<p>How are people doing finding internships for this summer? My son is a sophomore civil engineering student. He would like to be home for the summer (his girlfriend is here) and applied to about 10 civil engineering firms in our area. He's heard back only from three, one said they weren't hiring and two said they weren't hiring yet (but one complimented him on his well-written and compelling cover letter!). We were hoping that the stimulus money would create some jobs.</p>
<p>I really thinks it varies by discipline, industry, and location. I am a chemical engineer major and have an interview for a part time position (they will let me work during the summer and school year part time instead of a full time internship/co-op so I can still take classes) at a local oil refinery. Though I will say that many companies have had to cut internships and co-ops this year. I do have a couple friends that have internships with pharmaceutical companies. Also, consider other jobs that aren't really from a particular company. I just got hired part time to work in my school's lab doing research on photoelectric panels. It pays $10/hr and is very chemistry related. Finally, it may be too late (most deadlines have passed), but there are also many research positions through the REU program that pay very nice stipends, travel assistance, etc.I guess my point is that internships are going to be very scarce this year so consider other employment opportunities. I have also applied to be a summer housing assistant at my school. They will give me free room and board, a small stipend, and I'll be able to take 2 classes. Keep up the good work and don't give up.</p>
<p>Thanks for your response, uaprophet. I think it's still early to get too discouraged. </p>
<p>Anyone else out there have any internship comments/thoughts/experiences/strategies?</p>