources, events, programs, and services for those who are interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. Check out the ANTrepreneur website for all the resources they offer including paid self-starter micro-internships.
Under the UCI California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (CALIT2), the Make a Difference Opportunity (MADO) program provides a unique opportunity for full-time undergraduate and graduate UCI students to gain first-hand experience on a project in the workplace by matching students and local businesses for hands-on experience and to assist them in the transition to the workforce. This program runs from Winter and Spring quarters and students who complete the program will receive a stipend. Visit their FAQ page for more information.
The UCI Graduate Division offers Teaching Internships available for students to explore. There are many benefits to graduate internships, which allow a student to gain valuable exposure to the workplace, develop new skills, and apply knowledge gained from course work to real-world situations. The following internships and programs designed for graduate students:
The UCI International Center offers various internship and volunteer opportunities for students and they are committed to serving campus constituents through advising, immigration services, programming, advocacy, and outreach.
If you are an international student seeking to learn more about working as a student, you can visit:
- CPT Resources - Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment which is an integral part of an established curriculum for a program of study for F-1 students.
- OPT Resources - Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work authorization available to international students who have been in valid F-1 status for at least three consecutive quarters and who plan to seek employment in the U.S. in their field of study. OPT allows F-1 student to work legally for a period of up to one year, full-time. OPT is recommended by an advisor at the International Center, but final approval is granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
When you are ready to search and apply for internship opportunities, you can search on Handshake, and filter by Jobs > All Filters > Candidate Qualifications > Open to Candidates with OPT/CPT > Apply Filters.
The UCI-OC Alliance supports UC Irvine as a Hispanic-thriving university. The UCI-OC Alliance serves Orange County by connecting local leaders and businesses with UC Irvine to advance Latino/a students. The UCI-OC Alliance is committed to increasing mentorship, internships and scholarships for UCI’s Latinx population.
The UCI Office of Civic Engagement provides students with opportunities to engage as citizens and community members in a variety of curricular and co-curricular activities that enhance their education and professional development. The Office includes the Civic and Community Engagement minor, the UCDC Internship Program, and the UC Center Sacramento Internship Program.
- The Civic and Community Engagement minor gives students the knowledge, skills, and values to be effective agents of change in their communities. For more information, visit their scheduled and pre-recorded information sessions.
- The UCDC Summer Internship Program (UCDC) offers both academic quarter and summer programs for undergraduate students of all majors in Washington, D.C.; For more information, visit UCDC scheduled and pre-recorded information sessions.
- The UC Center Sacramento (UCCS) academic internship program offers unique undergraduate educational opportunities for students in Sacramento. For more information, visit UCCS scheduled and pre-recorded information sessions.
The UCI Office for Data and Information Technology (ODIT) is partnering with Career Pathways, the ANTrepreneur Center, research teams, and the local business community to provide students with real world experiences to complement their degree studies at UC Irvine. The Experiential Learning Program (ELP) creates a bridge between classroom learning and career readiness by providing a space to build new competencies and hone their skills.
The Student Achievement Guided by Experience (SAGE) Scholars Program provides undergraduates who have significant financial need with the tools to invest in their future through leadership training, career exploration, graduate school planning, and access to internship and scholarship opportunities.
The Division of Student Affairs at UCI enhances an inclusive student experience through holistic programs, services, and opportunities that promote learning, well-being, and community. They offer services to students under the clusters within Auxiliary Services, Student Life & Leadership, and Wellness, Health & Counseling Services.
Student Affairs | MGMT 198A/B/C. Administrative Internship | 4/4/4 Units
- UCI Administrative Intern Program provides interns the opportunity to work in campus departments where they assume responsibility for projects and enhance their leadership and professional skills. Students selected for this year-long program also enroll in MGMT 198A/B/C. Administrative Internship | 4/4/4 Units
- UCI ESPORTS department is uniquely suited for connecting our students to internships and careers in the video game and esports industries.
- UCI Office of Information Technology (OIT) - Student Employment Opportunities
- UCI Student Center and Event Services (SCES) relies on a diverse team of work study and non-work study students to support its year-round operations, including day and night shifts.
- UCI Student Housing offers various opportunities to work within their department.
- UCI Bookstore (The Hill) provides opportunities to work in the store.
UCI Student Life and Leadership
- The UCI Basic Needs office offers many opportunities such as internships, employment, volunteering, and collaborations.
- The UCI Center for Black Cultures, Resources, and Research (CBCRR) offers various programs, resources, and services for students to be involved in.
- The UCI Center for Student Leadership (CSL) has been designed to support student leadership programming across the campus. Apply to their current opportunities open to all current undergraduate students.
- The UCI Cross-Cultural Center offers leadership opportunities for students through their intern, volunteer and other programs including ACTIVE and the Summer Multicultural Leadership Institute. For more information, visit this link.
- The UCI DREAM Center’s mission is to stand with and serve those impacted by immigration policy through advancing systemic change, deconstructing oppressive policies, and fostering community. We work towards personal growth, collective healing, and visible change. Some of their professional development opportunities include the Dream Project Fellowship and their Scholars in Residence opportunity. For more information, visit their website.
- The UCI International Center is committed to serving campus constituents through advising, immigration services, programming, advocacy, and outreach.
- The UCI Latinx Resource Center (LRC) offers the Peer Mentorship Program which is primarily geared towards serving Latinx students to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with mentors and mentees.
