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How does one gain an internship without prior experiences or references?
What tips can you give for someone who doesn't have any experience and little references when applying to summer internships?
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Faryal’s Answer
Hello!
I started applying to internships in undergrad. While its great to have references and experience, it is not required. Depending on which field you are applying to, your grades and involvement in extra curriculars can get you in the door. One tip I would stress on is that people want to work with people they like. Having said that, here are a few things I learned:
1. Many internships have a GPA requirements, make sure you have the minimum
2. Many universities and other organizations have career fairs with big companies looking for interns. Go up, say hi and let them know you're interested and ask for advice. After you've applied, you can connect with them on linkdin, let them know you've applied and say thank you.
3. Join your schools clubs and show leadership capabilities. The club doesn't matter as long as you can show that you take initiative and are passionate about what you do.
4. Apply to as many as possible, you never know what will work out.
I started applying to internships in undergrad. While its great to have references and experience, it is not required. Depending on which field you are applying to, your grades and involvement in extra curriculars can get you in the door. One tip I would stress on is that people want to work with people they like. Having said that, here are a few things I learned:
1. Many internships have a GPA requirements, make sure you have the minimum
2. Many universities and other organizations have career fairs with big companies looking for interns. Go up, say hi and let them know you're interested and ask for advice. After you've applied, you can connect with them on linkdin, let them know you've applied and say thank you.
3. Join your schools clubs and show leadership capabilities. The club doesn't matter as long as you can show that you take initiative and are passionate about what you do.
4. Apply to as many as possible, you never know what will work out.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Er,
It's difficult to give advice without any more information. How old are you? Are you in high-school or in college or in between? What kind of internship are you looking for, i.e. in which field?
If you are in high-school or a recent graduate, your teachers are good references. If you are in college, your professors are good references.
As for experience, you can write about what inspired you to be interested in this particular career, maybe a connection to a hobby activity, some school project, some family business that you helped with etc.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's difficult to give advice without any more information. How old are you? Are you in high-school or in college or in between? What kind of internship are you looking for, i.e. in which field?
If you are in high-school or a recent graduate, your teachers are good references. If you are in college, your professors are good references.
As for experience, you can write about what inspired you to be interested in this particular career, maybe a connection to a hobby activity, some school project, some family business that you helped with etc.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP