32 answers
Asked
4041 views
How can I start getting internships since I just decided a major?
What do you recommend for a junior student studying business admin, operations and supply chain management that just decided their major looking to get internships such as non profit consulting and management consulting?
Login to comment
32 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lizabeth !
There are some ways to look for internships, mostly doing a search on line. I left some information links to some internships in Hayward for you. There are various employment websites such as Indeed and Linked In as well as others that you can search for internships on. You can even do an internship on line at the Virtual Internship website. I have left a link below for that.
Another idea would be to get a list of companies that you'd like to do an internship at and contact them inquiring about an internship opportunity. I do want to mention to you that many non-profits like people with a for-profit business management background so once you go forward, any experience you have in for-profit management can easily transfer over to non-profit. Many former colleagues of mine in non-profits had strong for-profit backgrounds. For non-profit, a good realm would be Grant Writing, so see if you could learn more about that position.
I would also advise visiting your campus Student Services center to see if there may be services there or if there is a Career Center on your campus. You can also consult with an academic counselor who may be aware of some internship opportunities.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIPS https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=management&l=Hayward%2C+CA&sc=0kf%3Ajt%28internship%29%3B&vjk=7ab1a1869f8f02f0
GUARENTEED INTERNSHIPS ONLINE https://www.virtualinternships.com/
BUSINESS INTERNSHIPS https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/best-business-internships
SUPPLY CHAIN INTERNSHIPS IN HAYWARD https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/supply-chain-management-intern-jobs-hayward-ca/?currentJobId=3832773428
There are some ways to look for internships, mostly doing a search on line. I left some information links to some internships in Hayward for you. There are various employment websites such as Indeed and Linked In as well as others that you can search for internships on. You can even do an internship on line at the Virtual Internship website. I have left a link below for that.
Another idea would be to get a list of companies that you'd like to do an internship at and contact them inquiring about an internship opportunity. I do want to mention to you that many non-profits like people with a for-profit business management background so once you go forward, any experience you have in for-profit management can easily transfer over to non-profit. Many former colleagues of mine in non-profits had strong for-profit backgrounds. For non-profit, a good realm would be Grant Writing, so see if you could learn more about that position.
I would also advise visiting your campus Student Services center to see if there may be services there or if there is a Career Center on your campus. You can also consult with an academic counselor who may be aware of some internship opportunities.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth!
I would utilize your schools Career Services - many schools partner with companies to post internships and hire directly from partner schools. Additionally many business colleges have career fairs early in the fall semester specifically for internships where you have the opportunity to meet different companies and network with people on campus. Most schools within the university host their own career fairs and will only publicize them within the school, so I'd recommend visiting individual school sites to check if they're planning to host different career fairs and what types of companies are planning to attend.
Many consulting firms will also post internships available on their careers site directly so I would always recommend checking sites of companies you could be interested in!
I would utilize your schools Career Services - many schools partner with companies to post internships and hire directly from partner schools. Additionally many business colleges have career fairs early in the fall semester specifically for internships where you have the opportunity to meet different companies and network with people on campus. Most schools within the university host their own career fairs and will only publicize them within the school, so I'd recommend visiting individual school sites to check if they're planning to host different career fairs and what types of companies are planning to attend.
Many consulting firms will also post internships available on their careers site directly so I would always recommend checking sites of companies you could be interested in!
Updated
Darnell’s Answer
Hello Lizbeth,
Start by identifying companies that spark your interest. Once you've done that, take a good look at their "About Us" section to get a feel for their culture and values. Afterward, don't hesitate to connect with their employees on LinkedIn. Don't be shy to ask them about any potential internship opportunities or what qualifications they might be looking for. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream job. Keep going!
Start by identifying companies that spark your interest. Once you've done that, take a good look at their "About Us" section to get a feel for their culture and values. Afterward, don't hesitate to connect with their employees on LinkedIn. Don't be shy to ask them about any potential internship opportunities or what qualifications they might be looking for. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream job. Keep going!
Updated
Annette’s Answer
Hi Lizbeth! Many universities have a career center to assist with finding internships. Your advisor at your University should be able to point you in the right direction to find your Career Center!
