This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mich chapter.
Well collegiettes it’s that time of the year… internship and job hunting has officially begun. While we look outside at the blizzard conditions (at least those of us stuck in the lovely Michigan weather), it seems crazy to start thinking about our summer plans. Yet the truth is landing a summer internship is hard, really hard, and if you are studying abroad that definitely does not make the process any easier. I get it because I was in your shoes last winter, but don’t worry because you too can score an amazing internship from overseas! Here is everything you study-abroaders need to know:
- Start looking now! Most companies will still consider you even though you are abroad, but setting up interviews will take a lot more planning than your peers back in the United States. Make sure to mention in your cover letter that you are abroad. Even though you are not back at school, you can still take advantage of multiple available resources. Check in with the Career Center Connector for job and internship postings. Send out emails to all your friends and family letting them know you are looking for an internship in whatever area interests you – connections are super important so let people help you in the search!
- In an interview, expect to hear at least one question about your study abroad experience. Remember to focus on topics such as the independence you’ve gained, exposure you’ve had to new cultures, and your ability to acclimate to a different way of life. These are all characteristics employers want to see in their new hires. All the partying, lack of sleep, and awesome nightlife might be better stories for your girlfriends, not something to highlight to the employer!
- Become well acquainted with Skype because it will become your new best friend. Skype offers the next closest thing to a face-to-face interview and offers the HR department to put a face to the resume. Not only that but it also is a lot cheaper than making an international phone call. Some things to consider with Skype interviews:
- Make sure you have a good connection. This seems like a given but I would suggest doing a few test trials to see how long your Skype connection will last because you do not want to be mid-interview and it go out. Also, expect and embrace those awkward pauses and stalls during the conversation. It happens – just have a good attitude and do your best!
- That being said… ALWAYS have a backup plan. The truth of the matter is we have no control over when the Internet connection will decide to give out.
- One great (and much cheaper) option for telephone interviews is to actually purchase (for about $20) a Skype phone number. Change your resume with this contact number so those employers that choose to follow up via telephone rather than email can actually reach you. You will be able to make calls and even receive voicemails.
- Be pleasantly persistent! This goes for anybody looking for an internship position, but even more so if you are abroad. Most students worry about being “too annoying” when following up with employers. Always ask before the end of an interview what the next steps are and when you can expect to hear from them. This way you know their timetable and once that time has passed it’s completely acceptable to send a follow-up email.
- Learn to be flexible. The life of a study abroad student is busy – between travel plans almost every weekend, the time difference, your social life, and of course schoolwork too, it’s difficult to find good times to set up interviews. If you really want to get an internship it will take dedication, lots of planning, and most importantly – flexibility. Be prepared to bring your laptop everywhere. Most hotels and hostels will have Internet, but even if not, you can always find it somewhere nearby such as Starbucks. Bring a nice top with you on all trips because you never know when you might be contacted to set up an interview. Trust me from personal experience: last year I was traveling throughout Italy for my 12-day spring break when an employer contacted me. On a whim I found myself fixing the lighting, moving furniture, and transforming my hostel bedroom into an interview-appropriate environment. So be prepared – you will be happy that you did!
- Don’t forget the importance of a thank-you note! We have all heard it before, but it is shocking how few people actually follow through with this tip. While it might be a little difficult to mail handwritten thank-you notes from overseas, an emailed note will definitely suffice.
- Don’t want to leave the life abroad quite yet? Internships are definitely more of a United States “thing” but I found some unique ways students’ extended their study abroad experience. One girl I met became friends with a Spanish woman at the local gym. After a few months the woman asked her if she would be interested in staying with her family for the summer months as a nanny and teaching them English. Another opportunity I came across was the possibility of working with a travel agency targeted to college students abroad that I myself used for a few trips. These are only a few examples but many exist – just think outside the box!