How to get an internship | Ways to Find Right Internship

Internships are investments in your future. In today’s ruthlessly competitive economy, it becomes vital that students make an internship their top priority. First important point is how to get an internship? Internship season is upon students and recent graduates. It’s exciting to think that an internship can potentially lead to a full-time job after graduation.

Why make internship your top priority?

It gives you a competitive edge over other applicants who are applying for the same position as you, if you have a relevant internship mentioned on your resume. An internship not only gives you a firsthand experience of working in the real world while establishing important connections in the field, but also provides you with skills and experience that cannot be acquired in a school setting.

How to find an right internship 1. Be ready with your resume

Before embarking on the journey of finding an internship be ready with your resume. This way if you find something that suits you, you can immediately apply for it without wasting any time. Have a clean and clear resume. Make sure to proofread for any spelling mistakes and or grammatical errors. Use your resume to highlight your best achievements and qualifications.

2. Focus on skills you want to learn

Be clear about the fields you want to explore and skills you want to learn. If you’re clear about what you want and you’ve your goals set in place then it will make it easier for you to find the internship you’re looking for.

3. Start your search early

Start your internship search early, such as during your winter break so that you will not only get additional time but also the chance to make connections alumni or professionals within industries of your choice.

Many companies offer internship programs not only in summers but all year round. Therefore, research for the available internships throughout the year.

Use specialized websites which are especially designed to get people internships.

4. Do not hesitate to approach

If you already have a company in mind who can offer you an internship then approach them to find out if they run an internship program.

5. Explain your purpose of doing internship

Send them a speculative letter or you can also e-mail them with your CV attached and explain why you wish to intern with them. You can also give the company a call and request them to speak to the person who co-ordinates internships.

6. Dress professionally

Make sure to dress professionally and appropriately when searching for internships as you’d not only be meeting your potential employer but also forming contacts. Dress professionally so that people take you seriously.

7. Consult Career Centers

Take the help of career centers in your schools, colleges and universities. These centers consist of many volunteers or employees who can assist you in your search, guide you properly, and even help you in writing your resumes and cover letters.

8. Networking

Join LinkedIn.com to connect with professionals from your field. Join or create groups to get in touch with the right people who can refer you.

You can also search for internships and jobs on LinkedIn. Use the companies tab to search for job and internship opportunities in a career field and location of interest.

Ask around people you already know such as your relatives, friends, family members, acquaintances, etc, that you’re looking for an internship. May be someone in your social circle might be able to help you land that internship.

Use Facebook page to promote yourself professionally and give people a chance to follow you and connect with you. According to a 2017 survey conducted for Facebook, "one in four people in the US said they searched for, or found a job using Facebook."

Be active on Twitter. There are hundreds of jobs and internship offers that get posted on twitter on the daily basis. So customize your profile accordingly to discover more people and use the appropriate hash tags to connect with other professionals in your desired industry.

9. Follow industry blogs

Follow, Subscribe, Comment and talk with people in your industry blogs.

Participate in industry discussion forum and mailing lists – Debate and have discussions with other people on forums and become the expert that people want to hear from and you might get offered an internship.

10. Attend career fairs

Attend Career fairs and or internship fairs to directly meet recruiters and learn about various job opportunities. This also provides the opportunity to not only network and make connections with companies.

11. Search internship directories.

You will find internship directories in your school or university’s libraries, which lists internship programs at organizations around the U.S.

12. Network with student already undergoing internship

Network with your fellow students and if someone has an internship that you think would suit you as well then ask them for advice and tips to land one yourself, either with the same organization or elsewhere.

13. Join Social Networks

Join industry specific social networks – You can use ning.com search to find networks relevant to your industry and field or start a Ning network yourself to meet professionals.

14. Join real world business networks

Find the business networks in your city and join them to meet people in your industry. Joining general purpose business and social network will also be of help in finding your internship.

15. Bring your "A" game to the interview

Bring your game to the interview. Talk about your skills and accomplishment and how you can prove to be an asset to the company. Dress professionally and appropriately. A little research beforehand will improve your confidence and help you land the internship position.

16. Get your cover letter ready

Write a great Cover letter and tailor it according to the specific internship. It should include examples from your work, academic, and extracurricular experiences.

17. Establish your presence online

Put class projects online and link them in your resume, business cards, social media profiles, etc to catch your prospective employer’s eyes.

Build a strong and impressive web profile on LinkedIn to highlight your achievements, your experience and even your elevator pitch. It will also provide you a short URL to put in your email signature on your resumes and business cards which will encourage people to connect with you.

18. Job Boards as a great resource

Look at job boards online as they are a great resource for college students looking for internships. Narrow down the search criteria to only include internships, or simply add the keyword "internship" to any job search phrase that matches what you’re looking for.

19. Be persistent and proactive

As this demonstrates your prospective employer that you’re very serious about this opportunity and willing to work hard. Also, be persistent in your communications and proactively seek the things you want.

20. Unpaid internship

Consider the benefits of an unpaid internship (even though they won’t help you financially) but they can be less competitive than paid internships and also help you gain valuable experience.

21. Get in touch with previous interns

You can talk to previous interns at the company that you’re eyeing to offer you some valuable insight. Ask about the application and interview process and if they can provide any tips on what you should or shouldn’t do.

22. Build a killer portfolio

You may or may not be asked, but include a killer portfolio if you’re applying for jobs in creative fields such as photography or writing for a local newspaper.

23. Seek Help from University Professors

Seek help from your professor, career counselors, advisors. They are the best resource to make your way to your internship. If you are referenced by your educator that would be the best reference for your employer and that brings very strong chances for you to be hired.

24. Visit company career pages

Directly visit the websites of the company on your target list as they are likely to announce upcoming internships on their official websites before word gets around.

25. Keep your Reputation clean and professional

Delete anything controversial from your social media accounts so that it won’t create an hindrance in getting you that internship as hiring managers check candidates’ social media profiles to gain more information about them.

26. Follow up emails

Make sure to follow up with a thank you note or write them an e-mail thanking them for taking time out to interview. This creates a positive impression on hiring manager’s mind.