STEP UP AND MAKE YOUR STRONGEST CASE
You’ve heard it before: getting solid internship experiences on your resume is important. And with good reason — internships provide practical workplace exposure and marketable job skills, not to mention a chance to find a mentor, earn glowing letters of reference, and maybe even come away with a full-time job offer. One of the biggest pluses is being able to network with people who can help you find your footing in the “real world” for years to come. So it’s no surprise that there’s a lot of pressure on students to land an internship — and therefore a lot of competition for the prime spots.
Standing out in the increasingly crowded pool of internship-seekers may not be easy, but it’s definitely doable. Here are a few tips to help you spend next summer racking up some satisfying career-building experience.
Get Going
The time to look for a summer internship is months in advance. That’s why every Fall edition of Winds of Change includes a section on summer opportunities. And why making the most of the College and Career Opportunities Fair at the National Conference, held every fall, is a must if you’re looking for great academic, pre-professional, or career opportunities. Don’t put off your internship search, and remember that many internships are offered year-round, so keep your options open.
Find Your Fit
Using your internship to explore a new field or test-drive the career you think you want is a great goal. But if you’re seeking an opportunity that neatly fits your personal objectives, you have some research in your future. First, make time for the self-examination it takes to be clear on what you want. Once you’ve identified your ideal internship, inventory opportunities that interest you, making sure the job description fits your goals. Finally, take a good look at the organization sponsoring the internship. Is this a place you can see yourself thriving?
Refine Your Resume
Most of us make our first impression on employers through our resume. That one document can put your best foot forward, so it’s super important that your resume is clear, accurate, and error-free. Beyond the obvious — no mistakes in spelling or grammar — be sure there are no “truth-stretching” exaggerations in the experience you are reporting. If you don’t have relevant experience from work or your courses, it’s fine to include unrelated jobs (work history shows you are reliable) and volunteer experience, as well as related clubs you’ve participated in, courses where you’ve done well, and new areas of study you’ve explored. Be sure to submit your resume and any application materials on time.
Ace the Interview
Show up neatly dressed, on time, and with a fresh copy of your resume. Be ready to answer questions about yourself, like why did you choose your major? What can you offer as an intern? It can also help to be ready with your own questions for the interviewer that show you’ve done some homework about the organization, like what’s the company’s growth strategy? What do they expect from interns? Do interns ever join the staff full time?
Your internship search can lead to self-exploration and learning as well as a chance to try your wings in the real world of working science. Be sure you are ready to bring your “A” game to every step along the way.
