4 answers
Heidi
Student
Honolulu, Hawaii
1
Question
Updated
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How do I get an internship for the summer as a freshman in college?
I am interested in psychology-related internships
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1786
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Heidi most college campuses have a career center, which is designed to help students advance toward professional careers. I think a career advisers will be able to help you explore all the options that align with psychology-related internships. Students can also consult careers centers to learn more about the internship financial assistance opportunities available at your school. Many colleges even offer stipends or scholarships to compensate students for the work they do as unpaid interns.
GET TO KNOW YOUR PROFESSOR'S
For almost every internship application, you’ll be asked to submit either a reference letter or the names of references that the organization can contact. Some internship applications will accept high school references, but others may expect that your references are faculty or administrators at Harvard. For first-year students, this is a struggle, because you’ve only spent about a semester at Harvard before many of the summer applications come out and are due. This means that you should definitely try and get to know one or two of your professors or teaching fellows during your first semester, so when the time comes around, you can approach them for references without having to awkwardly explain who you are.
CRAFT YOUR INTERNSHIP APPLICATION
After you’ve identified your desired internships, I highly recommend starting to work on your applications early so that you don’t get caught up during a busy semester! Specifically, I recommend doing a strategic search of the organizations that you’re applying to and crafting your application to them. This means making sure that your resume, which will likely be required of every organization you apply to, fits the description and requirements of the position. If, for example, part of your internship would be answering emails and posting on social media, it might be a good idea to include an activity that demonstrates experience with communicating on behalf of an organization using those platforms. The more you can highlight the experiences that make you a good candidate for the position, the more likely you’ll be called in for an interview! If you, like me, have never had a resume before, I highly recommend looking for resources on campus, like the Mignone Center for Career Success for example, that can help you build a professional resume and application.
APPLY APPLY APPLY
Honestly, no amount of preparation will prepare you better than actually applying and receiving real feedback / results on whether or not your current way of doing things is working well or not. If you are submitting your resume to hundreds of internships and not hearing back, there is probably something wrong. You may not be customizing your application to each role, resume or cover letter, or you may just be in a very competitive industry and need to be applying for roles in other ways such as making real-life connections with professionals. In addition, applying to real roles gives you the chance to interview. If you are interested in the position, always do your very best to make yourself available for each interview opportunity. Every interview is a fantastic way for you to practice your interviewing skills, learn more about the company, and figure out how you can improve for the next time.
PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS
The interview stage can be extremely stressful for many, and if you aren’t necessarily someone who can think quickly on the spot, can seem like a lost cause. However, I recommend not only preparing for your interviews by reading up on the organization that you’re interviewing with and potentially familiarizing yourself with a few of their initiatives, but also preparing strategically. This means thinking about the types of questions you may be asked and loosely prepare a few responses. Be prepared to talk about the organization in a way that describes you, the organization, and how you and the organization are a good fit. Depending on the position, you also might be asked behavioral questions about how you would react in certain situations or what your biggest weaknesses are, so do a quick google search on common questions and have a few ideas in your ahead that you can develop during the interview.
Hope this was helpful Heidi
GET TO KNOW YOUR PROFESSOR'S
For almost every internship application, you’ll be asked to submit either a reference letter or the names of references that the organization can contact. Some internship applications will accept high school references, but others may expect that your references are faculty or administrators at Harvard. For first-year students, this is a struggle, because you’ve only spent about a semester at Harvard before many of the summer applications come out and are due. This means that you should definitely try and get to know one or two of your professors or teaching fellows during your first semester, so when the time comes around, you can approach them for references without having to awkwardly explain who you are.
