You will gain invaluable experience from an internship and can learn more about your chosen field. Your resume will also stand out from the sea of other student resumes.
But getting internships isn't easy. It takes some research, effort, and time. You can score one by following these steps:
Decide what kind of internship you want. Whether you're looking for a short-term project or a long-term job, this decision will help narrow your search and keep you focused on what will actually matter to you in the future.
If you have determined what you want to do, you can contact the career services office at your college or the local internship board to find out more about specific internships. You can check out the job descriptions of employers to find out what skills they are looking for and what experience they want from interns.
Create a portfolio containing your best work. Include it with your application. This extra piece of documentation will show you're serious and interested in the company and position. It can increase your chances to get an interview.
Your portfolio should showcase your best works and relate to the internship you are applying for. Your employer may be interested in your work on social media channels if, for example, the internship involves managing those accounts.
Customize your resume and letter of application for each internship. You can obtain templates and helpful tips from the Career Services Department of your school or online.
Send your application in early. It's the best way to make a great first impression. But don't leave it until the last-minute to submit an application.
You'll look laziness if you use the same resume or cover letter to apply for multiple internships. Make sure you tailor each resume and cover letter to the specific role that you are applying for.
You can ask your mentors and classmates for advice. They may have firsthand experience of the internship that you are looking to secure. They can give you tips on how to prepare for an interview, as well as offer advice. Maybe they can even connect with a company alumnus who can provide additional support.
Visit your school Career Center for additional advice. Or, attend a local job fair. While these are excellent places to begin your job hunt, you can also find internships by yourself on online job boards and traditional job sites.
You can also cold call your dream companies. It's not always the most effective approach, however it is sometimes very effective. It's important to be direct, though, as you don't want to come across as desperate.