How to Find a Business Internship

A solid internship experience can be key to launching a successful career and linking you with important opportunities. The trouble is that internships in the field of business aren't plentiful. These highly-sought positions aren't usually advertised, and competition to land them is high. Start planning early to find a business internship.

Instructions

1. Understand that, because of demand, some business internships do not pay. The experience you'll gain has to be weighed with income you may require.

2. Prepare a top-notch resume that is professional, presentable and shows involvement and leadership as a student in addition to a great GPA.

3. Visit your college's career center and scan the list of advertised internships for the upcoming summer or semester. Looking a semester in advance (such as looking in January for a summer internship) can give you an advantage on other potential interns.

4. Meet with an academic advisor in your business school for advice regarding internships, including the types of companies that are located in the surrounding area. The more the advisor gets to know you, your interests and goals, the more he or she can point you in the right direction regarding internships.

5. Look for an internship on your own. Read the newspaper and research local companies. When you find some you're interested in, contact them and schedule an informational interview with someone in an area you're interested in.

6. Consider volunteering for an organization if you can't find a suitable internship. Volunteering, and even providing leadership to a volunteer organization can boost your resume in ways that everyday part-time jobs (restaurants, retail, etc.) cannot.

7. Use job search sites such as Monster, HotJobs and others to find potential internships.