CRAFT YOUR INTERNSHIP APPLICATION
After you’ve identified your desired internships, I highly recommend starting to work on your applications early so that you don’t get caught up during a busy semester! Specifically, I recommend doing a strategic search of the organizations that you’re applying to and crafting your application to them. This means making sure that your resume, which will likely be required of every organization you apply to, fits the description and requirements of the position. If, for example, part of your internship would be answering emails and posting on social media, it might be a good idea to include an activity that demonstrates experience with communicating on behalf of an organization using those platforms. The more you can highlight the experiences that make you a good candidate for the position, the more likely you’ll be called in for an interview! If you, like me, have never had a resume before, I highly recommend looking for resources on campus, like the Mignone Center for Career Success for example, that can help you build a professional resume and application.
APPLY APPLY APPLY
Honestly, no amount of preparation will prepare you better than actually applying and receiving real feedback / results on whether or not your current way of doing things is working well or not. If you are submitting your resume to hundreds of internships and not hearing back, there is probably something wrong. You may not be customizing your application to each role, resume or cover letter, or you may just be in a very competitive industry and need to be applying for roles in other ways such as making real-life connections with professionals. In addition, applying to real roles gives you the chance to interview. If you are interested in the position, always do your very best to make yourself available for each interview opportunity. Every interview is a fantastic way for you to practice your interviewing skills, learn more about the company, and figure out how you can improve for the next time.
PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS
The interview stage can be extremely stressful for many, and if you aren’t necessarily someone who can think quickly on the spot, can seem like a lost cause. However, I recommend not only preparing for your interviews by reading up on the organization that you’re interviewing with and potentially familiarizing yourself with a few of their initiatives, but also preparing strategically. This means thinking about the types of questions you may be asked and loosely prepare a few responses. Be prepared to talk about the organization in a way that describes you, the organization, and how you and the organization are a good fit. Depending on the position, you also might be asked behavioral questions about how you would react in certain situations or what your biggest weaknesses are, so do a quick google search on common questions and have a few ideas in your ahead that you can develop during the interview.
Hope this was helpful Heidi
Joseph Bentum
Emergency Room nurse
7
Answers
Cape Coast, Central, Ghana
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Please apply to many facilities as you can apply. Try as much as possible to cut down cost of transportation, so you can save money for the semester.thanks
Eric Scott Gold
Entertainer
36
Answers
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Eric Scott’s Answer
Securing an internship as a college freshman might seem tough, but it's absolutely possible. Here’s how you can boost your chances of getting that summer internship:
1. Use Your University Resources:
* Career Services:
* Your university's career services are full of helpful tools. They can assist with creating a strong resume, preparing for interviews, and finding job and internship listings.
* Attend career fairs at your university. These events are great for meeting employers and discovering internship opportunities.
* Professors and Advisors:
* Build connections with your professors. They might have industry contacts and can offer valuable advice or even recommendations.
* Academic advisors can point you to opportunities that match your interests.
* University Job Boards:
* Check your university's online job boards for internships and part-time jobs aimed at students.
2. Broaden Your Search:
* Online Platforms:
* Use sites like Handshake, LinkedIn, and Indeed to find internships.
* Use search terms like "freshman internship" or "entry-level" to narrow your results.
* Networking:
* Connect with professionals in your field on LinkedIn.
* Attend industry events or conferences to grow your network.
* Don’t overlook your personal network—friends, family, and acquaintances might have leads on internships.
* Direct Outreach:
* Identify companies you like and contact them directly, even if they haven’t advertised internships.
* A well-written cover letter and resume can make you stand out.
3. Enhance Your Application:
* Resume and Cover Letter:
* Customize your resume and cover letter for each internship.
* Highlight skills and experiences from extracurricular activities or volunteer work.
* Emphasize transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
* Build Your Skills:
* Take online courses or workshops to gain relevant skills.
* Get involved in projects or activities that show your abilities.
* If possible, create a portfolio to display your work.
4. Key Tips for Freshmen:
* Focus on Learning:
* As a freshman, aim to gain experience and explore different career paths.
* Consider unpaid internships or volunteer roles for valuable experience.
