5 answers
Yash
Student
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8
Questions
Asked
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How to get an internship
I need advice for getting an internship after 75 % completion of my current course. I'm an international student in Canada and I am pursuing Accounting and Finance. I will be looking to put my study experience in the real world and further develop my skills.
Thanks in advance!
#student-development #internships #students
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5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1340
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Yash if I could give just one piece of advice about how to get an internship, it would be this: start planning early. But if you’re hoping to do an internship in the summer, this is usually too late; all the application deadlines have already passed. If you want to do an internship in the summer, then you should start searching for one in the fall of the previous year. This gives you plenty of time to find an internship, put together your application, and use all the resources you have to maximize your chances of getting accepted.
WHEN TO APPLY FOR A PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
Competitive paid summer internships will have deadlines as early as the late fall. The most common period of time for employers to screen applicants for paid internships will be during the period from January to March. Many colleges have resources available to help fund students who will be working at an unpaid summer internship. Check with your college's career office for these deadlines during the fall.
WHEN TO APPLY FOR FALL & SPRING INTERNSHIPS
For fall internships, you should consider contacting employers before you leave your college area in the spring if you will not be able to return until the fall semester. October is a good time to start reaching out to employers for a spring internship. If an employer indicates that they are not yet ready to consider applicants, then ask when would be the earliest date that you might be considered given your high level of interest in the opportunity. Local slots for unpaid internships are often filled on a first come, first served basis, so more opportunities will be available if you apply early.
Most students will complete an internship during their junior or senior year to increase the chances of the internship leading to a job offer. However, it is more and more common for students to hold internships throughout the entire duration of their college career in order to gain experience. If you're interested in interning during your first year, go ahead and get in your application. Many internships, especially competitive, paid programs with big-name companies, require you to have previous internship or extracurricular experience, so it is important to get started early if you can. With all of that in mind, students also might consider taking time out of their schedule to visit their school's guidance counselor and learning about the many different types of firms that are out there, as well as how many slots they have available for internships. While a school's guidance office may be a great source for internship information, prospective students might also peruse the websites of the major firms, such as Merril Lynch or Morgan Stanley , as sometimes they'll carry listings some colleges won't. There are also more general websites that cater to would-be interns that might be considered as well. InternshipPrograms.com and similar sites can be quite handy for interns looking for direction, schedules and general advice.
As a tip Yash, internship-seeking individuals should also try to determine which firms might interest them the most or which might be most consistent with their planned career path. For example, if your goal is to become a broker, a position at a retail brokerage might make sense. If you are ultimately hoping to become a fund manager, a position at a large mutual fund company might be appropriate. Gaining relevant experience in your field of interest early on means you'll be prepared when the ideal job opportunity comes around; and though it might be interesting to work in a brokerage field, unless you want to head in that direction you may waste your time by losing valuable experience in your field.
Hope this was Helpful Yash
Be organized – Keep track of deadlines from both your college and companies where you'd like to intern. You may also want to set calendar reminders to follow up on applications. You can't count on getting your dream internship, so make sure to apply for several.
Pay attention to practical details – For instance, if you're interning during the summer in a different location from your home and/or college, you'll need to determine where you'll live—and how you'll pay for your housing. Think through finances as well, particularly if you are applying for unpaid internships.
Follow the application instructions – You may need to share references, submit examples of your work, or answer questions. Read the directions carefully. Showing a poor lack of attention to the instructions can make hiring managers disregard your application. Prepare a professional resume and cover letter. Both documents should be tailored toward the role at hand.
Bring Your "A" Game to the Interview – It should also go without saying that you should be presentable (generally, this means conservatively dressed) and timely when going to your interview. You should also consider asking questions. For example, consider asking about the company's strategy, what the employer expects from the intern, or about some of its products or services.
WHEN TO APPLY FOR A PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
Competitive paid summer internships will have deadlines as early as the late fall. The most common period of time for employers to screen applicants for paid internships will be during the period from January to March. Many colleges have resources available to help fund students who will be working at an unpaid summer internship. Check with your college's career office for these deadlines during the fall.
WHEN TO APPLY FOR FALL & SPRING INTERNSHIPS
For fall internships, you should consider contacting employers before you leave your college area in the spring if you will not be able to return until the fall semester. October is a good time to start reaching out to employers for a spring internship. If an employer indicates that they are not yet ready to consider applicants, then ask when would be the earliest date that you might be considered given your high level of interest in the opportunity. Local slots for unpaid internships are often filled on a first come, first served basis, so more opportunities will be available if you apply early.
Most students will complete an internship during their junior or senior year to increase the chances of the internship leading to a job offer. However, it is more and more common for students to hold internships throughout the entire duration of their college career in order to gain experience. If you're interested in interning during your first year, go ahead and get in your application. Many internships, especially competitive, paid programs with big-name companies, require you to have previous internship or extracurricular experience, so it is important to get started early if you can. With all of that in mind, students also might consider taking time out of their schedule to visit their school's guidance counselor and learning about the many different types of firms that are out there, as well as how many slots they have available for internships. While a school's guidance office may be a great source for internship information, prospective students might also peruse the websites of the major firms, such as Merril Lynch or Morgan Stanley , as sometimes they'll carry listings some colleges won't. There are also more general websites that cater to would-be interns that might be considered as well. InternshipPrograms.com and similar sites can be quite handy for interns looking for direction, schedules and general advice.
