How To Do Just About Everything
By Limowreck
Rate: (6 Ratings)
Does your degree or certificate program require an internship? More and more colleges and technical schools are requiring students to acquire real job experience before issuing a degree. Unfortunately, they usually don’t offer assistance in finding an internship. Very few businesses advertise for interns. So how do you land an internship with no leads? It’s easy if you’re willing to try!
Resume & References ~ As with all job hunting, you will need a resume, list of references, and a cover letter. Most schools have a career center where they help create these documents. If your school does not, you can find instructions and formats online. Be sure to use resume quality paper for all your documents.
Talk to Instructors ~ Talk to your academic adviser. Ask if they know of any companies that welcome interns. Also ask if you may use them as a reference. Because most students have little or no career related job experience, the recommendation of your instructors is crucial. Request permission from all instructors you think will give you a favorable recommendation.
Make a List ~ Look online for appropriate businesses in your geographic area. Be sure they perform the services you want to specialize in. Make a list of the business names, managers of the departments you want to work in, and contact info. Include as many businesses as possible. You may have to visit dozens of businesses before you are offered an internship.
Dress Well ~ You shouldn’t wear a suit, but you should show respect. A pair of pressed casual slacks or khakis with a pressed button-down shirt will be fine. Make sure you wear casual shoes or loafer, not work boots or sneakers. Be sure all your clothing is clean and pressed. Comb your hair. Brush your teeth. Shave. Just like you were going to an interview.
Meet & Greet ~ Visit each business on your list. Request to speak with the manager of the department you wish to work under. Explain that you are looking for an internship to fulfill the requirements of your degree program. Ask if they or anyone they know would be interested. Provide your resume, references and cover letter. If the manager is not available, leave your documents with the receptionist.
Follow Up ~ Make a note of the businesses that expressed interest in offering an internship. Return to those businesses and speak with the original contact person. Inquire as to whether they have made a decision or if he has any leads or advice. Whatever answer you get, be respectful and thank them for their time. Dress in the same manner you did on your first visit.
Keep Going ~ If you are not immediately successful, don’t give up. Expand the geographical area to include new businesses. Return to your adviser and discuss the situation. Keep putting your face and resume out there. Not all businesses are interested in accepting interns. Don’t take it personally. Keep working at it and eventually you will find a match.
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Comments
msoexpert said
on 6/15/2008 Speaking as a college instructor who's taught at several places, I can tell you that career services and/or the program heads (Chairs) are great resources. As faculty, we're often not kept updated on the various internships that are available. We may know that internships are there for students or part of the program itself. But as far as having details about the companies offering internships, or the internships themselves, that's going beyond our area of expertise. So we'll usually refer students elsewhere--career services, program heads, and advisors. They're the ones who really know about those things, not us.
bront3 said
on 6/8/2008 Persistence pays off!!
showpup said
on 6/8/2008 Super article! Great ideas and instruction. 5 stars
psychonurse said
on 6/6/2008 It's beenvery hard for my son to find an internship. Thanks for some tips.