Getting an internship in college can boost you in the right direction to getting you dream job after you graduate. The process of finding, narrowing down top choices, and applying for internships is roughly the same for every major out there. So here are some general tips for the application process.
// BRAINSTORM //
Make a long list of any place you would like to intern. Forget your qualifications, the location, and whether or not the company has a formal internship program. Use your resources! Ask professors, faculty, and students to find out where they have interned. Your school is there to help you find connections that fit your interests. Specifically in the Bryn Mawr community, alumni are thrilled to help current BMC students. Attend “meet and greets” or job fairs to see if the attending companies spark your interest! If you have absolutely no idea, just Google “{insert major here} internships”. It might lead you to some interesting opportunities. Also, Bryn Mawr has a site, Lantern Link, which is a great online resource for connecting you with all kinds of opportunities.
// NARROW DOWN //
After looking at your big long list, consider a few things to help you narrow it down. Where are you willing to live? Would you like the internship to be paid or unpaid? Don’t worry yet if you don’t know whether or not the company advertises internships – you never know when a company might just be looking for an intern!
// CREATE //
Now is the time to start writing. Cover letters and résumés give the company a chance to quickly get a sense of who you are. There are tons of resources online and in the Career Development Office to help you start, review, and polish these documents. Bryn Mawr has some sample documents here. The most important thing in this step is spelling, grammar, and standing out. Show off what you know, what your experiences have been, and what your goals are for helping yourself (and the company) succeed. Be sure to tailor your cover letter directly to the position you’re applying for – it can be really easy to spot a generic one. A specific cover letter will reinforce that you have a strong interest in that particular company.
// APPLY //
This can be the most stressful part of the process, even though it can be pretty straightforward. If possible, send an email to the recruiting manager (and/or an alumnus you connected with) just as a personal touch; it will help you stand out against the crowd. On your list of companies that didn’t have an internship program, don’t shy away from them. If you really have a strong interest in working there, work for the internship. Get into contact with anyone and everyone you know that works for that company or knows someone who works for that company. Every place had a first intern – who knows, it might be you! The company will recognize your drive and passion.
// FOLLOW UP //
Send a follow up email or letter thanking the company for their time, reminding them why you would love to work for them, and that you look forward to hearing from them soon. Don’t forget to include your contact information so that it is immediately available to them.
// STAY STRONG //
Just because you didn’t get one position, doesn’t mean you won’t get another. It’s a lot like when you had to wait to get your college acceptance letters. Apply to many places because you never know where you will or won’t get accepted. Remember that a lot of internship positions are filled at the last minute, so even when it seems hopeless, it could still work out.
// VOLUNTEER //
If you don’t get accepted to any internships, don’t worry. Spend the time you would have spent there doing something else. Try volunteering at the same company (even if it’s in a different department). Getting a little bit of experience will allow you to get your foot in the door at the company, meet some other employees, and show your dedication and passion in the field. This may open the door later. Your name will be recognized and you can get good recommendations from current employees
// GOOD LUCK ON YOUR SEARCH AND APPLICATION! //