As a tip Yash, internship-seeking individuals should also try to determine which firms might interest them the most or which might be most consistent with their planned career path. For example, if your goal is to become a broker, a position at a retail brokerage might make sense. If you are ultimately hoping to become a fund manager, a position at a large mutual fund company might be appropriate. Gaining relevant experience in your field of interest early on means you'll be prepared when the ideal job opportunity comes around; and though it might be interesting to work in a brokerage field, unless you want to head in that direction you may waste your time by losing valuable experience in your field.
Hope this was Helpful Yash
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thanks a lot for your advice. It was much needed. I will be looking for an internship next year but as you said, it's better to plan in advance and be well prepared.
Cheers!
Yash
Your Welcome Yash, My pleasure. What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.
Doc Frick
Thank you Dexter for your continued support. Action may not bring happiness but there is no happiness without action.
Doc Frick
Thank You Rodolfo. Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much. – Helen Keller
Doc Frick
Rodolfo Alemán C.
Senior Analyst, Customer & Finance Services Team Lead – US Channel & Distribution at Dell
3
Answers
Panama City, Panama
Updated
Rodolfo’s Answer
I would recommend starting by making a list of companies you might be interested on and applying directly from their websites, most companies offer internships along with their regular job openings.
Make sure to have your CV/LinkedIn profile up to date with all your college accomplishments and activities so you have plenty to talk on the interview, if you are passionate about your career it needs to show.
Make sure to have your CV/LinkedIn profile up to date with all your college accomplishments and activities so you have plenty to talk on the interview, if you are passionate about your career it needs to show.
Thanks for your guidance. I will be following these tips for my internship in the coming year. Appreciate your help!
Yash
Kelley Davis
Product Manager
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Kelley’s Answer
I've found a few different ways that are helpful:
1. Ask your professors: Professors are a wonderful resource. Ask a few of your accounting and finance professors about people in their network that you can contact. Often those professionals can give you an overview of the job and route you to an applicable recruiter
2. Career fairs/conferences: Seek out conferences or career fairs for students via a google search or at your university's career management center. Due to COVID-19, most conferences will probably be virtual, but its a simple way to network with companies
3. LinkedIn: Keep your profile up-to-date and research companies/open positions. This is also a simple way to find internship recruiters and reach out to them directly.
1. Ask your professors: Professors are a wonderful resource. Ask a few of your accounting and finance professors about people in their network that you can contact. Often those professionals can give you an overview of the job and route you to an applicable recruiter
2. Career fairs/conferences: Seek out conferences or career fairs for students via a google search or at your university's career management center. Due to COVID-19, most conferences will probably be virtual, but its a simple way to network with companies
3. LinkedIn: Keep your profile up-to-date and research companies/open positions. This is also a simple way to find internship recruiters and reach out to them directly.
Thanks a lot! I will surely be following your advice for my future internship :)
Yash
Blake H.
Business
478
Answers
Updated
Blake’s Answer
Hey Yash,
I would look up any company in your field (just go to their website) and see if they have any internship opportunities. I would apply for every single one of them. Can't hurt to have too many opportunities.
Thanks,
Blake
I would look up any company in your field (just go to their website) and see if they have any internship opportunities. I would apply for every single one of them. Can't hurt to have too many opportunities.
Thanks,
Blake
Thanks for your advice. I will definitely be doing as you guided for my internship in 2021.
Cheerio!
Yash
Joshua Kashani
Student
8
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
Hi Yash,
I would definitely agree with everything people have been saying and add on one more point - it is very important to network with people that are in the firm that you are targeting. Besides from providing you with an insight into the firm, they may also be able to give you tips and tricks on excelling the interview specific to their firm. Furthermore, they may be push for you to get selected for the interview process and beyond.
In order to network with people I would encourage you to look up people on LinkedIn that are at the target firm and went to the same university as yourself (alumni are much more likely to respond than completely random people). After finding a few that would be helpful, you should write them a cold email that is somewhat personalized to the person you are reaching out to. You can personalize an email by referring to specific aspects of their career that you have seen on their LinkedIn. In the email you should be sure to mention that you were hoping to hop on the phone for a quick call about any advice - this helps make the connection more personal.
Hope this helps Yash and let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Josh
I would definitely agree with everything people have been saying and add on one more point - it is very important to network with people that are in the firm that you are targeting. Besides from providing you with an insight into the firm, they may also be able to give you tips and tricks on excelling the interview specific to their firm. Furthermore, they may be push for you to get selected for the interview process and beyond.
In order to network with people I would encourage you to look up people on LinkedIn that are at the target firm and went to the same university as yourself (alumni are much more likely to respond than completely random people). After finding a few that would be helpful, you should write them a cold email that is somewhat personalized to the person you are reaching out to. You can personalize an email by referring to specific aspects of their career that you have seen on their LinkedIn. In the email you should be sure to mention that you were hoping to hop on the phone for a quick call about any advice - this helps make the connection more personal.
Hope this helps Yash and let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Josh