How to Plan an Internship
Internships provide you an opportunity to receive on-the-job training. This work helps you find a job or career in the field for which you have trained. Interns are often hired by the company or organization that provided the internship. You might be able to earn college credits for your internship. Planning your internship begins with knowing the types of internships, which include unpaid internships to summer internships.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Computer with Internet access
- Paper
- Pen
- Resume
- College transcript
- Business attire
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1
Decide on what internship program suits you best (summer internships, paid internships, internships for credit, nonprofit internships). Decide what you want from the experience and how the internship will fit into your time and schedule.
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2
Begin searching for internships based on the type of internship you are seeking. Search online for opportunities (see Resources). Look on your bulletin boards at school or work for internship opportunities. Write down the information. Write down information about internships from fellow students or co-workers or other individuals with knowledge about internship opportunities.
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3
Check the eligibility requirements for the internship you are seeking. Create an internship proposal that clearly states why you are seeking the internship, work experience and other internships along with a timetable for your internship (see Resources). Complete your internship application, which should include the following: your internship proposal, a copy of your transcript (if a student), a copy of your resume along with contact information for three references and samples of your work or work achievements if you are no longer a student and already employed.
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4
Contact the internship coordinator or career counselor at your school to set up a meeting to discuss your proposal and how to prepare for your internship interview.
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5
Contact the companies you have selected and begin submitting your internship applications. Continue to search for other opportunities as you await the response those you have already contacted. Prepare for your interview (see Resources).
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Tips & Warnings
Begin planning your internship one to two semesters before you are ready to begin applying for internships.
Samples of work may include writing samples, evaluations, artwork or links to your work online.
Unpaid internships can often be a way for employers to get extra work for free labor. Try to get a job description that outlines what your duties will be before accepting an internship.
