In today's world, getting a good job that you will love in the future is becoming tougher for college graduates. Having the good old Bachelor's Degree doesn't cut it anymore. This is why having the right internship is so important. Getting an internship is the best way to go if you want to have a great job right out of college. Internships give you great networks in the business world, knowledge to start the job off right, and gives you the work experience needed to "wow"' employers.
Tips on Choosing an Internship
Never Choose an Internship Based on Pay. You should never get an internship hoping that it will pay the bills. This is not the main reason for getting an internship. You need to search for the internship that will give you the best experience, knowledge and network connections for your future. Up to 90% of jobs out of college come from networking! Some of the best internships you can get are those that offer no pay, this also lets employers know that you are working hard because you want to learn and are motivated, not because you are getting paid.
Start Your Search Freshman Year. Many companies that offer wonderful internships have a very long hiring process. Some want you to apply and submit your resume one year before you start the internship! By searching freshman year, you are prepared and know exactly what you want when that time comes to submit your resume, and this way you don't miss deadlines disqualifying you from that dream internship. Also, by searching early, you can cross out all those companies that don't have the same values and ideas, this is a great way to narrow down the list of companies that interest you, and offer the best internships in the fields that interest you.
Ask the People In Your Network. Some of the best networks and ideas on getting an internship come from those around you. Go to your professors, advisors, friends, parents and those students you know who might have the connection to your dream internship. By getting your name out to employers by word of mouth is a great plus. This allows them to learn the name so that when your resume comes in and is added to the enormous pile, the employer will remember your name being mentioned from your advisor on how motivated you are.
Attend Your School Sponsored Career Services Events. These events are great ways to get to learn about different companies. You can get pamphlets on those companies, meet some actual employees, and really get a feel for the company as a whole. This is also a great way to get your name out to them. When you do meet a representative from a company, make sure that you stand out so that when they get back to headquarters, you don't just fade away, this will give you the upper hand on getting that phone call for the interview. Let me give you a tip that I learned over the years. After you meet an employer at a fair or at an interview, email them that day after the event, this is polite and really shows that you are interested and a very responsible person who wants the job. Careerservices.com will have some great information on career fairs in your area!
Use All Your Resources Like CareerServices.com. Searching for an internship doesn't have to take hours on end. There are many great resources around you that will let you see many great opportunities at once. CareerServices.com is a great resource that will connect you to any internship that you desire and one that will give you the best experience in the long run. CareerServices.com and you career services department is a great start and a great way to get connected and informed on an extremely important step in college.
I know that this can be scary at times, and it really is if you don't know what to do or if you don't have the right resources. Remember, if you truly follow these rules, your heart, and really have the desire to find the right internship, it will come. Stay focused and utilize all the resources that you have and contact your Career Services department for more information.
