And while many students complete internships during the summer months, internships can also be arranged during the fall and spring semesters, giving most students ample opportunities to graduate with at least one internship, and the better students with multiple internships.
So, given the importance of internships, how do you go about finding one? There are five main sources of internships.
Your College Career Center. Businesses and organizations located near colleges love having students as interns, and most of these local opportunities go through your college’s career center. So, if you have been avoiding making an appearance at the career center’s office, now is the time to do so. Not only can these professionals help you identify internships, but they can help you with your resume, interviewing skills, and so much more.
Your College Professors. Most faculty are plugged into certain local businesses and organizations, so it makes sense to talk to your academic adviser as well as other professors in your department of study. And if you want to intern away from college, closer to home (or elsewhere), your professors might be perfect for helping you make those connections.
Your Network. Maybe not your network exactly, but the network of your family and family’s friends. A network is simply a group of people that have some connection to you -- and have some interest in helping you succeed. Since many of the adults in your life most likely work, all of their places of employment are potential sources of internships. All you need to do is approach these folks, perhaps in a letter or email, and solicit their advice in identifying internship information.
Career Fairs. If you thought career fairs were just for seniors, you are wrong. At many collegiate career fairs, recruiters are also there to identify potential interns. And even if a recruiter from an attending company does not specifically say the organization is looking for interns, it does no harm to go up to the table and ask about the possibility. Most colleges have career fairs on campus, and there are also regional fairs -- and even virtual careers fairs online.
The Internet. Some of the most coveted internships must be applied to online, either through an internship Website or through an organization’s online career center. Here’s a listing of all the best internship Websites and if you have a list of specific companies at which you would like to intern, use your favorite search engine to get to their corporate career center.
Learn more in this article: How to Find Your Ideal Internship.
See a list of all the most common college, career, and job questions -- and Dr. Hansen's solutions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Randall S. Hansen is a nationally recognized career and job-search expert. He is currently Webmaster of Quintessential Careers, as well as publisher of its electronic newsletter, QuintZine. He writes a biweekly career advice column under the name, The Career Doctor. Dr. Hansen is a certified electronic career coach. He is also a tenured, associate professor of marketing in the School of Business Administration at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. He is an author and presenter of hundreds of publications and papers. He is co-author, with Katharine Hansen, of the top-selling Dynamic Cover Letters. And he has been an employer and consultant dealing with hiring and firing decisions for the past fifteen years. His opinions and comments are often quoted in the media. Read more about Dr. Hansen. He can be reached at randall@quintcareers.com.
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Tips on Internships
Each year, students obtain interesting, substantive, and career-related summer jobs and internships. The keys to their success: preparation and an early start in the summer job search process. Your search for an internship or summer job should be conducted in the same manner.
- Determine Your Priorities.
Do you want career-related experience? The opportunity to travel? Funds to support tuition fees?
- Identify Prospective Employers.
Organizational directories, the Yellow Pages, and local newspapers can be used to pinpoint organizations of interest, including traditional summer employers: hotels, camps, convention centers, government agencies, etc. The Career Center also maintains both electronic and paper listings for internships and summer jobs.
- Develop a Resume to Emphasize Your Skills.
A resume can effectively present your background and distinguish you from other job seekers.
- Start Contacting Employers Early.
If you seek a career-related position, it is appropriate to contact the manager of an organization in your area of interest, as well as the Human Resources department, as early as three or four months in advance. Call or write to request information regarding internship and summer job opportunities.
- Complete Application and Be Prepared for Interviews.
If you are seeking a general, non-career-related position, you may be asked to complete and return a formal application. Be sure to complete these forms neatly and thoroughly, typing them when possible. If there are currently no positions available, request referrals to other employers in the field. Should you be granted an interview, be prepared to answer questions about your background.
- Follow-up All Interviews.
Always send a thank-you letter to the interviewer expressing your appreciation. If you were not granted an interview, follow up your application with a phone call, a letter, or even a visit. Your interest and enthusiasm will distinguish you from other job seekers.
Finding an Internship or Summer Job That's Right For You
In a competitive job market, a career-related summer job or internship can make the difference in obtaining a full-time position. More employers are using work experiences as screening devices to assess the skills and abilities of prospective employees. Skills learned on the job supplement the skills learned in the classroom. A career-related summer job or internship is likely to give you a competitive edge when you seek your first job.
Summer jobs and internships provide youwith opportunities to:
- Gain valuable work experience before graduating.
- Develop skills.
- Evaluate personal likes and dislikes that will enable you to make sound career decisions.
- Develop professional contacts.
- Gain confidence in your abilities.
- Build a stronger resume, which will help you later in obtaining full-time employment.
Clarify the following before accepting an offer:
- What is the name of the individual to whom you will be responsible while you are involved in the experience?
- What are the working hours and how flexible will your schedule be with regard to your specific responsibilities?
- Will you be paid and/or receive academic credit? Keep in mind that some students choose volunteer experiences.
- What kinds of day-to-day assignments can you expect to receive from your supervisor and others?
- Are there any special requirements in connection with the work, such as medical examinations, overtime work, or personal expenses?
- Where will you be working throughout your experience?
- Will travel be necessary as part of your responsibilities?
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