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hey there, fantastic query! I'm totally on board with the previous answers - your junior year is indeed a perfect moment to kick-start your internship search. Why not make the most of your college's career guidance center? It's a valuable resource that can really help you out. Also, don't forget to tap into your circle of friends or family. They might have some insider info on internships that could pique your interest and give you a clearer picture of what's available. Plus, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for any career fairs or networking events your school might be organizing. These are brilliant opportunities to rub shoulders with potential employers and explore internships that could guide you towards choosing your major.
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hello Lizbeth! You're definitely on the right track with the questions you're asking and the positive attitude you're showing towards starting your career. The advice you've received so far is spot-on, like doing your own company research and having discussions with your career counselors. I'd also suggest reaching out to professors in your field of interest, even if you haven't taken a class with them. They often have industry experience and can provide valuable contacts for you to connect with.
When I was in college, I too had aspirations of working in the non-profit sector, hoping to utilize my accounting degree. Although I ended up in the for-profit sector at PwC, I've managed to satisfy my urge to contribute by aligning myself with a for-profit company that values social initiatives. I encourage you to consider both for-profit and non-profit avenues.
Wishing you the best in all your endeavors!
Also, do check out Access Your Potential’s website for potential career opportunities such as internships and paid consulting externships for nonprofits. Here's the link: http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.
When I was in college, I too had aspirations of working in the non-profit sector, hoping to utilize my accounting degree. Although I ended up in the for-profit sector at PwC, I've managed to satisfy my urge to contribute by aligning myself with a for-profit company that values social initiatives. I encourage you to consider both for-profit and non-profit avenues.
Wishing you the best in all your endeavors!
Also, do check out Access Your Potential’s website for potential career opportunities such as internships and paid consulting externships for nonprofits. Here's the link: http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.
Updated
Steve’s Answer
I would start on the following:
1. Online websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, or companies' websites you are interested in. You should scope out internships that you would be interested in - keep in mind a lot of internship listing are pretty generic and general but if the internship is in a company and field you are interested in it can only help you in your career.
2. Look towards your career services at your school or school organizations relative to your major. Many companies do outreach to universities and are always looking for students who are interested in internships.
3. Always look out for graduate or job fairs in your university or city. This is a great place to look for jobs that are looking to hire new talent.
4. Keep your CV and LinkedIn up to date. When looking for opportunities you should always keep these two items up to date.
1. Online websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, or companies' websites you are interested in. You should scope out internships that you would be interested in - keep in mind a lot of internship listing are pretty generic and general but if the internship is in a company and field you are interested in it can only help you in your career.
2. Look towards your career services at your school or school organizations relative to your major. Many companies do outreach to universities and are always looking for students who are interested in internships.
3. Always look out for graduate or job fairs in your university or city. This is a great place to look for jobs that are looking to hire new talent.
4. Keep your CV and LinkedIn up to date. When looking for opportunities you should always keep these two items up to date.
Updated
Alvin’s Answer
During my college years, I left a part-time job to take on an unpaid internship at a local charity foundation during the academic year. My primary goal, as an Accounting & Auditing major, was to add some valuable experience to my resume before the summer vacation leading into my junior year. I successfully secured the intern role, but the tasks assigned to me felt less fulfilling than I had anticipated, resembling data entry more than actual accounting.
However, this experience paved the way for me to land an audit internship at a large production company. To this day, I credit this achievement to the modest, local foundation that simply needed some daily assistance. Without their support and the opportunity they provided, my resume would have been limited to my pretzel folding skills at the local mall.
The lesson I learned, and the advice I'd like to share, is that every opportunity, no matter how small or unrelated it may appear, can be a stepping stone towards something bigger. It might be tempting to aim for an internship at a large company in a specific role, and it can be disheartening to see others landing impressive opportunities. But remember, every experience has its value, and you never know where it might lead you. Every opportunity, whether directly related to your field or not, can have a positive impact.
However, this experience paved the way for me to land an audit internship at a large production company. To this day, I credit this achievement to the modest, local foundation that simply needed some daily assistance. Without their support and the opportunity they provided, my resume would have been limited to my pretzel folding skills at the local mall.
