Summer may seem like a long way off, but in some industries, deadlines for summer internship applications have already come and gone. Here are some tips to help you get on top of your internship search this winter break so that you’re ready when your deadlines are approaching.
      1. Edit your résumé. Especially if you haven’t dusted off that résumé since your college applications, it will need some fine-tuning. Minimize the amount of high school experience that you include; if you’re a freshman or a sophomore, it’s okay to include some leadership opportunities or honors you had in high school, but college experiences should take center stage. Elaborate on your experience—give specifics, using power verbs, of the work you did, your achievements, and the skills that this work demonstrated. Northwestern University Career Services is a great resource to help revise your résumé.
           2. Create and edit a LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a great resource for networking, and when potential employers or references are viewing your profile, you want to put your best foot forward. The experience section of your LinkedIn can read like that of your résumé, elaborating on your positions held. Use the groups feature to join groups like Northwestern University Alumni, where you can search for alumni in your desired field.
      3. Network and set up informational interviews. Using LinkedIn, you can search for alumni that work for companies that you’d like to intern for, and, if they’re in your area, message them to ask to set up a quick informational interview. Informational interviews are used to gather more information about their career path (how they went from Northwestern to their current position), what their position entails, tips for success in their field, and other potential contacts who would be beneficial to speak with. The holidays are a great time to network at home as well. Use gatherings with family and friends to speak with people about your desired career path and see if they have any connections in the field. These personal connections are great resources with whom to set up informational interviews too.
           4. Do your research. Use this time away from the stress of Northwestern to research the deadlines for the internships that you are interested in and where to send your résumé, cover letter, and portfolio.
           5. Start writing! Begin to write cover letters and put together portfolios or writing samples for the internships that you’ve decided to apply for. You’ll feel so much more relaxed when deadlines are approaching if all you have to do is hit send!