So we’ve already established that interning is required (or should be) for most college students. But the question most students have is – how do I get one? The internship application process can be long and grueling. It takes a lot of patience and often a thick skin. Before you even start looking for an internship, you should know one thing: be prepared for rejection. On average, someone will say “no” at least five times before someone says “yes”. However, don’t let this discourage you! There are plenty of wonderful companies that would love to have you as an intern.
Step 1: Take a look at your skill set, interests, and experience. Be honest with yourself when applying for internships. If you’re looking to snag an incredibly coveted and competitive internship position, and you have no internship experience, it’s likely that you won’t get it. If the posting says “x, y and z skills needed”, and you don’t have them, don’t apply! You will just frustrate these employers and close doors that could be open to you in the future.
Step 2: GO TO THE CAREER CENTER. Take your resume and cover letter and work with the career center to perfect them before applying for an internship. They’ve seen hundreds of these and they know what the good ones look like, so take advantage of their expertise. You may also want to schedule a mock interview if this is an area you struggle in.
Step 3: Start searching. The Career Link is a good place to start – as many of these postings are looking specifically for BU students. You may also want to search these other popular internship sites:
Many companies also list their internships on their Linked In page, so make sure to update your page frequently and search open positions when looking for an internship.
All of these resources are extremely useful, but unfortunately, some companies don’t post their internships on these sites – especially the ones that consistently receive numerous applications. My best advice for you is to think about the field you’re going into, make a list of companies in that field that are located here in Boston, and then start looking at their site. If they don’t have anything listed about internships, email them! You’d be surprised how many companies will take interns even if they don’t explicitly say so.
Step 4: Apply and wait. Make sure your resume, cover letter, and any other supplementary materials are completely polished and pristine. Show off your skills and your passion for whatever you are doing, but make sure not to brag. Use words such as “leader”, “team player” and “learn quickly” to let them know that you will fit in with the rest of the team. Once you’ve submitted all of your applications, pat yourself on the back, and wait. Follow up with companies in a month if you don’t hear anything – especially if its one you’re really passionate about. I generally recommend submitting anywhere from 5-10 applications a semester if you’re really serious about having an internship. The more you apply to, the better your chances.
Happy searching!