The lesson I learned, and the advice I'd like to share, is that every opportunity, no matter how small or unrelated it may appear, can be a stepping stone towards something bigger. It might be tempting to aim for an internship at a large company in a specific role, and it can be disheartening to see others landing impressive opportunities. But remember, every experience has its value, and you never know where it might lead you. Every opportunity, whether directly related to your field or not, can have a positive impact.
Updated
Su-Ting’s Answer
Hello! I agree with all the other answers that have been posted so far - I think I would add on to do your research early, and prepare to apply early. If I remember correctly, internships for consulting opened up pretty early in the school year. Definitely do your research and network with your peers or other people who have interned at the company, to see how you can make yourself stand out as an applicant. I would also say to take on club leadership and on campus jobs/internships to strengthen your resume. Good luck!
Updated
Violaine’s Answer
Hi Lizbeth:
Starting to seek internships when you've just decided on a major can feel daunting, but there are steps you can take to begin:
Identify Your Interests: Even though you've just decided on a major, think about specific areas within that field that interest you the most. This will help you narrow down internship opportunities.
Research Internship Programs: Look for internship programs related to your major or field of interest. Use online resources like LinkedIn, Indeed, or internships.com to search for internships in your area or in industries you're interested in.
Utilize College Resources: Many colleges and universities have career centers or internship offices that can assist you in finding opportunities. They may offer resources such as internship databases, resume workshops, and networking events.
Attend Career Fairs: Attend career fairs hosted by your college or in your local community. This is a great way to meet employers and learn about internship opportunities firsthand.
Network: Reach out to professors, professionals in your field of interest, alumni, and family friends to inquire about internship opportunities or for advice on how to get started in your chosen field.
Update Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills, coursework, and experiences that make you a strong candidate for internships in your chosen field.
Apply Widely: Don't limit yourself to just a few internship opportunities. Apply to multiple internships to increase your chances of securing a position.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and be prepared to discuss why you're interested in the internship and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.
Stay Persistent: Finding internships can be competitive, especially if you're just starting out. Don't get discouraged by rejections and keep applying to opportunities that interest you.
Consider Virtual Internships: Especially in the current climate, virtual internships may be more readily available and offer flexibility in terms of location.
By taking these steps, you can begin the process of finding internships in your chosen field and gaining valuable experience to complement your newly declared major.
Starting to seek internships when you've just decided on a major can feel daunting, but there are steps you can take to begin:
Identify Your Interests: Even though you've just decided on a major, think about specific areas within that field that interest you the most. This will help you narrow down internship opportunities.
Research Internship Programs: Look for internship programs related to your major or field of interest. Use online resources like LinkedIn, Indeed, or internships.com to search for internships in your area or in industries you're interested in.
Utilize College Resources: Many colleges and universities have career centers or internship offices that can assist you in finding opportunities. They may offer resources such as internship databases, resume workshops, and networking events.
Attend Career Fairs: Attend career fairs hosted by your college or in your local community. This is a great way to meet employers and learn about internship opportunities firsthand.
Network: Reach out to professors, professionals in your field of interest, alumni, and family friends to inquire about internship opportunities or for advice on how to get started in your chosen field.
Update Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills, coursework, and experiences that make you a strong candidate for internships in your chosen field.
Apply Widely: Don't limit yourself to just a few internship opportunities. Apply to multiple internships to increase your chances of securing a position.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and be prepared to discuss why you're interested in the internship and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.
Stay Persistent: Finding internships can be competitive, especially if you're just starting out. Don't get discouraged by rejections and keep applying to opportunities that interest you.
Consider Virtual Internships: Especially in the current climate, virtual internships may be more readily available and offer flexibility in terms of location.
By taking these steps, you can begin the process of finding internships in your chosen field and gaining valuable experience to complement your newly declared major.
Updated
Billie-Jazz’s Answer
Hello Lizbeth,
Being a junior, you're at the perfect stage to start your search for an internship. Here are some avenues to explore:
1. Career Fairs - These events, often held on campus, are a great way to meet potential employers and recruiters, and to learn about various internship openings.
