College jobs and internships provide valuable opportunities for college students to gain experience in a field of study, determine if they really have an interest in a particular career path and, perhaps most importantly, create a network of contacts. In addition, college interns often gain college credit. Still, some students pass up internships in favor of waiting tables or relaxing on the beach, afraid of spending their summer brewing coffee in the company kitchen. They don’t realize that many internships extend far beyond the coffee maker. Here are some of the top internship positions for college students for this year.

1. Microsoft Corp.

As an intern at Microsoft, you’ll have real responsibility, real work, and real opportunities to jumpstart your career. (You’ll get paid, too!) It’s an experience you’ll never find in a classroom. You’ll be given manageable assignments that you can complete while you’re here, and your efforts will likely take shape in Microsoft products - or be used by Microsoft teams - long after you return to school. Click here to learn more about an internship at Microsoft

2. Walt Disney Company
	Yes, there really are dream jobs. Professional Internships are available in many different lines of business at the Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney Imagineering. Each of these unique areas of our global company offers students the ability to apply classroom learnings while networking with Disney professionals. Click here to learn more about an internship at Disney

3. Adobe
	The company's award-winning technologies and software have redefined business, entertainment, and personal communications by setting new standards for producing and delivering content that engages people anywhere at anytime. These internships can provide a student with valuable work experience while they continue their education. Click here to learn more about an internship at Adobe

4. Fox Entertainment Group

Fox Entertainment Group is one of the world's most recognized and respected producers and distributors of films and television programs. Providing an unforgettable first-hand experience through both paid and academic credit interships, the FOX Internship Program covers the most innovative, influential and passionate territory in the entertainment industry. Click here to learn more about an internship at FOX

5. NBC Universal

Interns have produced tangible results as they begin building their professional networks, and for many, it confirms their professional goals. We offer opportunities throughout all of our divisions including TV, Pictures, Cable Networks, Home Entertainment, and Corporate groups. Positions relate to marketing, publicity, finance, production, technology, and human resources, just to name a few! Click here to learn more about an internship at NBC Universal

More information about college jobs and internships

• Non-Profits and Public Internships
  Most organizations and companies do not want to stick their interns behind a copier or beneath a mountain of dusty files. Non-profit agencies that fund policy research as well as museums and galleries depend on the valuable services of interns to keep their operations running. You may find yourself writing articles, calling senators and planning meetings. These organizations also depend on interns becoming future employees dedicated to enterprises that educate and help the public. Sharing their love for public service is part of the experience.
  
  
• Corporate Internships
  Similarly, corporate interns will work with a mentor, be a member of the planning team and hopefully see a project through to its conclusion. Large corporations like IBM and Northrop Grumman want their internship program to groom future employees who will be qualified and loyal to the company that gave them their first big break. Even smaller companies closer to home can provide great real world experience and the possibility of future employment. JobWeb, a career Web site for recent graduates, found that companies offer full-time employment to 57% of interns. Consider your internship as a very long job interview, one in which you can prove yourself through the work you do.
  
  
• Government Internships
  Even the government, the largest employer in the United States, offers internships. You can intern in many different fields from the local to federal levels. Search Studentjobs.gov and you will find opportunities like a legal internship with the United States Probation Office or an engineering technician position for the Army Corps of Engineers.