Explorers Program

STRAT 3800, 1 CH

In-Person Section 001: Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. MST on U of U campus

In-Person Section 002: Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. MST on U of U campus

*Explorer’s Spring semester applications are now closed.

The next application cycle will be in Fall 2025.

Looking for your first professional experience to add to your resume? University of Utah students are encouraged to apply for our Explorers Internship Program. In Explorers, we take the guess-work out of finding, applying for, and succeeding in your first internship.

The Explorers program pairs students with a for-credit internship and teaches important workplace principles in a leadership and professional skills class. This experience allows students to build professional skills, test-drive an industry, and access extra support during their first professional experience.

Explorers Information:

  • Offered spring and summer semesters.

  • Great fit for students exploring multiple career paths, and seeking their first professional experience (usually in their first two years of college).

  • Earn academic credit in your internship and leadership/professional skills class.

  • Build connections with potential future employers. Of the Explorers employers able to extend the internship, 77% chose to do so and gave a return offer to their interns.

“Finding internships is a daunting task. I didn’t know where to start or where to go for help. Goff Explorers solved all of those issues for me. In Explorers, I interned with an investment firm, which exposed me to various finance career paths. The leadership class also provided me with the tools for me to navigate my career journey. Ultimately, it boosted my confidence in my communication skills. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of the Goff community, and for all the opportunities that have helped build my confidence as a strategic leader.” -Alina Vannarath

Internship Examples

Elena Vega, a Computer Science student, interned with the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. She wanted to join Explorers to push herself out of her comfort zone, increase her confidence, and learn how to work in a less structured environment than she was used to. She evaluated the current resources, benchmarked how other universities share these resources, and assisted in designing a new website.

Kaeden Warnberg-Lemm conducted survey research to inform health technology start-up Triseka’s value proposition, and leveraged that experience to land an internship with Advisory Board. He was also paired with a Goff alumni mentor pursuing the same career path in which he was interested, and says that mentor was instrumental in helping him gain clarity about his next career steps.

Calvin Cruz helped the Utah Immigration Assistance Center plan listening sessions for local businesses to inform the Center’s strategy on connecting New American talent to employment opportunities. Calvin was then hired on as an AmeriCorps team member to continue this work.

Isabel Marchena worked with the nonprofit Warrior Rising, whose goal is to provide veterans with a purpose and community post-military service. As a first-year student, Isabel identified and implemented strategies to create a more cohesive brand for the organization, with the ultimate goal of expanding its credibility (especially for potential future donors).

Looking for more opportunities?

We model our experiences after the “real world,” connecting students from different backgrounds and perspectives in the classroom to create value for organizations across the world.

Each Goff program works directly with real organizations. No matter your major, year in school, or plans for the future, there’s a spot for you in Goff.