Internships 101 

By Sue Valerio Sladen

Director of Co-operative Education and Career Services

Drexel University

 

No college student would argue the challenges of higher education today: classes, papers, exams, presentations, meeting new people, gaining independence, navigating the college campus and scene. Just when you think you have all of these things under control you hear the latest buzz around campus - internships.

 

You have an idea of what an internship is but wonder how it really differs from a summer job. So why do you really need one anyway? How do you find an internship? What do you do when you get there? These are just some of the questions thousands of college students face each year. Let's start at the beginning.

 

Internships Defined

 

Internships are integral components of the college experience. An internship is a short-term (usually two weeks to three months) educational work experience. There are many variables when it comes to internships. The variables are: hours of work per week, work performed, the time of year the internship is offered, the structure, and compensation (some are paid, others unpaid, others are credit bearing, meaning you earn college credits). Some companies have structured internship programs; others are less formal.

 

Why do I need one?

 

The definitive internship is a launching pad for full-time work. As a student, chances are previous work experience is not related to your field of study. An internship provides valuable work experience that is relevant and meaningful to your course of study. In today's increasingly competitive job market, an internship could be your edge when it's time to enter the world of full-time employment.

 

How do I get one?

 

An internship will not just fall from the sky into your resume; you need to invest time and effort in identifying the best opportunity for you. Keep in mind that you possess your own unique set of skills, values, and interests. The internship your roommate just acquired may seem convenient, but you need to constantly ask yourself - is it right for me?

 

You will need to apply to several internships before you find the right match. Keep an eye out for deadlines and plan ahead. Application deadlines for internships that begin in June may be as early as January. Have your resume, cover letter, references, writing samples, and letters of recommendation ready to go. Know where to go on campus to request a transcript, if a fee is charged, and how long it takes to process a request.

 

Here are some tips on tapping into the hidden internship market:

 

Visit your college career services center. Believe it or not, there is an entire office staffed with a knowledgeable group of people eager to help you find any type of job including an internship. Career services offices are ripe with specific internship opportunities. If you do not find the right opportunity - ask! Chances are a career services professional can put you in touch with a human resources representative within the company you are looking to intern.

 

Network with your professors, fellow students, family, neighbors, and friends. The majority of work opportunities are still found through word of mouth.

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.

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