A summer in New York? LA? Chicago? DC? That could be you. No matter what classification you are and no matter what major you are, it is never too early to start looking for summer internships all over. Although it is only November and finals are heavy on your mind, you should also have internship applications heavy on your mind because summer recruitment has started. Internships are such an important part of your college career because of the real world experience you attain and you can learn what it is that you truly love to do and want to do. Here’s a guide to helping you find a summer internship that will ensure the best Summer 2016 for you.
1. Don’t wait for the internship to find you. You have to do your research.
A lot of times, students wait on their university to send out an email about an upcoming application deadline or wait until a company visits the school. Yes, these are both very great, but that is not the route that everyone takes to find an internship. You have to do your research. Dedicate a couple hours a week to spending time online using your resources. There are so many websites out there that will give you internships all over the country; internships.com and indeed.com are two reliable sites. If you want a more straight forward website search for internship websites geared toward your interests. For example, if you are interested in fashion, freefashioninternships.com is a great website specifically for students with fashion interests.
2. Do not underestimate social media.
Social media is a powerful resource; I’ve found three of my internships on Instagram. Instead of staying on “bae’s” feed for five hours a day, find companies and keep an eye on their posts. @InternConfidential is one Instagram page that posts internships all the time.
3. Build your portfolio and your brand now.
If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. You cannot wait until the day before your interview to put a wonderful portfolio together, it’s impossible. Also, build your brand now. Your social media accounts represent you and your brand. You have to be ready at any given minute to hand over your Instagram account, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. If a company asked today for your Instagram, would you be comfortable giving it to them? If not, you need to reevaluate your page, you turning up and showing your body off 24/7 is not a good representation. It’s November, you can start now. Brand yourself the correct way and build your portfolio, so when the time comes to interview you will be enter those doors with great zeal.
4. Stay persistent and do not be discouraged.
If you happen to have an interview and you don’t hear back, send them an email and let them know you’re still interested. Don’t think of it as being a pest, think of it as being persistent and going after what you want, but know when too much is too much. If you don’t get one internship, don’t let that discourage you to apply to others. I’m a firm believer that when one door closes another opens, everything happens for a reason. Stay motivated on your journey to finding an internship, no matter what your major is. Internships are an amazing asset on your résumé and it could turn into a potential first job for you.
5. Talk to upperclassmen in your major.
You truly never know who you’re in class with; there are students on campus who have interned all over the country and abroad. Reach out to them, they can help you whether it’s with building your résumé or giving you an e-mail for the person you could network with. Understand that everyday you step on campus you are surrounded with networking opportunities, take advantage of them.
So, there you have it. Follow these tips and you are on your way to scoring an internship this summer. Of course, you can’t forget to check the “Career” tab on Her Campus, internships are added all the time and if they interest you, apply! Never think you aren’t good enough or you don’t have enough experience for an internship. That attitude will get you nowhere because you have to start somewhere. Happy Searching!