Consider Doing An Internship

Why do an internship?

Internships and volunteer community service positions offer an excellent opportunity to explore career options and gain practical experience. Internships also offer a way to build your resume and enhance prospects for employment after graduation. Students learn a variety of skills through direct participation in settings where sociological concepts, methods and theories are applied.

A wide variety of internship opportunities are available throughout Whatcom and Skagit Counties. While some internships are paid positions, many are unpaid. Remember that an internship will help pave the way to employment opportunities, so working without pay may well be worth your investment of time and energy in the long run. Data show that sociology students who take part in internships find it much easier to find employment later.

Earn 5 credits in Soc 371 - Directed Internship

Sociology students can earn up to 10 credits of Soc 371 while gaining internship experience. For more information see the Sociology Internship Guide.

How to find an internship position

Sociology students have completed internships with the following agencies/organizations. Internship positions may be open at any of these locations:

  • Allied Arts
  • Bellingham Planning Commission
  • Bellingham Police Department
  • Bellingham School District
  • Boys and Girls Club
  • Brigid Collins
  • Catholic Community Services
  • Division of Children and Family Services
  • Law Offices in Bellingham
  • Northwest Youth Services
  • Planned Parenthood
  • Whatcom County Drug Court
  • Whatcom County Juvenile Corrections
  • Whatcom County Juvenile Court
  • Whatcom County Juvenile Probation
  • Whatcom County Public Defender's Office
  • Whatcom County Sheriff
  • Whatcom Crisis Services Sexual Assault Program
  • Women Care Shelter

Other ways to find a position. Take advantage of these resources!

  • The Whatcom Volunteer Center is an excellent resource for finding local internships (you can turn a volunteer position into an internship)
  • See Western's Online Internship Listings.
  • See also Western's Center for Student Work Experience. Ask about their Volunteer Community Service Program, and check out their job boards with listings of temporary and/or part time positions both on and off campus.
  • If you're free to go just about anywhere in the world, try these sites:
    • Idealist 20,000 organizations in 150 countries
    • Volunteer Match Thousands of volunteer opportunities
    • Fire Science Public Safety and Service (Firefighting, Criminal Justice, EMT and more)