- The UCI Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Center (LGBTRC) provides a wide range of opportunities, education and advocacy services supporting intersectional identity development.
- The UCI Office of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct (OAISC) Peer Advisor Program assist students who have been notified by OAISC for an alleged policy violation, promote awareness, and provide education about the Student Conduct and Academic Integrity policies and procedures.
- The UCI Student Outreach and Retention (SOAR) Center is a dynamic space that empowers student scholars through praxis to advocate and develop a transformative and equitable educational environment where students can use their education as a vehicle for social impact.
- The UCI Sorority and Fraternity Life contributes to the UCI community through their pillars of scholarship, leadership, friendship and service.
- The UCI Student Government Student Media (SGSM) department oversees five, officially recognized, student governments at UCI: Associated Students of UCI, Associated Graduate Students, Student Bar Association, Associated Medical Student Government, and Merage Student Association.
- The UCI Office of Sustainability supports the UCI Community Resilience Projects and various student opportunities.
- The UCI Veteran Service Center provides resources and opportunities students.
- The UCI Volunteer Programs provides opportunities for community engagement and leadership development
- The UCI Womxn’s Center for Success advances gender equity by raising consciousness on social justice concepts, fostering personal growth, building community connections, encouraging identity development and increasing access to resources that support holistic wellness.
UCI Wellness, Health & Counseling Services
- The UCI Campus Assault Resources and Education (CARE) offers peer education programs to students who are dedicated to supporting the mission of the CARE Office by helping to create a campus that is safe, inclusive, and free from sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking.
- The UCI Campus Recreation Office offers various opportunities for students to apply for employment.
- The UCI Child Care Services offers opportunities for Teacher Assistants which are hired throughout the year.
- The UCI Counseling Center offers various peer programs for students such as COACH, LGBTQ Mentoring, and Peer Educator Programs.
- The UCI Disability Services Center offers various opportunities for students to apply for scholarships and internship opportunities.
- The UCI Student Wellness and Health Promotion Office empower students to make informed decisions that support individual wellbeing and a healthy campus community. Our programs and services are comprehensive, inclusive, and evidence-based to help students create balance and develop sustainable habits. To get involved, they offer internship, volunteer programs along with Peer Health Educators and Student Organizations. For more information, view their website.
UCI Health hosts various programs such as the Patient Experience Internship Program (upperclassman) and the Administrative Intern Program (graduate students).
- The Patient Experience Internship Program revolves around enhancing patient-centered care. Interns will be taking on a wide variety of tasks during their time with the Patient Experience department.
- The Administrative Intern Program is a 12-week experience that aims to develop incoming and current graduate students with an interest in healthcare administration as future healthcare leaders through immersion in an academic health system.
The UCI Office of Sustainability supports the UCI Community Resilience Projects and various student opportunities.
Community Resilience brings together teams of faculty, students, staff, and community collaborators to address environmental, health, and social justice challenges by fostering community-driven and equity-focused solutions. Some of their initiatives include Cooperacion Santa Ana, Community-Academic Partnerships to Advance Equity-Focused Climate Action (CAPECA), and the Just Transition Lawyering Institute (JTLI).
UCI CLIMATE Justice Initiative - Graduate Fellowship is open to current and incoming UCI Ph.D students
Internship Programs by Academic Unit
School of Biological Sciences | https://ceb.bio.uci.edu/intern-programs/ceb-internship/
The Paul Merage School of Business | https://merage.uci.edu/programs/undergraduate/career-services.html
Division of Undergraduate Education - http://catalogue.uci.edu/allcourses/uni_stu/
- UCDC / UC Center Sacramento - Academic Washington DC Internship | Course #170 | 4-8 Units | http://home.due.uci.edu/enrichment/
- University Studies - Advanced Internship in Undergraduate Education | Course #170 | 1-2 Units
- University Studies - Internship in Civic and Community Engagement | Course #181 | 2-4 Units
• University Studies - Internship | Course #193 | 2-4 Units | Email dcp-internships@uci.edu for information
School of Education | For grad students (future): https://grad.uci.edu/professional-development/teaching-internships/
The Henry Samueli School of Engineering | Civil Engineering: https://engineering.uci.edu/dept/cee/affiliates/student-support
School of Humanities | https://www.humanities.uci.edu/undergrad/opportunities-experiential-learning/career-development-internship-programs
Art History | https://www.humanities.uci.edu/arthistory/internships-general
Film/Media | https://www.humanities.uci.edu/filmandmediastudies/internships-category
English: https://www.humanities.uci.edu/english/internships-english-majors
Literary Journalism: https://www.humanities.uci.edu/litjourn/internships
Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences | https://ics.uci.edu/academics/career-development/
Interdisciplinary Studies | https://www.ethicscenter.uci.edu/awards/summersinternship.php
Sue and Bill Gross School of Nursing | https://www.ucihealth.org/volunteer/patient-experience-internship-program
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | https://pharmscimentorship.wixsite.com/psmpuci/intern
School of Physical Sciences | https://ps.uci.edu/internship-programs
Program in Public Health | https://publichealth.uci.edu/degrees-programs/undergraduate-programs/guide-to-undergraduate-practicum/
School of Social Ecology | https://fieldstudy.soceco.uci.edu/
Field Study has been a requirement for students seeking a baccalaureate degree from Social Ecology and is an element of the school’s commitment to training future leaders.
For more information, on field study student resources, visit this link: https://fieldstudy.soceco.uci.edu/pages/field-study-student-resources