How to Find Paid Student Internships

Paid student internships and paid summer internships provide individuals an excellent way to practice their classroom learning in a real-world career environment. A paid internship can also let students determine whether that specific job is something they're interested in. Some schools, universities and colleges even let students earn credits while working at a paid internship. Learn how to find paid student internships and paid summer internships to hone your skills, gain experience and make money while learning.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make a list of the potential careers and jobs in which you are interested in working. This will help you narrow the job search when trying to find paid student internships that fit your chosen career. There are many paid summer internships. Knowing type of paid internship you are searching for can save you a lot of time job searching.

2. Create a professional resume. A resume should be a single page and highlight past job experience that makes you a good candidate for the career in which you are trying to get a paid summer internship. Do not use the same resume for every paid internship you apply for. Tweak and edit your resume to make it fit the job or career you've selected.

3. Make a professional portfolio, where applicable. Some careers and paid internship placements, such as internships in graphic design or journalism, may require you to have a portfolio of past work. Choose some of your best material and either create a digital online portfolio or a physical portfolio in a binder. This helps the internship supervisor or boss to evaluate how well you would fit in their paid internship program.

4. Talk to your school teachers or college professors and let them know that you are interested in working in a paid student internship. Many professors and teachers have contacts in their chosen industry and may know of local businesses, corporations or organizations that are looking for students to work in paid internship placements.

5. Dress a notch above what is expected. When going to meet the internship supervisor for your first interview, dress well. Know what is expected, and dress one level above it. If the company's dress code asks its interns to wear business casual, wear business professional. This says that you are professional and will do your best.

6. Seal the deal. Sign your paid internship agreement. If you are planning to also receive class credit for your paid student internship, consult your school or college academic counseling office to complete the applicable paperwork.

Tips & Warnings

• Make the most of your paid internship and don't be afraid to ask questions. This is the prime time to learn and determine if this sort of job is good for you.

Resources

• How To Find a Paid Internship
• Hello Real World!: A Student'S Approach To Great Internships Co-Ops And Entry Level Positions
• Internships for Dummies

[emp04]

on 8/25/2009 Great tips!