Build career experience on campus, get paid for it
VOLIntern
The VOLIntern program allows students to gain real-world experience without having to leave campus. Students will be able to work with offices across campus to gain valuable experience over the course of a semester. Students will gain access to real-world experience, a competitive $18 dollar per hour wage, and mentors in various industries across campus. Apply today on Handshake!
About the program
Ready to check your eligibility, see what the experience includes, and apply?
VOLIntern is the Division of Student Success’s paid on-campus internship program that helps you build experience, develop professional skills, and grow your network while earning a competitive hourly wage. Through partnerships with offices across the university, VOLIntern connects students with meaningful internship opportunities in a variety of fields. In addition to hands-on work experience, interns receive professional development opportunities, staff mentorship, and support to help them prepare for future careers. Whether you’re exploring career interests, building your resume, or gaining experience before graduation, VOLIntern allows you to develop valuable skills without leaving campus.
Who VOLIntern serves
Students who meet the eligibility criteria below are encouraged to apply to the VOLIntern program today! Applications are subject to be closed quickly due to student interest, so apply today!
- Current UT Knoxville undergraduate student
- In good academic standing
- Able to commit approximately 10 hours per week (about 100 hours per semester); pay is $18 per hour
- Willing to participate in Vol Edge pre- and post-experience workshops
VOLIntern is open to all UT undergraduate students. Explore opportunities that match your interests, skills, and goals, regardless of your major, background, or experience level. Students who have already completed a VOLIntern are ineligible to reapply for the same role.
What you get out of VOLIntern
The VOLIntern program uniquely allows students to gain experience while accessing deeper professional development and mentorship.
Unique experience
Hands-on, career-relevant experience beyond the classroom.
Essential connections
Access to UT’s professional network through staff and campus partners.
Skill-building opportunities
Development of essential career skills and competencies.
Professional growth
Enhanced professional growth through Vol Edge programming, specialized Canvas assignments, and on-site meetings with career development staff.
Vol Edge programming is built into the VOLIntern experience, helping you reflect on what you’re learning and connect your experience to your future goals. Learn more about the program and how to earn Vol Edge credit.
How VOLIntern works
Time commitment
A student completing a VOLIntern experience must be willing to work between 100-160 hours over the course of the semester (10-12 hours per week approximately). The VOLIntern experience will last the duration of one semester.
Pay
Students will be paid an hourly wage of $18 per hour for all work in their VOLIntern experience, including paid professional development!
Supervision
Students will consistently meet with their assigned supervisor in their host department in the VOLIntern program. Students will work with their supervisor to identify goals, areas of work for the semester, and conduct regular check-ins over the course of the semester. All VOLIntern students will be supervised by a staff member with either an educational background or work experience in their internship field for additional mentorship and guidance.
Vol Edge participation
Students who accept a VOLIntern position will complete additional professional development workshops and activities, along with completing the Vol Edge program.
Hiring process
The position will be posted through the VOLIntern page on Handshake and managed by the CCDAE. Applicants will then be shared with internship supervisors who will conduct interviews and communicate directly with students about their application status.
How to apply
- All VOLIntern positions will be posted on the VOLIntern Program’s Handshake page. Positions will be posted throughout the semester, so keep an eye out for additions.
- Apply to a position with your updated resume and cover letter. For the VOLIntern program, specifically mention how an on-campus position can benefit you.
- For application and interview prep, reach out to your career coach for assistance!
- Submit your application via Handshake today! Positions are subject to close early due to high application numbers, so apply fast.
Related programs
Vol Edge
UT’s self-paced career-readiness experience, work through learning modules, gain hands-on experience, and build your job-search materials at your own pace.
Career readiness initiatives
The programs building career readiness across campus, including Vol Edge, VOLIntern, and the Career Advocates Program for faculty and staff.
Congressional Internship
A competitive internship placing UT students in a U.S. congressional office for hands-on experience in public service and policy.
For UT departments: host a VOLIntern
A UT department interested in hosting an intern? Jump to hosting information.
Apply to host a VOLIntern student in your department below! VOLIntern students will join your office for a semester-long internship and work directly with a staff supervisor on their assigned area of work. The CCDAE will handle marketing of your position, help curate applicant packets, and cover 50% of the $18 per hour student wage.
Important information for host sites
- Internships will last between 100-160 hours over the course of one semester.
- VOLIntern students can only complete a single-semester-long internship with your office.
- One intern is allocated per semester to each office.
- Host sites must agree to pay students for professional development opportunities completed through the CCDAE in association with their VOLIntern position.
Questions about hosting? Email Evan Jamison at [email protected].
Ready to apply?
Browse the current cycle’s open positions on Handshake and apply directly through the listing. Want a second opinion on the fit, or a resume review first? Schedule with a career coach.