Internship Search Advice

By Ashley Paskill on March 25, 2018

Having an internship is an important part of the college experience. It is a great way to figure out exactly what you want to do with your career and to make sure your major is the right fit for you. For many colleges, having an internship is even a requirement to graduate. Many employers look for students who have had internships to ensure they have hands-on experience. However, many internship programs are competitive and it can often feel like trying to find a job. Approaching the internship process can make a huge difference.

1. Treat the process like you are searching for a job.

While an internship may not seem like it is as big a deal as a job, treating the process like it is a job is important, especially since you will be doing work that is important and relevant. Treating that process like it is no big deal will make you come off as someone who is not ready for an internship. Make sure you complete all required parts of the application. Nothing destroys your chances of being considered as an intern as not submitting all requested materials. Even if the materials you did submit are perfect, failing to submit something shows the managers that you are careless or unable to follow instructions. When sending a cover letter, address it to a person.

2. Utilize online career services.

Living in the digital age has many perks. One of these perks is having access to a variety of internship, job, and career services online. While colleges often have a career office on campus, they may also have a portal online for job and internship postings that you can access from the comfort of your dorm, apartment, or house. Also, there are websites such as Indeed and WayUp that match your resume to jobs and internships you are qualified for. These websites send alerts when something new is posted and have features that make it quick and simple to apply.

3. Do not hesitate to take an unpaid internship.

Paid internships do exist, but they are often more competitive. It may seem pointless to take an unpaid internship and not get money, but these positions often have the same experience that paid internships offer. Many unpaid internships also offer the opportunity to get college credit so you can still benefit. However, it is important to work just as hard at your unpaid internship as you would at a paid position, especially if you are getting graded for it. Focus on the fact that you are gaining valuable experience and connections despite not getting paid.

4. Start early.

Many internship managers start the search for interns months in advance. Summer internships often have November or December application deadlines. While this is not the case for all, it is still important to get your applications started early to give yourself time to gather all needed materials and to have leeway in case of a computer malfunction. Also, submitting your application early helps you stand out to employers. Just make sure you actually have everything you need before submitting and take your time to make sure you are putting your best self forward.

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