All of a sudden it is March, and you know what that means—time to start planning for summer! While all that sounds great—you know, beach trips, sunglasses, sundresses and summer romance—summer is also about getting experience in the work world. Time to bulk up your résumé, ladies! But the question is… how do you score a great internship?
1. Use Hiatt
Sometimes Hiatt gets a bad rap, but honestly their B.Hired website has a lot of great listings and their staff members do actually know what they are doing. Set up a meeting or browse their jobs & internship webpage.
2. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the new social media site for professionals. On here you can find both jobs and internships! Make sure your profile is up to date, including a professional looking photo of yourself. Nothing says unmotivated and unprofessional like a photo that was taken at a frat party.
3. Use your department
Many departments require that you have an internship to complete your major (like business and HSSP), which means that there is someone in the department who is dedicated to making this process easier for you. Keep your eyes open for department-wide emails that often get overlooked. In these emails there are often internship opportunities!
4. Family and Friends
As much as it hurts to ask your parents, they are actually valuable resources. While it may seem like you are riding on their coattails, your parents (or family friends) worked hard to get where they are and not using them would be foolish. A connection they have could lead to an internship, job or even another connection. Life is about networking, family and friends included!
5. Google
Just start typing key word “internship” into Google. Interested in marketing? Just Google marketing internships! You never know where this may lead you!
6. Previous Connection
Happen to know someone in the field already? Ask them to sit down and have an informational interview. At this interview you can ask them for advice about finding an internship, how they got where they are, etc. NEVER ask for an internship flat out, that’s just unprofessional. They may offer you an internship, but let them come to that conclusion on their own.
7. Contact a Company
If there is a brand you love, or an organization you are interested in, contact their Human Resources Department. HR is in charge of things like internships and they may be able to help.
Make sure that your résumé is up to date and professional. It should never be over a page in length, and it should reflect what skills you actually have. Order a copy of your transcript and bring a copy of it as well as your résumé to any meetings you have with any potential contacts or employers. Keep searching and never give up—there is an internship for everyone out there! GOOD LUCK!