An internship can be a huge boon to your post-college career. In fact, for the class of 2006, the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that 62% of new hires had worked with the company previously as interns. Even if students don’t intend to stay with the company for which they interned, the real-world experience that an internship has to offer is invaluable. In today’s competitive job market, employers are becoming increasingly selective, demanding relevant experience from college graduates in addition to scholastic accolades. Getting an internship is not difficult if you know how to capitalize on the resources around you. To assist your search, read our tips for landing an internship in college.
Begin with the basics. Talk to your faculty advisor or the internship coordinator for your college or department. They may have connections with alumni that have offered internships in the past.
Talk to your professors. Professors often network with professionals in the area that can offer you a position.
Ask your parents. Even if you don’t want anything to do with the field your parents are in, they might have other connections that could help you get your foot in the door.
Volunteer. Community service counts as real-world experience, and many non-profits are associated with national organizations that might be hiring.
Introduce yourself to speakers. If a speaker addresses your class, club, or college on a topic that interests you, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself afterwards. Tell the speaker of your interest in the subject and ask if he/she needs any help with research or projects.
Attend career fairs. Many companies send representatives to career fairs but don’t necessarily advertise internships through other mediums, which makes these events the perfect hunting opportunity for under-publicized internships.
Purchase business cards. When you’re networking, it’s difficult for people to remember who you are and retain your contact information. Business cards make it easier for contacts to remember you, and they set you apart from other students.
Focus on a select few. Instead of sending out dozens of generic resumes to internships you might not be that interested in, try focusing on a handful of opportunities in which you’re genuinely interested. Do thorough research on each of the companies, refer to your findings in your cover letter, and tailor your resume to each individual company.
Visit career services. If you decide to use the career services office at your university, make sure you talk to the person with the most experience and the broadest network of connections.
Pay for some or all of your education. Candidates who have taken the initiative and responsibility to pay for at least 20% of their education tend to be more impressive than those who haven’t contributed a dime. A good GPA and the ability to balance work and school also come across as desirable qualities in an intern.
Practice the interview. If your college or department offers interviewing seminars or practice sessions, take advantage of them. Try taping yourself in a mock interview to evaluate your performance.