2. Career Services/Centers - Most universities offer these services to assist their students in their career journey.
3. Online Job Platforms - Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, and Glassdoor list many opportunities and you can apply directly through these platforms.
4. Company's Career Page - If you have a dream company in mind, don't forget to visit their career page. They usually list internship opportunities and provide details about their application and interview process.
5. Student Clubs/Organizations - These groups often foster relationships with employers and organize networking events. It's an ideal chance to meet recruiters and current employees, and to learn about summer opportunities.
6. Access Your Potential’s Website - Explore potential career opportunities like internships and paid consulting externships for nonprofits on this site: http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.
I'm confident that you'll find an opportunity that truly sparks your interest. Good luck with your search!
Being a junior, you're at the perfect stage to start your search for an internship. Here are some avenues to explore:
1. Career Fairs - These events, often held on campus, are a great way to meet potential employers and recruiters, and to learn about various internship openings.
2. Career Services/Centers - Most universities offer these services to assist their students in their career journey.
3. Online Job Platforms - Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, and Glassdoor list many opportunities and you can apply directly through these platforms.
4. Company's Career Page - If you have a dream company in mind, don't forget to visit their career page. They usually list internship opportunities and provide details about their application and interview process.
5. Student Clubs/Organizations - These groups often foster relationships with employers and organize networking events. It's an ideal chance to meet recruiters and current employees, and to learn about summer opportunities.
6. Access Your Potential’s Website - Explore potential career opportunities like internships and paid consulting externships for nonprofits on this site: http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.
I'm confident that you'll find an opportunity that truly sparks your interest. Good luck with your search!
Updated
Dwight’s Answer
Hi Lizbeth,
I hope all is well! First, congratulations on choosing your major as from past experience it can be a very difficult and stressful process. Now that you have chosen your major, it is definitely important to start looking at internship opportunities based on your field of study as well as opportunities that interest you. One way to see what internships are available is by using online platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and even the organization's website for career opportunities. This can allow you to not only see what internships are out there but also allow you to directly apply to them immediately. Another way to see what internships are out there includes the use of career services and centers at your current college or university. This can involve attending career fairs and additional events that your campus might have in helping you make connections with future employers. The final way to see the vast array of internships in the market includes getting involved in your campus' clubs and student activities. By getting involved and networking, opportunities can be unlocked through the building of your resume as well as seeing what interests you based on your field of study. With these avenues to express interest and unlock opportunities, it is important to remain open-minded as it can help find the internship and even job that fits your interests and lifestyle the best. Please let me know if you have any questions and good luck in the search for your next internship!
Thank you,
Dwight
I hope all is well! First, congratulations on choosing your major as from past experience it can be a very difficult and stressful process. Now that you have chosen your major, it is definitely important to start looking at internship opportunities based on your field of study as well as opportunities that interest you. One way to see what internships are available is by using online platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and even the organization's website for career opportunities. This can allow you to not only see what internships are out there but also allow you to directly apply to them immediately. Another way to see what internships are out there includes the use of career services and centers at your current college or university. This can involve attending career fairs and additional events that your campus might have in helping you make connections with future employers. The final way to see the vast array of internships in the market includes getting involved in your campus' clubs and student activities. By getting involved and networking, opportunities can be unlocked through the building of your resume as well as seeing what interests you based on your field of study. With these avenues to express interest and unlock opportunities, it is important to remain open-minded as it can help find the internship and even job that fits your interests and lifestyle the best. Please let me know if you have any questions and good luck in the search for your next internship!
Thank you,
Dwight

James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7223
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Lizabeth,
Roadmap to Securing Internships in Business Administration, Operations, and Supply Chain Management
1. Scouting Internship Prospects:
Commence your journey by researching and pinpointing corporations or institutions that provide internships in non-profit consulting and management consulting. Seek out openings that resonate with your passions and professional aspirations.
2. Networking:
Leverage the resources of your university's career services department to forge connections with alumni or industry professionals. Participate in career fairs, networking gatherings, and informative sessions to establish rapport with prospective employers.
3. Skill Enhancement:
Cultivate pertinent skills via academic courses, certifications, or extracurricular activities. This will boost your competitiveness for internships in business administration, operations, and supply chain management.
