Finding an Internship with a Future
Finding an internship position as a college student is a great way to gain experience in your chosen field, get first-hand workplace experience, learn industry “jargon” and develop marketable skills. An internship can also lead to a direct referral to one position or another position with the same company. You can also use experience and references to find your ideal job. How do you go about finding this type of internship?
Use your school’s resources
As a college student, take advantage of your school’s career services. Many students do not take advantage of this opportunity. Career services staff can help you identify and locate internship opportunities that might not otherwise be known about.
Additionally, make use of your department’s staff, including professors and administrative staff. These people may also hear about internship opportunities they can pass along to you. It is also a good idea for students to get in touch with these professionals as these relationships are the beginning of your networking contacts. Your instructors are a great resource for jobs, references and other opportunities.
Do your own research
If there is a company you really want to do an internship with, do some research to find out if they have an internship program. If so, follow the necessary guidelines to apply, such as submitting a job application, resume, cover letter, or any other required information. Even if the company doesn’t have a formal internship program, that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. If you can write a strong application letter and resume showing why you want to work with the company as an intern, you may have a chance.
Additionally, as you would when job searching, use all of your existing networking resources except those mentioned. Let others know that you are investigating internship opportunities and let them know what you are looking for. An unexpected person may know about the right opportunity for you.
Be prepared
When looking for an intern position, you may need to submit similar materials to the job. This means you should have a resume ready, as well as a cover letter, references, and any additional information you may be ready to submit. Even if your resume is not as complete as it will be when you graduate, having a basic resume on which to build will be a useful tool as you continue your professional development.
Consider Smaller Companies
While many people would prefer to do an internship with a larger company, it is not always possible, nor is it always that beneficial. In a smaller company, there may be more opportunities and less competition. For a college student, this can translate into a permanent position after the internship. It can also mean more learning opportunities within the internship, as positions in smaller companies can involve a wider range of responsibilities. This doesn’t mean you should turn down an internship with a large corporation, but consider the benefits of interning with a small business.
