Internships are like a test-run. While they're not full-time, real-life jobs, they should be taken as seriously; and although you may be paid less (if at all) than you're worth, it's an extended job interview that will reap great rewards for you.
In Part I, you learned about the benefits of interning, including work experience in your major, improved networking and interview skills, references, replacing nervousness with confidence and a competitive edge over your classmates, and the ability to apply what you learned in the classroom and your career. In this half, you'll learn 10 Steps to Getting an Internship and view a sample timeline for planning and applying for internships that'll prove valuable toward your success. So, let's get to it...
The best time to look for summer internships is during the spring semester (or quarter), but if you'll be too busy with course work, then start looking during the winter break when you'll have more free time. It's better to have booked an internship while attending to final exams and finishing the semester on a strong note.
Step One: Check on whether your school or department head has an internship program or know of available internships in your field of interest. Then, visit their websites and collect info about the internship positions, including deadlines, prerequisites and qualifications for each. Also, choose which ones best fit your abilities. For instance, if you don't have a car and an internship is far away from where you live, that may not be the best fit for you.
Step Two: Ask your advisors, professors, past and current employers for recommendation letters. What others have to say about your personality, potential and achievements hold enormous weight when your application is reviewed. Have one or both talk about your personal and professional self, including the traits mentioned in the previous sentence.
Also, be very careful to change addresses and names on each letter you decide to recycle to prevent denial and embarrasment.Step Three: Research local companies that you would like to intern. Utilize search engines and ask your advisor and professors for a list of companies you should try. Doing this might result in them making a few phone calls on your behalf. Also, just because an employer did not advertise that they're looking for or host interns does not mean they won't hire you as an intern. Be aggressive! Be proactive!
Step Four: With your new list of potential employers, decipher which will provide the most experience, guidance, knowledge and stand out the most on your resume. No one wants one of those 'fetching coffee' internships... unless you're fetching Donald Trump's coffee and offered him a few investment tips.
Step Five: As mentioned in the first half of this series, employers don't expect collegiate to be gurus in their field (or you'd be applying for a 9 to 5, right?), but they do expect hard work, genuine interest and competency. Make sure your skills and interest mimick the company's services and mission, and that they're displayed in your resume and cover letter.
Step Six: If your major is journalism, like mine, or graphic or web design, photography, fashion design or anything artistic, a portfolio is the receptionist that introduce potential employers to your quality of work. "Hi! Welcome to John Doe, where brillance and creativity is paramount. Would you like to see more?"
Use about 10-12 samples of your best work. For those that don't fit in the above majors, use personal and class projects, and research papers to develop your portfolio. Your completed portfolio may include your resume, cover letter and contact info (although it should be on your resume, it's okay to repeat this, I feel). My portfolio reads like a magazine with a personalized, yet simple cover. It's also available in pdf form, allowing me to quickly email employers for competitive jobs.
Step Seven: Speaking of emailing... nowadays, the first moment of contact with employers is via email. The body of the email has become your cover letter, so the same rules apply. Briefly, explain who you are, what you admire about the company, what you hope to gain from an internship there and which qualities you possess will be an asset to the company. You can attach your resume and portfolio then.
Step Eight: Once the email is sent, follow-up within three days with a phone call to confirm receipt. Be cheerful, but professional. If you get a voice mail, leave a message with your phone number. Speak slowly, but not 3rd-grade-education slow. If the call is not returned, call back the next day.
Step Nine: When you hear back from a company rep, this shows interest. They'll most likely make arrangements to interview you or ask for more information.
Some companies are busy year-round, so be aggressive in scheduling an interview after they show interest. Although, there is a thin line between assertiveness and stalker, so maintain professionalism. It's kinda like having a crush on a cheerleader, but you play it cool whenever she passes by. She knows you want her, but has no idea how much. Play it cool!
Step Ten: Finally, once you secure an internship, be sure you understand your duties and the little, but also vital details, such as what time should you be at work, work attire, etc. If you're not sure about these details, make sure you ask on your first day.
In doing research for this blog, I realized there aren't much resources about applying for internships. The numbers are scarced compared to online info about scholarships and applying for college. I did, however, stumble upon a refreshing website, Intern Queen Inc. that provided a Summer Internship Timeline. Use this sample to organize your own strategy to land an internship, whether it be during the summer or next semester. To calm your nerves, this website also offers interview tips and a personalized list of internships in your area—all of that in one place... incredible!We covered sooo much in two halves. Now, all that's left is seizing all the blessings God has for you. Enjoy!
What questions do you have about internships? Employers, any advice for our potential interns?
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