Discovering Internships

How are you spending your summer? Even though it's only February, now is a good time to start thinking about your plans for summer vacation. Summer is a great time to take a different approach to career preparation, but you need to be organized to make the most of it.

Have you considered taking your career plans for a test drive over the summer? An internship can be a great way to get some exposure to your chosen career.

And you probably know that networking is the number one way to find work. That means job seekers need to become acquainted with people who are working in their field. But how can you make those connections? An internship not only provides work experience, it can also offer a great way to make valuable contacts.

What Is an Internship?

An internship is either a paid or unpaid work experience offered by an organization to help students connect with the world of work. Often they are offered in conjunction with a specific program at post-secondary institutions, but they can sometimes be part of a broader community effort, such as the intern positions found at the White House.

Internships are becoming a necessary recruiting tool for employers. Companies from Walt Disney to Proctor and Gamble hire intern students.

In today's labor market, companies offer such programs as a significant way to lure new talent. In addition, student interns can meet short-term needs for extra assistance and bring enthusiasm and current industry knowledge.

The purpose of an internship is two-fold. Interns will provide some useful assistance to the organization while gaining on-the-job training that will assist them with their future career search. Gone are the days of using interns as simple gofers. Students are seeking opportunities that will stimulate them and provide real experience.

A good internship program will provide challenging projects. Whenever possible, most companies try to include the intern in organization events such as staff meetings and allow opportunities for networking and informational interviewing with key personnel.

Participating in an internship program allows you to make connections and show your stuff. It might just land you the "big" job down the road.

How Do You Find Out About an Internship?

Over 80 percent of all colleges and universities offer internships, so a good bet is to start at the office of the career counseling center. The staff there will help you connect with the right program. As well, there are specific organizations that promote the concept and bring in students from across the country or all over the world.

The more you research, the more you will find out the scope and depth of opportunities available.

Getting Prepared

With a great deal of competition for all intern positions, you need to prepare ahead of time. Several strategies make internship students stand out above the rest. These steps might seem like something you would do to prepare for an entry-level job, but the most successful candidates rack up experience and do some planning.

1. Get experience: The applicants who shine are the ones who have some form of experience working in a related field. Students should join a community group, school club or committee, or start a club or activity in an area that interests them.
2. Learn to write an awesome resume: Research what prospective companies require and gear the resume to the skills and abilities they are looking for.
3. Learn to write a gripping cover letter: Make it really interesting and demonstrate why you should be picked for the internship.
4. Practice interview skills: If your resume is great and the cover letter is really catchy, make sure you can follow through with a fantastic interview. It might mean practicing or bringing in one of your friends who is used to interviewing to put you through your paces. The career center at your college may also be able to help with this.
5. Follow-up: If you were good enough to get to the interview stage, follow up with a thank-you note. There are typically many applicants for the same intern position, so the thank-you letter might make the difference between getting the internship or not.

Choosing an Internship

Not all internships are created equally. If you're trying to decide if a certain internship is right for you, here are some things to consider:

• Check out reputable sponsors, companies and agencies and ask if you can speak to some of the people who have completed internships.
• Review the contract beforehand. If you are going overseas or away from home, are you responsible for the airfare? Who will find housing for you?
• Will there be an opportunity to participate in work that is meaningful and will allow you to learn? You don't want to spend all your time filing or fetching coffee!
• Will there be an opportunity to get feedback on a regular basis? Remember, feedback should be ongoing and progressive, not just something you hear at the end of the internship.
• Will you be able to learn a new skill?
• Will your internship be suited to your personality? For example, if you are outgoing and extroverted, a public relations environment might be good for you.
• Will your work be challenging and interesting?