There comes a time in (mostly) everyone’s college careers when they have to get an internship. Not only do most majors require this, but it is something good to have under your belt when you are applying for full time jobs after graduation.
Floating through freshman and sophomore year, not having a single thought or worry in sight about an internship, then — BAM! You’re suddenly a junior and realize its time to start applying for internships. The thought of entering the working world when you’ve barley taken half of your major classes can be intimidating, but don’t you worry. Here are some tips on how to stay cool, calm and collected during this crazy process.
1. Relax
For those of you in the internship search, we can all agree that it’s stressful. Constantly questioning how many other applicants there might be and will you even be asked back for an interview is running through your mind. It’s sometimes hard to remember but overthinking and worrying about these things won’t help you land an internship so spare yourself the stress.
2. Stay Motivated
The search to find an internship isn’t only stressful it can be exciting, too. To finally being able to apply to companies that you’ve had your eye on for years is a great feeling. When applying to internships you also have the option to go anywhere in the country. So not only could you be applying to one of your favorite companies, it could also happen to be located in your dream city.
3. Practice Makes Perfect
Interviews are a part of the internship process that can make us all feel a little anxious. Not knowing what question they will ask and not knowing the right things to say in response can be thoughts that haunt us before that big interview. Although each interview can stir up some nerves, the more interviews you have, the easier they will be. Going over questions they might ask you or doing mock interviews are great ways to feel prepared.
4. Stay Positive
Unfortunately, sometimes applying to internships can lead to disappointment. Whether it’s not getting called back for an interview or not getting an offer, these are things many of us have to deal with. BUT, just because it doesn’t work out with one company does not mean you can’t be just as successful at another one.
When you find yourself feeling buried in the copious amounts of applications you’re working on, remind yourself of these tips and that it will all pay off in the end. Happy internship searching!