This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Ohio U chapter.
Here we are in the middle of February, knee-deep in the “summer internship hunt.” As fabulous collegiettes, we know having an internship isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s a necessity. These searches can be a cruel and daunting process. With internships being essential today, the competition is high. But no worries superstars, there are many opportunities out there; you just have to know where to find them. Here are some tips to help with the process.
Realization:
First, and most important, you must realize you need this experience to achieve your dream job someday! That means your internship will most likely be unpaid, and you will have to do the jobs that others don’t. Yes, this means getting coffee, filing papers, stuffing envelopes and licking them shut. We’ve all paid our dues, so you must to. Another thing you must realize is that if you don’t get your dream internship the first time it’s okay! No internship is a bad internship. You’ll learn anywhere you go and meet people that will help you get to your dream position.
Searching:
Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to get started. Research areas you would like to gain experience in, such as if you’re a public relations major, research PR agencies. Once you’ve found some places that interest you, dare I say, stalk them! Read their websites, know what they stand for, find them on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter and connect with them! This gives you the opportunity to put your name out there and keep up with the latest information on their organization. Bookmark these sites and become familiar with them.
Normally a company’s website will have a tab about working for them. It may be hard to find, but don’t give up. It is usually found at the very bottom of the page in small print. This is where they post job openings.
Other great resources to find internships include:
· LinkedIn: If you don’t have a LinkedIn by now, make one! This can be considered a “professional Facebook.” It is a great source to connect with people and find jobs! There is a job tab at the top of the page. Browse through there to find openings. They can even send you email notifications about new openings. Check it out!
· Intern Queen: This is an ah-maz-ing website! It is an internship database. Lauren Berger is the creator, and she posts hundreds of internship opportunities. Best part about it? It’s completely free! Visit her site to get your search started.
· Google Search: The always faithful Google search. This is a good starting point. Google internship jobs, but be creative with your research! Think of different ways to search something. These searches can lead you anywhere.
Intern proof your social media:
You’ve found where you want to intern and possible positions open. Now it’s time to look professional! At a social media conference I attended last year, one of the speakers said, “If you don’t want your Grandma or Mom to see it, take it down!” I have stuck to that cardinal rule, and it has done wonders for me. Do a quick Google search on yourself. I know this may sound strange, but do it because employers will. You want to see what they will be seeing when they search you.
Spice up your resume/cover letter:
Many schools offer a career service center; use it! Many places allow walk-in appointments to get your resume and cover letters revised. This is an amazing opportunity to have a professional set of eyes look at your work. These two documents will make or break your internship dreams, so make sure it is perfect. Get as many eyes as possible to look at them before submitting your materials. Ask the HR person at your parent’s place of work to have a look or a professor you trust–even your advisor. All these people are there to help you; take advantage of it.
Time to apply:
Now that everything is tidy and clean, it’s time to submit those applications! I found making an Excel document helps keep me organized and on track. Include the name of the company, its website, the date you applied and the date of the deadline for the application. This will help you know when to send a follow-up. Typically you get in touch a week or two after you’ve submitted your application. Don’t be afraid to follow up! The most mistaken idea is that you will seem annoying or you are bothering them. This couldn’t be more false. Sending a follow-up shows your interest in the position and that you took the initiative to keep track of your application. I have sent follow-ups several times, and employers have thanked me for reminding them. These people are very busy and buried in emails. Sometimes even they need a reminder. When applying, be sure to follow every guideline they give you. If you can’t follow a set of directions to apply, they won’t hire you.
On a final note, try to think of people you have worked with in the past who can help you. Networking is one of the most important skills you’ll learn in college. I’ve asked an old boss to help get me in contact with people in Los Angeles for a summer internship, and I’ve gotten two interviews from that! The worst that can happen when you reach out is they say no. Good luck with your hunt. May the odds be ever in your favor!