3 answers
Carmen
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
Questions
Asked
380 views
How can I start getting into internships ?
I really want to do internships to find which jobs I like best. I also want to see if I would want an office job or something that I would be able to have more free will.
Login to comment
3 answers
Katie Strom
Human Resources
11
Answers
Concord, California
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi Carmen, what a great question! I've always been a strong advocate for internships. Not only does it give you exposure to what types of work you could be interested in, but it allows you to start building your resume and networking. So many early careers begin by getting your foot in the door with a company as an intern. Otherwise, you can feel lost as a recent college graduate trying to enter the corporate work environment for the first time.
One thing that I've experienced is internships being created by request. Especially with smaller organizations, there might not be and advertisement posted or a formal program that is advertised. In many cases students are able to get a paid internship on a short term basis because they have a family friend or relative who works for the organization. If you don't have connections through your network, reach out to recruiters or HR managers who work at companies you have interest in. It doesn't hurt to ask, and you might be surprised how responsive people will be. Create your own opportunities! Be sure to ask about the pay (even if it is only minimum wage) once you get an interview, but be cautious of anyone asking you to work for free unless you are getting college credits.
Once you finish up ask for a letter of recommendation, update your resume with your new experience and send connections requests on LinkedIn to those people you met. That can open doors down the road for you.
One thing that I've experienced is internships being created by request. Especially with smaller organizations, there might not be and advertisement posted or a formal program that is advertised. In many cases students are able to get a paid internship on a short term basis because they have a family friend or relative who works for the organization. If you don't have connections through your network, reach out to recruiters or HR managers who work at companies you have interest in. It doesn't hurt to ask, and you might be surprised how responsive people will be. Create your own opportunities! Be sure to ask about the pay (even if it is only minimum wage) once you get an interview, but be cautious of anyone asking you to work for free unless you are getting college credits.
Once you finish up ask for a letter of recommendation, update your resume with your new experience and send connections requests on LinkedIn to those people you met. That can open doors down the road for you.
Debbie Morton
Business Consulting
68
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Hey Carmen! You've hit the nail on the head! This idea opens the door to a world of job prospects.
Kickstart Your Internship Hunt with These Resources
RESOURCE DESCRIPTION
LinkedIn LinkedIn is more than just a job search tool. It's a platform to broaden your professional network. Create a profile showcasing your talents, connect with colleagues and headhunters, and delve into posts that align with your career interests.
Glassdoor Glassdoor is a treasure trove of candid employee feedback about company culture, pay scales, and potential interview questions. It's a crucial tool in assessing if a potential employer resonates with your aspirations and principles.
Indeed Indeed is a blend of the features offered by the previous two resources. It enables you to upload a resume, hunt for jobs, and peruse company reviews. Plus, it offers the flexibility to filter job postings based on a wide range of parameters.
Chegg Internships Also known as Internships.com, this platform stands out as it exclusively focuses on internship opportunities, allowing you to filter them by experience level and remuneration. It also offers insightful staff and student articles that guide you through every step of the application journey.
Idealist Idealist is a hub for jobs, internships, and even volunteer roles available in the nonprofit sector. It's a great launchpad for students eager to contribute to industries that drive positive societal impact.
Kickstart Your Internship Hunt with These Resources
RESOURCE DESCRIPTION
LinkedIn LinkedIn is more than just a job search tool. It's a platform to broaden your professional network. Create a profile showcasing your talents, connect with colleagues and headhunters, and delve into posts that align with your career interests.
Glassdoor Glassdoor is a treasure trove of candid employee feedback about company culture, pay scales, and potential interview questions. It's a crucial tool in assessing if a potential employer resonates with your aspirations and principles.
Indeed Indeed is a blend of the features offered by the previous two resources. It enables you to upload a resume, hunt for jobs, and peruse company reviews. Plus, it offers the flexibility to filter job postings based on a wide range of parameters.
Chegg Internships Also known as Internships.com, this platform stands out as it exclusively focuses on internship opportunities, allowing you to filter them by experience level and remuneration. It also offers insightful staff and student articles that guide you through every step of the application journey.
Idealist Idealist is a hub for jobs, internships, and even volunteer roles available in the nonprofit sector. It's a great launchpad for students eager to contribute to industries that drive positive societal impact.