During what year of college should I start looking for internships?
I am currently a freshman in college and almost every week my inbox would be filled with emails concerning job fairs, company presentations, and other possible career opportunities. I do not want to stress myself out, but the massive emails are getting me anxious and worried over my progress. I want to know at this stage is it significant to get an internship or should I wait a few more years to start looking for one. #career-counseling #internships #counseling
4 answers
Genevieve Cawthorn
Genevieve’s Answer
It's never too early to start looking for internships. Ideally you should have a summer internship for your sophomore year and junior year in college. If you can find an internship for your freshmen summer, that would be even better. However, if you don't have an internship before starting your sophomore year that shouldn't really be an issue. Depending on your schedule later in college, you may be able to do an internship during the semester. Try attending on-campus career fairs whenever you can. This is the best way to get your foot in the door for an internship. Applying online is good too, but meeting with recruiters at career fairs in person and following up can get you a lot farther.
It's also a good idea to try and join groups or organizations that are related to your major and areas of interest.
Ken’s Answer
Hi Esther!
It is never too early to begin participating in coop, intern, shadowing, and volunteer programs which will allow you to see the inside of a career area. Your college adviser and the head of alumni relations can help you to identify relevant and most helpful career exposure programs.
Here is a good site for locating internships:
http://www.fastweb.com/
Best of luck! Please keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress!
Saravanan’s Answer
Intership is working with reputed company for learning their work culture and everything related to how the corporate world works and then knowing what to do in this business world. So the best time for internship would be in the vacation after completing 2nd year of your college.
Patricia’s Answer
When you are a junior, you should start thinking about who, what, when and where. Develop a plan consisting of
who do you need to talk to, what do you want to do, what is the time frame and where do you want to work.