“So, do you know what you guys are doing this summer yet?”
The conversation makes its way around the table, one big-name internship after another, and just before it’s your turn to share, you excuse yourself to get some water.
Don’t worry, not everyone has their summer planned out and it’s certainly not too late to find a worthwhile internship. Here are a few tips to get on track:
Where to look:
Sometimes, the hardest part of landing the perfect internship is finding it! LinkedIn is valuable for building a network, as well as finding firms in your area and industry. However, if you are one of 500 applicants to 10-person internship program and are starting to feel defeated, use your resources! Businesses – large and small – are everywhere. Most businesses, especially the small ones, do not have a formal internship program but may gladly take on a student who is eager to learn about their industry. So what’s the harm in reaching out? Take the initiative by searching firms in your area, the person who heads the department of interest to you or human resources, and reach out!
Always do your research.
Read up a bit on the company’s operations, size, locations, values, history… you get the point. There’s nothing worse than feeling caught off-guard during an interview. Plus, it’s good practice to ask a few questions at the end of your interview – center these around the aspects of a job that matter most to you.
Resume and Cover Letter
Tailor these to the position you’re looking to hold. You may have a long list of impressive experiences, but employers tend to read resumes quickly. It’s best to air on the side of showcasing only those experiences that speak to your skills related to the position, rather than sending in a signed copy of your autobiography! Demonstrate your interest in the specific company, but make sure to explain how you can be of value in that company as well. And please, please, edit for proper spelling and grammar!
“It’s all about who you know…”
Most potential employers ask for references. Reach out to mentors, professors or past employers who you’ve had positive experiences with and ask if they would mind being a reference, so you are prepared to list contacts.
Stand tall, shoulders back, firm handshake, and you’re there!