Internships and Co-ops | Cal Poly Skip to main content Close Main navigation * Visit * Apply * Give Global Navigation * About Cal Poly * About Cal Poly * Facts and Figures * President and Leadership * Rankings and Awards * Academics * Academics * Academic Calendar * Academic Advising and Services * Centers and Institutes * Colleges * Internships and Co-ops * Library * Research * Study Abroad * Student Life * Student Life * Athletics and Recreation * Clubs and Organizations * Health, Wellbeing and Safety * Housing and Dining * Tuition and Financial Aid * Tuition and Financial Aid * Financial Aid * Student Accounts * University Divisions * Cal Poly Maritime Academy * Admissions * Mustang Athletics * News * Contact Us Find Information For * Students * Parents * Alumni * Staff * Faculty Close Search Cal Poly Websites Other Ways to Search * Campus Map * Directory * Find a major Top Navigation * My Cal Poly Portal * Students * Parents * Alumni * Staff * Faculty * Visit * Apply * Give Menu Internships and Co-ops Global Navigation In this Section * Academics * Academic Calendar * Academic Advising and Services * Centers and Institutes * Colleges * Internships and Co-ops * Library * Research * Study Abroad * More Real-World Opportunities An internship or co-op is a position or opportunity that gives you practical, real-world experience related to your career goals. They can be paid or unpaid and many times, allow you to earn academic credit. Gain Experience Internships can be a significant first step in your career. They allow you to gain critical job search and networking skills — and often lead to employment after graduation. In fact, roughly 63 percent of our recent graduates had their jobs lined up before they graduated, and many are at places where they interned. Experience gained as an intern can make you more competitive in the job market, build your resume, and increase your starting salary. Internships also allow you to test career paths and adjust your educational plan to line up with your future goals. a variety of placements The hands-on nature of our Learn by Doing philosophy prepares you for highly-coveted co-op and internship positions. Our students have held internships and co-ops in a wide variety of companies, non-profits and organizations including Apple, Amazon, Disney, Brightview, the National Park Service, Northrop Grumman, Boeing and more. Finding an Internship Internships and co-ops are an important part of your education. Many of our majors require an internship before graduation and we have resources to help you find a position. Career Services Career Services offers resources that can assist you in finding jobs and internships including a listing of available positions. They also offer services such as career counseling, interview and resume help, a business clothing closet and more. Career Fairs A variety of career fairs are offered every quarter and offer you the opportunity to network and meet face to face with employers in order to learn about potential jobs and internships. Colleges and Departments Many colleges and departments also maintain listings of internship opportunities that are applicable to their students. Your college or department may also be available to help in your search and will have the paperwork you will need to complete in order to receive credit for your internship. Footer Learn * Academic Calendar * Graduate Programs * Undergraduate * Apply to Cal Poly Explore * Campus Map * Catalog * Kennedy Library * Take a Tour Experience * Cal Poly Magazine * Careers at Cal Poly * Events * Give to Cal Poly Today Cal Poly Campus Clear 80 ℉ Cal Poly Pier Tides 6:35 PM High 2:10 AM Low 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 805-756-1111 * * * Global Footer Primary * University Home * My Cal Poly Portal * Campus Map * Campus Safety Global Footer Secondary * Privacy Notice * Website Feedback * Web Accessibility Statement * Title IX * Campus Annual Security Report (PDF) * Campus Safety Plan (PDF) * Students with Dependents Learn by Doing SM has been Cal Poly’s pedagogy since 1901 (c) 2026 California Polytechnic State University