- What’s your major?
- Oh…what are you going to do with that?
Whether you are a second semester freshman or graduating this year, and internship will be valuable to you in many ways. Early in college, internships help you choose, or rule out certain career paths. For upperclassmen, internships look great on resumes or graduate school applications. Some internships may even be paid, or complete some of your credits.
Now that the semester is over and the career center is closed until January 7th, you may feel like it’s too late, but it’s not! Here’s how to make it happen on your own.
1. Have a resume prepared. If you’ve already made one, make sure it’s updated. If you’re having trouble with formatting, there are dozens of online resume builders.
2. Think about what field you want to work in. Are you one of those people who have known what they want to be since kindergarten? Now is the time to test it out.
3. Think about your family and friend connections. This is very important, especially if you are pursuing an internship without the help of the career center. Chances are someone in your family or friend group will know a person in your field of interest. Contact them and tell them you are looking for an internship for next semester and they are bound to know of something. (People love educated, free help.) They may not be able to use you, but they will most likely give you a list of names of people who can.
4. Search Craigslist, the Merrimack website, (the English department recently posted a paid internship on facebook!), and newspapers.
5. Clean up or privatize your social media pages, especially the ones which include your full name or are registered to the email you will use to contact employers.
6. Email, Email, Email. If you could find a family or friend connection, this is where to start. Don’t be afraid to name drop! Turns out there is a classy way to do so. Say you are a Merrimack college student looking for an internship next semester, your year, your major, and that your family friend (insert name here) suggested I contact you. People are much more likely to respond to someone they have a personal connection (or obligation) to.
7. Wait to hear back. If anyone is interested, they will let you know. Reply with your resume, the timeslot you are hoping to fill, and how this particular internship appeals to you.
8. Rock your interview. Chances are one or two of your contacts will have a spot for you and want to interview you. Obviously show up a few minutes early, and dress cleanly and professionally. Also make sure you do your research on the company or organization you will be working with. Know what they do, their mission statement, and the values of the company. Use this knowledge in your interview and you’re sure to impress. Don’t ask about compensation: assume you’re working for free unless you’ve been told otherwise.
9. Contact Campus. Email your advisor and the Career Center and tell them you’ve found and internship, and are wondering if it can be counted for credit in your major.
10. Write thank you notes. Remember the family connection you used? Send a thank you note to them, and anyone who interviewed you or spoke to you on the phone. If just emails were exchanged and an opportunity didn’t come from them, a thank you note isn’t necessary. This professional gesture will make you memorable for next time.