· Searching for Internships : There are thousands of websites available that house laundry lists of internship opportunities, however, less than seven percent of jobs are found using these sites (FORTUNE, May 13, 2002). These sites are good for becoming familiar with skills required in your chosen field, but not usually helpful in landing the internship. Check with your career center for listings, but be careful not to rely on only them. Your search is ultimately your responsibility. Establish your own network.

· Your Network : Think about the people you know and where they work. These individuals can inform you who to contact about internships at their places of employment. Think beyond what the company product is, and consider what your role might be within that company. Large employers will have multiple opportunities across disciplines. Smaller employers also provide interesting and unique opportunities. Consider your past or current employer; for example, your fast food restaurant supervisor can put you in touch with the corporate office, where you might try out Human Resources, Corporate Communications, or Accounting.

· Tools for the Search : Develop a good resume. There are examples and tips available on most Career Center websites. Include you education, your activities, travel, volunteer experience, work experience, related courses or class projects, and awards or honors. Your resume should focus on your skills and accomplishments. Learn how to write a good cover letter, and remember to send thank you letters after speaking to an employer.

· Applying : Once you find the opportunities, either through internship postings on campus, or through your own network, send your cover letter and resume to the appropriate contact. That is not enough, however, to land the job. You must follow up with that contact to express your interest. Be prepared to discuss briefly your qualifications. If you have none that are directly relevant, express your enthusiasm for the position, and your ability and desire to learn. This can go a long way in impressing an employer; no employer expects interns to be fully knowledgeable or experienced.

· Interviewing : Know yourself and the employer. Well-prepared candidates are successful candidates. Be able to discuss your skills, talents, characteristics, and be able to support your descriptions with relevant examples of your behavior. For example, if you tell an employer that you are hardworking, give them supporting evidence to prove it, such as how you are actively involved in campus groups, and able to manage a full course load. Research the company prior to your interview - know the products or services. Have thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview that reflect you've done your research. Avoid questions about salary and benefits until they bring it up.

· Be realistic : As a first or second year student, don't expect to have a high-level of responsibility. Your goals should be to gain knowledge of the profession, the company, and to test out some of your classroom knowledge. As you progress through your college career, your level of responsibility at internships will also progress. Don't overlook the unpaid internships, commonly offered in the non-profit arena (think Red Cross, Art Councils, etc.). These experiences can be phenomenal learning opportunities, not to mention fun.

Start early, even as soon as your first year in school, as the more experiences you have throughout your college career, the better prepared you'll be to start your career. Gaining internship experiences during college will make you a more competitive candidate. You may even gain a permanent position from your internship!

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.