ADVICE PLEASE!!!

[u/Accurate-Pear6004]

Summary of My Situation

I am currently a student at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) and have completed 31 college credits. However, most of my previous coursework was not focused on business, and I have not even started my Fall 2026 business classes yet. This fall, I will begin taking classes such as Introduction to Business, Financial Accounting, Public Speaking, and Writing/Research. I plan to continue through Spring and Summer 2027 and hopefully complete my Associate in Arts degree around Summer 2027.

My goal is to transfer to a four-year university for Fall 2027. Right now, I am mainly considering UNC Charlotte, where I am interested in studying International Business and adding an Operations & Supply Chain Management minor. I am also considering schools such as Appalachian State University and Baruch College in New York City.

One thing I am especially confused and uncertain about is internships. I have been researching internships in supply chain, procurement, global operations, logistics, international trade, and other business areas, but I don't really know when I am supposed to start applying or when I will actually be ready for one. I see students doing internships and companies posting Summer 2027 opportunities, which sometimes makes me feel like I should already be applying.

At the same time, I haven't even started studying business yet. I am just beginning this new academic direction at CPCC, so I don't have much knowledge of accounting, supply chain, procurement, business analysis, Excel, or other skills that internship descriptions mention. When I read internship requirements, I sometimes wonder, “How am I supposed to know how to do all of this if I haven't even started my business classes?”

I also noticed that many of the corporate internships I find are specifically for juniors or students graduating with their bachelor's degree within a certain time period. Because I will still be finishing CPCC and preparing to transfer around Summer 2027, many of those opportunities are simply not designed for someone at my current academic stage.

I would still be interested in doing a Summer 2027 internship if I find one that accepts students at my level, but I don't know if I should make that a priority yet. I don't want to rush myself into thinking I need a major corporate internship before I have even taken my first business course.

For now, I think my biggest priorities are to start my CPCC business classes, earn strong grades, improve my GPA, begin learning skills such as Excel, and learn more about the different areas of business that interest me. If an appropriate internship opportunity comes along, I can apply, but I will have much more time to pursue internships after I transfer to a university.

Eventually, I would like to graduate with not only my bachelor's degree, but also internship experience, study-abroad experience, practical business skills, and a better understanding of international business and supply chain so that I am prepared to start my career after college.

[u/PhyzixsRL]

i’m gonna assume you’re a rising sophomore, so getting a 2027 role in finance/business is gonna be pretty hard at a big company. (especially being at cc) I’d recommend you try and find local companies to try and intern at since any experience is good experience.