For many international students dreaming of a career in the United States, securing hands-on work experience is the golden ticket to opening doors in their field. Imagine not only studying at one of the top 10 universities in the U.S., located in sunny Southern California, but also gaining real-world skills through an immersive internship program. At UC Irvine’s Division of Continuing Education (DCE), students from all over the world prepare for their future careers in an environment that combines academic rigor with real-world knowledge.
If you’re ready to transform your education into action, the Internship Experience Program at UCI DCE is the perfect place to start. Here, students in programs like Accelerated Certificate Programs (ACP), the Academic Study Abroad Program (ASAP), or Graduate Success through Academics and Research (G-STAR) gain the skills they need to prosper in today’s competitive job market.
Why choose an Internship?
Internships are not only work experience, but also a launchpad for your career. They allow you to apply knowledge gained in the classroom in real-world scenarios, learn the ins and outs of American corporate culture, and gain the confidence to pursue your career goals. But let’s be honest: entering the working world can be challenging, especially in a new country. That’s why the Internship Experience Program focuses not only on getting the internship, but also on making it a success.
The program supports you every step of the way, from the basics that will be writing a winning resume to preparing for interviews with U.S. companies.
Building the soft skills to stand out: a crucial part of your journey
In addition to technical skills, UCI DCE places a strong emphasis on soft skills, those valuable personal qualities that can make all the difference in today’s working world.
A former student in the program shared that she did not feel confident at first, especially in the highly collaborative and open-to-feedback environment of her internship in the United States. But with the encouragement of her mentors at UCI, she gradually felt more comfortable sharing her ideas, even contributing valuable insights that left a strong impression on her supervisor. Indeed, the ability to communicate confidently and contribute meaningfully is one of the key lessons of the Internship Experience Program.
A unique network of opportunities
UCI DCE has created a strong network of more than 200 local companies willing to welcome talented international students. Many of these organizations have hosted interns from the program for years and appreciate the fresh perspectives and global insights these students bring. Whether you are interested in working with an innovative startup in the heart of Orange County or with a larger company, the connections you make through the program can be a powerful platform for starting your career.
If you are ready to gain real-world experience, make lasting connections, and prepare for a successful career in the United States, the UCI DCE Internship Experience Program is what you are looking for.
Start your journey today: take the first step toward your future with UCI’s Internship Experience Program.