Available summer internships could be closer than one would think.

Local businesses are still offering internships for area students. Internships are a way for students to see how a certain field of study translates outside of the classroom.

“When they [American Red Cross] were interviewing me for a job I was able to talk about the internship I had and relate the experiences and skills I gained during the internship that applied toward the job,” said Mason Mitrovic, an NIU alumnus who interned with the American Red Cross.

Several local companies have summer internships available.

“We have interns all the time,” said Mary Ann Zingale, human resources clerical at Target, 2555 Sycamore Road. “They help the store with leadership roles as well as general things.”

Rona Hardt, media relations and development coordinator at the DeKalb chapter of the American Red Cross, said there are several different ways to find an internship.

“We look for interns in several ways,” Hardt said. “We post available internships on the Victor eRecruiting website. We also let teachers at NIU know, because many students ask their professors. A couple other ways are by referral from previous interns, and of course there are those who come and approach us.”

Career Services also hosts an internship fair twice a year to students looking for internships in the future. The next internship fair will occur in the fall, but students can visit the Victor eRecruiting website to see postings for private companies, NIU departments and other places.

Having an internship has several advantages.

“You make connections to people in your field and it looks great on a resume,” said Rebecca Shurgin, senior physics major and former intern at NIU.

When interviewing for an internship, Hardt said it is important for students to relay information about a particular company.

“You can tell which ones are prepared, organized and want to work here from people who just want something on their resume,” Hardt said.