* Start Early:
* Begin your search early. Many companies start looking for summer interns in the fall or winter.
* Stay Persistent:
* The search can be competitive, but don't let rejections discourage you.
* Keep applying and networking, and you'll find the right opportunity.
By using these strategies, you'll boost your chances of securing a meaningful internship experience. Keep going—your efforts will pay off!
1. Use Your University Resources:
* Career Services:
* Your university's career services are full of helpful tools. They can assist with creating a strong resume, preparing for interviews, and finding job and internship listings.
* Attend career fairs at your university. These events are great for meeting employers and discovering internship opportunities.
* Professors and Advisors:
* Build connections with your professors. They might have industry contacts and can offer valuable advice or even recommendations.
* Academic advisors can point you to opportunities that match your interests.
* University Job Boards:
* Check your university's online job boards for internships and part-time jobs aimed at students.
2. Broaden Your Search:
* Online Platforms:
* Use sites like Handshake, LinkedIn, and Indeed to find internships.
* Use search terms like "freshman internship" or "entry-level" to narrow your results.
* Networking:
* Connect with professionals in your field on LinkedIn.
* Attend industry events or conferences to grow your network.
* Don’t overlook your personal network—friends, family, and acquaintances might have leads on internships.
* Direct Outreach:
* Identify companies you like and contact them directly, even if they haven’t advertised internships.
* A well-written cover letter and resume can make you stand out.
3. Enhance Your Application:
* Resume and Cover Letter:
* Customize your resume and cover letter for each internship.
* Highlight skills and experiences from extracurricular activities or volunteer work.
* Emphasize transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
* Build Your Skills:
* Take online courses or workshops to gain relevant skills.
* Get involved in projects or activities that show your abilities.
* If possible, create a portfolio to display your work.
4. Key Tips for Freshmen:
* Focus on Learning:
* As a freshman, aim to gain experience and explore different career paths.
* Consider unpaid internships or volunteer roles for valuable experience.
* Start Early:
* Begin your search early. Many companies start looking for summer interns in the fall or winter.
* Stay Persistent:
* The search can be competitive, but don't let rejections discourage you.
* Keep applying and networking, and you'll find the right opportunity.
By using these strategies, you'll boost your chances of securing a meaningful internship experience. Keep going—your efforts will pay off!
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
345
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Heidi,
Finding an internship as a freshman in psychology might seem challenging, but it is possible! From my own experience of looking for internships during my master's program, start your search early in the academic year to explore various opportunities and apply to multiple positions. Utilize university resources by checking with your career center for psychology-related internship listings and seeking guidance on the application process. Talking to professors or academic advisors who might know of opportunities or internships that aren't widely advertised can be helpful. As a freshman, gaining experience is key, even if it's not paid. Look for volunteer positions in mental health clinics, hospitals, or community centers in your hometown or near your university. These experiences can be valuable and help build your resume. Being active in psychology or related clubs can help you network with peers who might know of internship opportunities or can offer advice based on their own experiences. Lastly, be open to summer jobs that might not be directly related to psychology but still offer relevant skills, such as communication, research, or working with diverse groups. Good luck!
Finding an internship as a freshman in psychology might seem challenging, but it is possible! From my own experience of looking for internships during my master's program, start your search early in the academic year to explore various opportunities and apply to multiple positions. Utilize university resources by checking with your career center for psychology-related internship listings and seeking guidance on the application process. Talking to professors or academic advisors who might know of opportunities or internships that aren't widely advertised can be helpful. As a freshman, gaining experience is key, even if it's not paid. Look for volunteer positions in mental health clinics, hospitals, or community centers in your hometown or near your university. These experiences can be valuable and help build your resume. Being active in psychology or related clubs can help you network with peers who might know of internship opportunities or can offer advice based on their own experiences. Lastly, be open to summer jobs that might not be directly related to psychology but still offer relevant skills, such as communication, research, or working with diverse groups. Good luck!