4. Personalizing Your Resume and Cover Letter:
Adapt your resume and cover letter to spotlight your abilities, experiences, and accomplishments that are germane to the internships you're targeting.
5. Strategic Applications:
Submit applications to internships promptly and frequently. Maintain a record of application deadlines and prerequisites for each opportunity. Follow up with employers post-application to demonstrate your enthusiasm.
6. Interview Preparation:
Rehearse typical interview questions and prepare instances of how your skills and experiences align with the internship role. Familiarize yourself with the company and be ready to pose insightful questions during the interview.
7. Pursuing Mentorship:
Think about reaching out to professors, advisors, or industry professionals for mentorship and guidance during your internship hunt.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Crafting this Response:
1. Harvard Business Review:
The Harvard Business Review offers invaluable insights and guidance on career progression, including advice on landing internships in diverse fields such as business administration and consulting.
2. Forbes:
Forbes is a trusted source for career-oriented content, featuring articles and resources on internship tactics, networking advice, and professional growth in the business realm.
3. LinkedIn:
LinkedIn is an impactful platform for networking and job hunting. It provides internship postings, industry knowledge, and links with professionals in business administration, operations, and supply chain management.
May God Bless You,
James Constantine.
Roadmap to Securing Internships in Business Administration, Operations, and Supply Chain Management
1. Scouting Internship Prospects:
Commence your journey by researching and pinpointing corporations or institutions that provide internships in non-profit consulting and management consulting. Seek out openings that resonate with your passions and professional aspirations.
2. Networking:
Leverage the resources of your university's career services department to forge connections with alumni or industry professionals. Participate in career fairs, networking gatherings, and informative sessions to establish rapport with prospective employers.
3. Skill Enhancement:
Cultivate pertinent skills via academic courses, certifications, or extracurricular activities. This will boost your competitiveness for internships in business administration, operations, and supply chain management.
4. Personalizing Your Resume and Cover Letter:
Adapt your resume and cover letter to spotlight your abilities, experiences, and accomplishments that are germane to the internships you're targeting.
5. Strategic Applications:
Submit applications to internships promptly and frequently. Maintain a record of application deadlines and prerequisites for each opportunity. Follow up with employers post-application to demonstrate your enthusiasm.
6. Interview Preparation:
Rehearse typical interview questions and prepare instances of how your skills and experiences align with the internship role. Familiarize yourself with the company and be ready to pose insightful questions during the interview.
7. Pursuing Mentorship:
Think about reaching out to professors, advisors, or industry professionals for mentorship and guidance during your internship hunt.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Crafting this Response:
1. Harvard Business Review:
The Harvard Business Review offers invaluable insights and guidance on career progression, including advice on landing internships in diverse fields such as business administration and consulting.
2. Forbes:
Forbes is a trusted source for career-oriented content, featuring articles and resources on internship tactics, networking advice, and professional growth in the business realm.
3. LinkedIn:
LinkedIn is an impactful platform for networking and job hunting. It provides internship postings, industry knowledge, and links with professionals in business administration, operations, and supply chain management.
May God Bless You,
James Constantine.
Updated
Connor’s Answer
HI Lizbeth,
I agree with the advice that has been given. The university should offer plenty of resources that will help you land internships in the areas of consulting you are interested in. I would recommend that you tap into any on campus clubs that are associated with Consulting, they may have some resources for you as well.
Building a resume is important. It's the way you can even get to the interview portion of the process. The qualifications that I focused on in building a strong resume was showing
1. Strong academics: high GPA, high ACT/SAT/GMAT score, club involvement.
2. Previous internship experience with either reputable companies, or high impact at less reputable companies (you can attempt to achieve these outside of just the summer as well as part time gigs)
3. Expressing what made me unique and valuable on my resume.
In order to achieve these it may take some time. I took on various unpaid internships in order to get to a good paid internship in order to land my consulting internship and my full time consulting position. If you are currently a junior, then the majority of consulting gigs have already recruited for this summer which leaves two options:
1. Continue education while you are preparing to get into the job you want.
2. Do as much as you can to prepare a resume that would get accepted into a consulting position and apply to a full time position.
