Searching for the Right Internship
Internships are a great opportunity for college students and graduates to learn about a particular field of interest. With most employers looking to find the most qualified workers, it doesn't hurt to have real life experiences similar to the workforce, especially for entry level job candidates. So, how do you find the right internship for you? It's a three-step process according to Randall Hansen: determine your internship goals, prepare/polish your job search skills, and find/track down internship sources.
Determine Your Internship Goals
Think about the following questions:
1. What are your specific career interests?- An internship can help you identify what field you want to get into or a certain career path to take in that field.
2. Why do you want an internship, and what do you hope to gain from it?- You must answer the first part of this question, and then set out to enhance what is necessary to be successful.
3. What type of organization are you interested in?- Consider features important to you such as the size, ownership, and the corporate culture of a company you would like to intern for.
4. What industry would be best for your needs?- Once you have decided which field you want to pursue, find out what part of that field gives you the best opportunity to succeed in the workplace.
5. Where do you want to have your internship?- This decision will be based on the time of your internship, during a college semester or the summer time, and other goals you may have.
6. Will you consider both paid and non-paid internships?- If you can afford to, consider both types of internships; I agree.
7. Do you want college credit for the internship?- Some colleges may offer credit for internships. Find out the ones available to you, but that can also best fit your needs.
Prepare/Polish Your Job Search Skills
With the competition for internships on the rise, college students and graduates need to develop solid job search skills. Continue to improve your skills in:
- Cover letter writing
- Resume preparation
- Interviewing strategies
Find/Track Down Internship Sources
Here are sources that can help you find the right internship:
- Career Services Office
- Major/Minor Department
- Networking Sources
- Internship and Career Fairs
- Alumni Office
- Company Websites
- Internship Websites (like CollegeRecruiter.com)
- Books and Periodicals
- Cold Contact
After following this three-step process, be sure to follow-up your internship requests appropriately. For example, give a thank you call, or write a thank you letter showing how much you appreciate a company's time taken with you to discuss the internship.
Source: http://www.quintcareers.com/finding_ideal_internship.html
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