How to Find College Internships
As the summer approaches, many college students and high school students will begin to think about internship jobs. An internship is a great way to gain work experience, build your resume, and learn more about your desired career field. However, finding an internship can be a challenge.
There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of finding the perfect internship opportunity. Utilizing your network, setting notifications on job boards when internship opportunities become available, doing your research, getting creative, and being persistent are all key. By following some simple tips, and with a little hard work and perseverance, you can land the perfect summer internship.
What is an internship?
An internship is a type of job where someone works for a for-profit or non-profit company or organization for a set period, usually between one and three months. Internships are usually done by college students or recent grads who are hoping to gain experience in their desired field. Many of these opportunities can be paid internships or unpaid internships, and often offer course credit if completed as part of a school program. Additionally, many internships lead to part-time or full-time entry-level job offers after the completion of the program.
Why are internships important?
Internships are seen as a valuable way to gain experience in your chosen field. Many potential employers prefer to hire job seekers who have completed an internship with their company, as it shows that the candidate is committed and has some experience in the industry. Internships can also provide insight into whether you would like to pursue a certain career path.
Where can I find internship positions?
When it comes to finding internships, there are a few different avenues you can pursue. You can search online job boards, search internship job listings and job descriptions to make certain you are a great match for the opportunity, attend career fairs, research internship programs on company websites, or reach out to your school's career services or career center for help. Additionally, many students find internships through family members and friends, and by reaching out through social media. You can also check out the following job search websites and conduct an internship search to find the perfect opportunity:
Snagajob
LinkedIn
FlexJobs
Simply Hired
Google Search Engine
Internships.com
Glassdoor
Will I have to interview for an internship?
If you are applying for an internship, it is likely that you will have to interview for the position. As with any job interview, the best way to prepare is to research the company or organization ahead of time and familiarize yourself with its mission and values. Additionally, it is helpful to practice common interview questions so that you can feel more confident going into an interview with a hiring manager.
Here are a few common internship interview questions:
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
Why are you interested in our company/organization?
What skills do you have that would make you successful in this role?
Describe a time when you overcame a challenge at work or school.
Tell me about a project you spearheaded during any previous internships.
What do you think sets our company/organization apart from others in our industry?
How would you handle a situation where you disagreed with your supervisor?
How can I make the most of my internship experience?
Be proactive. Don't wait for someone to tell you what to do- take initiative and actively seek out projects and tasks that interest you.
Build relationships. Internships are a great way to network and build relationships with professionals in your desired field. Get to know your co-workers and supervisors and try to establish a rapport with them.
Be open to feedback. One of the main purposes of an internship is to learn, so be open to feedback from your supervisors and co-workers. Use their suggestions to improve your work and grow as a professional.
Take advantage of opportunities. An internship is a great chance to learn new skills and try out different roles within your chosen field. If you're given the opportunity to shadow someone or work on a special project, take it!
Keep a positive attitude. No one wants to work with a Negative Nancy, so make sure to keep a positive attitude throughout your internship. Be friendly and enthusiastic, and let your passion for the industry shine through.
Conclusion
Overall, internships are a great way to gain experience and learn new skills. There are many ways to find an internship that fit your interests and needs. Once you have found an internship, it is important to be proactive and take initiative to make the most of the experience.
If you are a college student or recent grad, remember; to search online job boards for internship job listings, attend career fairs, research internship programs on company websites, and reach out to your school's career services or career center.
Once you have found a few potential internship opportunities that match your career goals, it is time to start preparing your application materials for the internship listings that will help you land your dream job. This includes putting together letters of recommendation, a strong resume, and a cover letter. Additionally, you will likely have to interview for the internship, so it is helpful to practice common questions ahead of time.
With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to securing an internship that fits your needs and interests. Good luck!