Additional considerations beyond the resume:
1. Network with the professionals that are recruiting at your school. I am personally involved with recruiting though my full time job is consulting. I volunteer extra time to attend events on campus and help recruit. As the professional, I also look at resumes and help with interviews with the same school recruitment. I believe this is a similar model for a lot of companies.
2. Traditional Management consulting opportunities involve "Case Interviews" which come in a variety of types. Research cases for consulting interviews online and practice cases with friends (clubs is a good resource here). These are more difficult to nail but if you have some practice it won't be as stressful.
Goodluck, wishing you the best.
I agree with the advice that has been given. The university should offer plenty of resources that will help you land internships in the areas of consulting you are interested in. I would recommend that you tap into any on campus clubs that are associated with Consulting, they may have some resources for you as well.
Building a resume is important. It's the way you can even get to the interview portion of the process. The qualifications that I focused on in building a strong resume was showing
1. Strong academics: high GPA, high ACT/SAT/GMAT score, club involvement.
2. Previous internship experience with either reputable companies, or high impact at less reputable companies (you can attempt to achieve these outside of just the summer as well as part time gigs)
3. Expressing what made me unique and valuable on my resume.
In order to achieve these it may take some time. I took on various unpaid internships in order to get to a good paid internship in order to land my consulting internship and my full time consulting position. If you are currently a junior, then the majority of consulting gigs have already recruited for this summer which leaves two options:
1. Continue education while you are preparing to get into the job you want.
2. Do as much as you can to prepare a resume that would get accepted into a consulting position and apply to a full time position.
Additional considerations beyond the resume:
1. Network with the professionals that are recruiting at your school. I am personally involved with recruiting though my full time job is consulting. I volunteer extra time to attend events on campus and help recruit. As the professional, I also look at resumes and help with interviews with the same school recruitment. I believe this is a similar model for a lot of companies.
2. Traditional Management consulting opportunities involve "Case Interviews" which come in a variety of types. Research cases for consulting interviews online and practice cases with friends (clubs is a good resource here). These are more difficult to nail but if you have some practice it won't be as stressful.
Goodluck, wishing you the best.
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Lizbeth you stand the best chance of finding the perfect internship if you employ several different strategies. Networking, attending career fairs, looking for internship listings online, and identifying potential employers through classified ads, the local Chamber of Commerce, or by searching online are all ways to begin conducting your internship search. Finding an internship requires time and planning, but the results are definitely worth the effort.
START YOUR INTERNSHIP SEARCH EARLY
Be aware that certain industries and internships have early application deadlines. Some companies may recruit and hire as early as November for a summer internship. Beginning your internship search during winter break affords you additional lead time before the summer months. It can also give you the opportunity to make valuable connections with alumni or professionals within organizations of interest prior to returning to school. Check with your college's Career Services Office for assistance in finding out which internships recruit early.
USE ONLINE RESOURCES
Your Career Services Office at your college will likely have recommended internship resources that you might use or subscribe to, but go deeper with your online search. There are ton of websites you can look at for internships: Monster, Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Mediabistro, and more that list volunteer internships in business. You can also make a list of companies you admire and go directly to their websites to see if they have any internship openings. If they don't, try setting up a Google Alert that will send you an email any time an internship is posted online—just use the right keywords so you get quality alerts to your inbox.
ATTEND CAREER FAIRS
Check with your Career Services Office at your college to identify career and/or internship fairs. Top employers attend career fairs to recruit, screen, and hire talented interns and employees. You can also attend conferences—both in person and online—to connect with recruiters who may be there speaking about tips for navigating your carer. They may be able to tell you if their company has any internship openings.
START YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Do you have special skills or a way of meeting a market need? As a college student, you could start a small business to get experience. You could leverage this experience to get more internships and jobs in the future. Future employers are sure to be impressed by your initiative and hard work. This small business could also open up your network and connect you with employers and companies that may want to hire you as an intern.
