Landing an internship is already hard as it possibly is. Even now in this day and age, with dawn of A.I and layoffs, the job market is super saturated. However, the good news is the door is still open for you. Here are some friendly and useful steps on how to snag that awesome internship you’ve always stuck your eye on!
Contents:
- Consistency
- Craft, Tailor and Update Your Resume
- Coffee Chats are your “best” bets
- Apply 6 months – 1 Year before the Intern Start Date
- Make it or Break it – Interview
- Paid vs Unpaid? Doesn’t Matter
📅Internship Step #1: Consistency
Set a Target Number of Applications: Establishing a consistent application routine can significantly enhance your internship search strategy. Whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly, setting a goal for the number of applications to submit can keep you motivated and on track. Here’s how to approach it:
- Determine Your Capacity: Be realistic about the time you can dedicate to applications alongside your other commitments. Quality over quantity is key.
- Set Clear Targets: Decide on a manageable number of applications to send out regularly. For example, aim for two applications per day, ten per week, or forty per month, depending on your schedule and the complexity of each application.
- Market Insight: Regularly applying helps you stay attuned to market trends and the skills in demand. This insight can guide your ongoing learning and development, ensuring you’re aligning your skills with market needs.
- Track Your Progress: Maintain a log of your applications, noting the roles, companies, and skills required. This not only helps you follow up effectively but also provides valuable data on your job search journey and market trends.
Pro Tip: Maintain that momentum and get to know the current industry standards may be very helpful infos for industry-related questions in your interview stage
📄Internship Step #2: Craft, Tailor and Update Your Resume
Resume: Your Story on a Page
Your resume? It’s your personal story, compacted into a single page. Moreover, it is to boast about your skills, experiences, and why any employer should be thrilled to have you. So, list out your jobs, volunteer gigs, awards – all your shiny moments.
If you’re scratching your head on where to start, there’s a plethora of resources out there. From guides and workshops to your school’s career advisor, to the AI-driven platforms that review your resume, help is just a click away.
A word from the wise: Flashy resumes can be fun, but a clean, professional look is often what opens doors and gets readable by the A.T.S (more info below)!
🤖Insider Info: 97% of Fortune 100 Companies uses an automated resume reviewer called an Applicant Tracker System (A.T.S), where they screen thousands of applicants by skillset based on job description. Make sure you tailor your Resume to the job description before sending it in!
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” -Walt Disney 🏰
🍵Internship Step #3: Coffee Chats are your “best” bets
Yes, the emoji is a tea. But anyways, coffee chats are an informal yet effective way to network and gather industry insights. They provide a relaxed environment to ask questions, seek advice, and learn from the experiences of professionals in your field of interest. How? Here are some points…
- Reach Out: Don’t hesitate to invite industry professionals, alumni, or even peers to a coffee chat. Honestly, people generally like to share their knowledge and experiences, especially in a casual setting.
- Prepare Thoughtfully: Come to the chat with specific questions. This shows you value the person’s time and are genuinely interested in learning from them.
- Listen and Engage: Use this opportunity to gain insights into the industry, the skills valued by employers, and potential career paths. Your curiosity and engagement can leave a lasting impression.
- Follow Up: After the chat, send a thank you note expressing your appreciation for their time and insights. This not only shows your gratitude but also helps in building a lasting professional relationship.
- Apply Learnings: Use the knowledge gained from these conversations to refine your internship search strategy, tailor your applications, and develop skills that are in demand within the industry.
Coffee chats can be a goldmine of information and can significantly expand your professional network. But also a way to get that referral (more info).
🎯Internship Step #4: Apply 6 months – 1 Year Before
The Hunt Begins
The early bird catches the worm, or in this case, the internship. Start your search early, and keep an eye on various platforms. Whether it’s Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed or niche boards aligned with your dream field, stay proactive.
And hey, don’t just wait for opportunities to come knocking. If there’s a company you admire, why not reach out directly? Sending an Professional Email or sliding into one’s LinkedIn Message, and expressing interest in the open position and wanting to learn more shows initiative and, who knows, might just set you apart from the crowd.
Networking: Your Ace in the Hole
Conversations can be powerful. Chatting with peers, alumni, or attending sessions can unearth opportunities that aren’t listed on job boards. Universities often have alumni networks eager to assist students. (Check with your advisor and see what they think) Engage, ask questions, and you might just find a door swinging open.
🎫Fun Fact: Some companies offer their employees referral programs, where they can get a compensation for attracting qualified candidated to an open position, plus works as a golden ticket to landing an internship. When a current employee refers you, your application might not just be another one in the stack—it gets a VIP pass to the attention of hiring managers!
💼Internship Step #5: Make it or Break it!
Nailing the Interview
This is the turning point! Landed an interview? That’s fantastic! Now’s the time to dig deep into the company’s ethos and what your role would entail. Utilize platforms that offer interview prep. They’re like a personal coach, guiding you on how to make a great impression.
Here are some of them:
Dress to Impress:
Also, Wondering what to wear? Check if your campus has a professional clothing closet. Dressing the part can make you feel as confident as you’ll look. Otherwise, look for apparel choices at your nearby clothing shops!
READING BREAK: Guess the college city. (Answer is at the end of blog)
🚌🏋️
🤑Internship Tip #6: Paid vs Unpaid? Doesn’t Matter.
Let’s Talk Money
Getting the “bag” might be a lot of people’s motivation in finding internships. But it doesn’t mean experience matters most. While unpaid internships are becoming less common, they’re still around. If you’re eyeing one, explore if there are university programs offering stipends or grants. After all, your time and skills are valuable.
Internships are more than a brief gig; they’re a launchpad for your career. Give it your all, absorb every bit of learning, and who knows? This could be the stepping stone to your dream job.
Conclude Your Internship Hunt With a BANG!
So, ready to transform into an internship triumph? With some smart moves and a bit of hustle, your next big break could be just around the corner. I know finding internship is frustating and exhausting. Never give up. You got this ❤️!
Game Answer: Boston