How to Apply for an International Trade Internship

Internships in international trade are highly desirable and can often lead to excellent positions in government and private sectors. However, you'll have more success with finding an international trade internship if you are well prepared in advance.

Instructions

1. Keep your grades up. When you apply for an international trade internship, recruiters will typically require that you maintain a grade point average of 2.5 to 3.0, on a 4.0 scale.

2. Enroll in an accredited college or university and take relevant courses. Classes offered by most colleges of business and economics, including accounting, finance, economics and marketing, may help you land an internship. In your junior and senior year, you may be able to specialize in international trade or economics classes, depending on the university you attend.

3. Visit your college advisor. Advisors usually know what internships are available every semester, and they may be able to help guide you through the application process. Your advisor can let you know what documents are required, how to write an effective application essay and how to prepare for an interview.

4. Study abroad. Study-abroad programs are common stepping-stones toward international trade internships. The more international experience you are able to gain, the more likely it is that you'll be able to find the internship you seek.

5. Talk to your study-abroad coordinator about which programs are most geared toward business-related degrees, especially international trade, and which classes you should take while you're there. You may also require some assistance in transferring credit hours back to your home university once you've returned.

6. Study a foreign language for at least 2 years. Foreign-language requirements are increasingly common for international trade internships.

7. Contact your local Department of Commerce and ask for the international trade division. This is a good place to find available internships in your area.

8. Send all required application materials together. An incomplete application may be dismissed by recruiters.

9. Focus considerable attention on your essay when you apply. Even if your transcript is rather weak, a solid essay can go a long way toward helping you land an internship.

Tips & Warnings

• When you apply for this type of internship, you'll probably be asked for a resume, cover letter, transcript, essay of intent and letters of reference. Double-check that you have all the required documents, and make sure they are in good condition before you send them.