Life Sciences Internships
Create a Handshake Account and View Collections
Log onto careers.byu.edu/handshake-login to create an account. Ensure that you complete all relevant fields as this will provide you with the most tailored internship experiences. Remember, an internship does not have to be labeled "internship." Many part and full time jobs can qualify for internship credit.
Once your Handshake account is created, try both the general job search and visiting Collections. You can find Collections by visiting the Career Center tab and then clicking on Collections. Collections are updated by the Career Center in the Wilkinson Center. There are options for colleges, majors, and specific interests.
Create and Maintain a LinkedIn Profile
A strong LinkedIn profile helps Life Science students showcase experience, connect with professionals, and discover internship opportunities. Keep your profile updated with research experience, volunteer work, and relevant coursework so employers and alumni can easily understand your skills.
Start by creating a free account at linkedin.com, upload a professional photo, and follow organizations or labs you’re interested in—this increases your visibility and helps LinkedIn recommend opportunities tailored to your goals. Visit BYU's LinkedIn page and explore the "Alumni" tab to find where alumni with your major are working and reach out for informational interviews or shadowing leads.
Be careful with the “Easy Apply” button—it's usually not effective. You’ll get far better results when you connect with real people. Before and during the application process, reach out to someone at the company (an alum, recruiter, or hiring manager) to introduce yourself and ask a quick question about the role. After applying, follow up so they know you’re genuinely interested. This personal connection often makes the biggest difference in getting noticed.
Explore Internship Fellowships and Travel Grants
Internship Fellowships, otherwise known as a funded internship, are prestigious opportunities that the Life Sciences college will fund. Visit lsif.byu.edu to learn more about the internship fellowship providers and apply for a funded internship.
The College of Life Sciences also offers travel grants for students in need. This makes it possible for students to travel to and from internship opportunities. Learn more by visiting this website: lstgrants.byu.edu/
Visit the Kennedy Center for International Opportunities
The Kennedy Center tracks and provides many international internship opportunities to students across BYU. These internships include science and pre-med experiences in Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceana. Visit kennedy.byu.edu/find-your-program to learn more.
Meet with your Department Internship Coordinator
Many departments in the College of Life Sciences have a dedicated internship coordinator. Each coordinator has different specialties. Some help with finding an internship, meanwhile others are better prepared to enroll you in internship credit for a pre-secured internship. Visit the Internship Coordinator tab to find your internship coordinator and set up a meeting.
Remember, you will not get credit for an internship unless it is approved by your internship coordinator.
Join a Pre-Professional Newsletter
BYU's Pre-Professional advisement office offers newsletters tailored to pre-med, pre-dental, physician assistant, and other health professions. These newsletters not only outline internship and job opportunities, but also provide tips and workshops to prepare for grad school. Visit https://ppa.byu.edu/newsletter-sign-up to join a newsletter.
