The University of Alabama’s Career Center is launching a new Office of Internships to expand experiential learning opportunities and enhance career readiness for students. The office will serve as a centralized resource on campus, boosting collaboration between students, academic departments and employer partners while expanding access to internship experiences across all disciplines starting fall 2026.
“Internships play an essential role in preparing students for life after graduation,” said Dr. Steven Hood, vice president for Student Life. “The establishment of the Office of Internships demonstrates our commitment to ensuring students have access to transformative learning experiences that support both their academic and professional development.”
The Office of Internships will work to grow internship participation by providing students with hands-on experience aligned with the National Association of Colleges and Employers career competencies and evolving employer expectations. In addition, the office will focus on expanding access to internship opportunities, strengthening partnerships with employers, and aligning experiential learning initiatives with workforce needs and institutional goals.
The office will also work closely with faculty and academic units to support both credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing internships while improving systems for tracking participation and assessing student outcomes.
According to NACE’s 2026 Internship and Co-op Survey, the average intern conversion rate is the highest it has been in five years, climbing to 63.1% for 2024-2025 interns. Studies also show students who took part in experiential learning/internships experienced quicker career progression, higher rates of career satisfaction and an average of $15,000 more in salaries than students who did not.
That impact is reflected in the experiences of UA students. For example, UA students awarded internship stipends for Try Tuscaloosa said they were extremely satisfied with the development they achieved through their respective opportunities.
“Overall, this internship helped me build confidence in my abilities as a communicator and marketer,” said Isabella Benge, a UA student marketing intern with Visit Tuscaloosa. “I developed both technical skills, such as SEO and content management systems, and soft skills, including time management, adaptability, and collaboration. Working in a fast-paced environment where I was trusted with real responsibilities prepared me for a career in public relations and marketing.”
The Career Center is already in the process of hiring a director for the Office of Internships and plans to add additional support roles in the 2026-2027 academic year.