Hope this was helpful Lizbeth
START YOUR INTERNSHIP SEARCH EARLY
Be aware that certain industries and internships have early application deadlines. Some companies may recruit and hire as early as November for a summer internship. Beginning your internship search during winter break affords you additional lead time before the summer months. It can also give you the opportunity to make valuable connections with alumni or professionals within organizations of interest prior to returning to school. Check with your college's Career Services Office for assistance in finding out which internships recruit early.
USE ONLINE RESOURCES
Your Career Services Office at your college will likely have recommended internship resources that you might use or subscribe to, but go deeper with your online search. There are ton of websites you can look at for internships: Monster, Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Mediabistro, and more that list volunteer internships in business. You can also make a list of companies you admire and go directly to their websites to see if they have any internship openings. If they don't, try setting up a Google Alert that will send you an email any time an internship is posted online—just use the right keywords so you get quality alerts to your inbox.
ATTEND CAREER FAIRS
Check with your Career Services Office at your college to identify career and/or internship fairs. Top employers attend career fairs to recruit, screen, and hire talented interns and employees. You can also attend conferences—both in person and online—to connect with recruiters who may be there speaking about tips for navigating your carer. They may be able to tell you if their company has any internship openings.
START YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Do you have special skills or a way of meeting a market need? As a college student, you could start a small business to get experience. You could leverage this experience to get more internships and jobs in the future. Future employers are sure to be impressed by your initiative and hard work. This small business could also open up your network and connect you with employers and companies that may want to hire you as an intern.
Hope this was helpful Lizbeth
Updated
Forrest’s Answer
I would recommend asking around to see if your college has a career job platform. If so, this is a great place to start in order to filter through anything that you may seem interested in. These platforms will oftentimes have places where you can submit a resume and cover letter. A resume and cover letter are required for a lot of internships and are very useful to have ready. To develop these, I would think of activities that you have been involved in that show that you are able to demonstrate the skills that are required for the internship of your choosing.
In addition, it is never too early to build your network. One of my biggest regrets was not using my alumni network sooner, both high school and college. To start, I would go to linkedin and create a profile if you have not already and start to find people in careers that you are interested in. If you see a common connection, it never hurts to look for the email if posted on their profile and set up time to call to get to know more about what they do to find out if it is something that you are interested in. Oftentimes, a job description is not enough to show what the day to day life looks like and speaking to someone who is in that position helps a lot in understanding what they truly do for their work since it can vary greatly from job to job.
In addition, it is never too early to build your network. One of my biggest regrets was not using my alumni network sooner, both high school and college. To start, I would go to linkedin and create a profile if you have not already and start to find people in careers that you are interested in. If you see a common connection, it never hurts to look for the email if posted on their profile and set up time to call to get to know more about what they do to find out if it is something that you are interested in. Oftentimes, a job description is not enough to show what the day to day life looks like and speaking to someone who is in that position helps a lot in understanding what they truly do for their work since it can vary greatly from job to job.
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
Hi Lizbeth!
Start applying for internships now. Many large companies will start the recruiting process for interns up to two years before the internship actually takes place. (The company I currently am employed full-time with started accepting applications for interns for my intern class about 18-ish months prior to the actual internship). If your university has Handshake, that is one of the best places to find internships and apply. If not, select some companies that you may be interested in a career or internship with, look for their career page on their website, and see if they have any internship listings you can directly apply to.
You can also find the company on LinkedIn and see if you can connect with people from the recruiting/HR departments. You could even take it a step further and connect with individuals in the department you are interested in. Send them a quick message letting them know you are interested in any opportunities with their team. They may appreciate your proactiveness and put in a good word for you. Word of mouth is very important!
Start applying for internships now. Many large companies will start the recruiting process for interns up to two years before the internship actually takes place. (The company I currently am employed full-time with started accepting applications for interns for my intern class about 18-ish months prior to the actual internship). If your university has Handshake, that is one of the best places to find internships and apply. If not, select some companies that you may be interested in a career or internship with, look for their career page on their website, and see if they have any internship listings you can directly apply to.
You can also find the company on LinkedIn and see if you can connect with people from the recruiting/HR departments. You could even take it a step further and connect with individuals in the department you are interested in. Send them a quick message letting them know you are interested in any opportunities with their team. They may appreciate your proactiveness and put in a good word for you. Word of mouth is very important!