5 answers
Taysia
Student
Richmond, Kentucky
1
Question
Asked
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How do you start an internship?
How does someone get an internship in the field that they want to go in to start networking for later?
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5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1351
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Taysia it should go without saying, but you should find out when the deadline to submit an application is, and then make sure that you get it in on time. What’s more, you should be fastidious in your efforts to complete the application. The writing should be neat and easy to read. Remember that employers often receive dozens, and in some cases hundreds or even thousands, of applications for their internship positions, and making a great first impression is of the utmost importance.
MAKE SURE YOUR RESUME IS PERFECT
First things first, you need to have a clean and clear resume. Proofread your resume for any spelling errors. Don’t just trust your computer’s spell-check program – and, if possible, have someone else read it too. If there are any spelling, style or grammar mistakes, correct them. Also, search your resume for any inaccuracies or situations where you may have stretched the truth. It's important to make these corrections because if the employer uncovers a lie on the resume or application, or during the interview process, you could be discarded from the list or (if you have already landed the internship) out-right fired.
REHEARS REHEAR FOR A 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. Why? Simply, this might help convey the message that you are a thinker and are truly interested in the position and the organization. You should also be prepared to answer questions as well, and not just about the nuts and bolts of the internship itself.
BE READY TO START A THE BOTTOM
Interns may have set job duties. That is, their task might be simply to enter data into spreadsheets all day or to make cold calls. However, many times interns are used as “gofers” (as in go for this, or go for that) and are given tasks that nobody else in the office wants. As such your assigned tasks may vary frequently and may not be known by the employer at the time of your interview. For this reason, you should consider making it clear that they are willing to do grunt work and that you can be flexible based upon the organization’s needs. There is usually no guarantee that an internship will lead to a permanent placement at the company. However, in some cases it may not hurt to ask. In fact, it may be good to ask because it not only conveys your interest in joining the organization on a permanent basis, but it also gives the company some time to consider the possibility of hiring you full-time or creating a new position for you.
Applying for an internship isn’t an exact science Taysia, so you can’t expect to get everything right on your first pass. The best way to land an internship is to keep working on perfecting your application, if you get rejected, send an email back to say you appreciate the response and ask for feedback on your application. Some will reply, others won’t. But even with a few replies, you identify opportunities for improvement.
Hope this will be helpful Taysia
MAKE SURE YOUR RESUME IS PERFECT
First things first, you need to have a clean and clear resume. Proofread your resume for any spelling errors. Don’t just trust your computer’s spell-check program – and, if possible, have someone else read it too. If there are any spelling, style or grammar mistakes, correct them. Also, search your resume for any inaccuracies or situations where you may have stretched the truth. It's important to make these corrections because if the employer uncovers a lie on the resume or application, or during the interview process, you could be discarded from the list or (if you have already landed the internship) out-right fired.
REHEARS REHEAR FOR A 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. Why? Simply, this might help convey the message that you are a thinker and are truly interested in the position and the organization. You should also be prepared to answer questions as well, and not just about the nuts and bolts of the internship itself.
BE READY TO START A THE BOTTOM
Interns may have set job duties. That is, their task might be simply to enter data into spreadsheets all day or to make cold calls. However, many times interns are used as “gofers” (as in go for this, or go for that) and are given tasks that nobody else in the office wants. As such your assigned tasks may vary frequently and may not be known by the employer at the time of your interview. For this reason, you should consider making it clear that they are willing to do grunt work and that you can be flexible based upon the organization’s needs. There is usually no guarantee that an internship will lead to a permanent placement at the company. However, in some cases it may not hurt to ask. In fact, it may be good to ask because it not only conveys your interest in joining the organization on a permanent basis, but it also gives the company some time to consider the possibility of hiring you full-time or creating a new position for you.
Applying for an internship isn’t an exact science Taysia, so you can’t expect to get everything right on your first pass. The best way to land an internship is to keep working on perfecting your application, if you get rejected, send an email back to say you appreciate the response and ask for feedback on your application. Some will reply, others won’t. But even with a few replies, you identify opportunities for improvement.
Hope this will be helpful Taysia
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would also check the employment or job center at the college or university that you attend.
Internships and company interviews are usually scheduled and posted in their network.
Internships and company interviews are usually scheduled and posted in their network.
Michael O'Leary
Sales
2
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Numerous big corporations run structured internship programs and conduct interviews at colleges and universities. Participating in these school-organized interview sessions can be a fantastic opportunity. However, it's also beneficial to take the initiative by sending your resume and a cover letter directly to the HR departments of various companies. Additionally, LinkedIn serves as a valuable resource for finding available internships.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1514
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Than you for your question. I am glad to hear that you would like to get an internship.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Some corporates may do internship program information session in the college. You can keep an eye in the career office announcement
2. Keep an eye on the corporate career portal
3. If you have any corporate you have interest, you can send email with your CV enclosed to their HR department to seek for opportunities.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Some corporates may do internship program information session in the college. You can keep an eye in the career office announcement
2. Keep an eye on the corporate career portal
3. If you have any corporate you have interest, you can send email with your CV enclosed to their HR department to seek for opportunities.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Tara Chiusano
Actor/Teaching Artist
30
Answers
Spokane Valley, Washington
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Hi Taysia! Great question! Your instincts are correct: it's all about making connections.
The first thing you need to do is pick at least three companies in the industry that you want to work in and research their respective websites. If you don't see any internships available on their websites, pick three more companies that are in the field of your choice. I can pretty much guarantee that someone will be offering an internship that will pique your interest.
Once you find the internship that appeals to you (and that you're qualified for), follow the instructions on the website, and apply. You might have to wait until the spring because most internships are on a semester cycle, but you can definitely do some research before then.
When I wanted to work in the film and television industry in D.C. many years ago, this is exactly what I did. I ended up getting an internship with a documentary film company and then got a job working there as an associate producer. Being an intern was how I made connections, and I wouldn't have traded the experience for the world.
I wish you all the best! It's time to get researching :)
The first thing you need to do is pick at least three companies in the industry that you want to work in and research their respective websites. If you don't see any internships available on their websites, pick three more companies that are in the field of your choice. I can pretty much guarantee that someone will be offering an internship that will pique your interest.
Once you find the internship that appeals to you (and that you're qualified for), follow the instructions on the website, and apply. You might have to wait until the spring because most internships are on a semester cycle, but you can definitely do some research before then.
When I wanted to work in the film and television industry in D.C. many years ago, this is exactly what I did. I ended up getting an internship with a documentary film company and then got a job working there as an associate producer. Being an intern was how I made connections, and I wouldn't have traded the experience for the world.
I wish you all the best! It's time to get researching :)