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How do I become a good candidate for internships without prior experience?

I am a sophomore in a liberal arts college, and I want to know how I can get internships and become a strong candidate. I want to go into consulting, but it scares me because of how competitive it is. What kind of traits should I have?

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Thank you comment icon Check with your school to see if they have any job/intern programs. Some schools are affiliated with local companies that help with placement. Regarding traits, be curious, present and eager to learn! Camille Beck
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Moataz’s Answer

Getting an internship in consulting with no prior experience might seem tough, but it's absolutely doable if you have the right attitude and strategy. Here's a friendly guide on how you can become a top-notch candidate for consulting internships:

1. Craft an Impressive Resume:
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight skills that are useful in any job, like analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Show Off Your Academics: Don't be shy about your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any honors or awards you've received.
2. Write a Captivating Cover Letter:
Tell Your Story: Clearly express why you're drawn to consulting and what unique skills and qualities you can bring.
Know Your Stuff: Show that you've done your homework about the consulting firm's values, projects, and industry focus.
3. Make Connections:
Tap into Your Alumni Network: Use your college's alumni network, especially those in consulting. Ask for informational interviews to learn about their experiences and get advice.
Join Career Events: Get involved in career fairs, networking events, and workshops hosted by your college or external organizations.
4. Boost Your Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:
Choose the Right Courses: Pick coursework that strengthens your analytical and problem-solving skills.
Join Case Competitions: Participate in case competitions to practice solving business problems.
5. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities:
Lead the Way: Take on leadership roles in clubs, organizations, or student government to show your ability to lead and manage projects.
Give Back: Join volunteer activities that show your commitment to community and social responsibility.
6. Get Internship-Ready:
Join Pre-Internship Programs: Some consulting firms offer pre-internship programs or workshops. Attend these if you can.
Do Your Homework: Learn about the consulting industry, common frameworks, and methodologies used in solving business problems.
7. Polish Your Soft Skills:
Communicate Well: Work on your written and verbal communication skills. Being able to communicate effectively is key in consulting.
Be Adaptable: Show that you can adapt to different situations and handle uncertainty.
8. Build Your Online Presence:
LinkedIn Profile: Create a professional LinkedIn profile that highlights your academic achievements, skills, and any relevant experiences.
9. Ace Your Interviews:
Practice Case Interviews: Consulting firms often use case interviews. Practice solving cases to get familiar with the format and improve your problem-solving skills.
Prepare for Behavioral Interviews: Get ready for behavioral interviews by having examples that show your leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
10. Take Initiative:
Connect with Recruiters: Reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn and express your interest in their firm. Ask about internship opportunities.
Apply Everywhere: Increase your chances by applying to multiple consulting firms.
11. Learn from Feedback:
Mock Interviews: Do mock interviews with career counselors, professors, or peers to get helpful feedback.
12. Keep Learning:
Stay Updated: Keep up with industry trends, read business publications, and understand the latest developments in consulting.
Remember, consulting firms often appreciate diverse backgrounds and perspectives, so use your liberal arts education as a strength. Your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach problems from different angles can make you stand out. Stay determined, keep your eyes on your goals, and keep working on developing both technical and soft skills.
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Rachael’s Answer

Taking part in volunteer work can offer you a fresh perspective into various sectors, while also equipping you with vital project management skills. Plus, it's a great way to expand your network! So, go ahead and dive into the enriching world of volunteering.
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Peter’s Answer

Persist in pursuing more courses related to quantitative studies at your college. Expand your connections within your personal network. Consider reaching out proactively to alumni for a brief call or virtual discussion for advice on the roles you're interested in. Don't afraid of getting rejected or not getting a response.

To gain a better understanding of consulting work, go through case study books. These resources can help you prepare for your interviews and demonstrate the strategic thinking and mindset that companies value. Consulting interviews typically consist of getting asked a case study question where you have to explain your thought process and rationale to the interviewers.

A highly recommended book around consulting interview is 'Case in Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation'.
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Anthony’s Answer

The thrilling aspect of consulting lies in its openness to newcomers who may lack specific experience but possess a keen desire to learn, robust problem-solving and creative thinking abilities, and good preparation. Many consulting firms value intellectual curiosity and the capacity to apply logical thinking to unravel intricate problems. You can sharpen these skills through both formal methods like coursework and informal ones such as reviewing materials provided by consulting firms to assist candidates during the selection process. I urge you to explore the recruitment websites of various consulting firms for more information. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
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Patrick’s Answer

Getting an internship with no prior experience is definitely within your reach, and it's all about taking the right steps. Highlight your versatile skills, school accomplishments, and after-school activities in your resume. Write a persuasive cover letter that shows your excitement and how well you fit with the company. Make sure your online image is polished and professional. Attend events where you can network, display your personal projects, get endorsements, and show a keen desire to learn in your applications and interviews. The more places you apply, the better your chances of landing that internship. So go ahead, and take that step towards your dream internship. You've got this!
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Melanie’s Answer

Be sure to triple check your resume and highlight your career goals and interests. Demonstrate flexibility. Try to attend job fairs.
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Nick’s Answer

When it comes to internships (or even full time roles), you'll want to look at how you can translate your existing experience into the types of qualities / skills needed to be successful. Even if you don't have what you would consider to be "traditional" experience as far as previous stints in Consulting, I would almost guarantee you have experience either from your time at College (or life) that would be applicable. For example, for someone to be successful in Consulting, they'll need to have strong interpersonal skills and an ability to think critically to solve a problem - you may be able to think through experiences you've had with campus organizations or classes to weave a narrative on how that applies. Many interviews nowadays are taking a "behavioral interview" approach - "tell me about a time when...". In those cases, you can very much reference non-traditional work related situations to demonstrate your experience.

The other thing to consider is that when companies are interviewing individuals in College (or recently graduated from College) for internships, there is a lower expectation when it comes to work experience - they recognize that someone who is a Sophomore in College wouldn't necessarily have spent time at other Consulting firms for example. Instead, many firms are looking for students that have shown a strong aptitude for skills like problem solving, willingness to learn, strong work ethic, teamwork, etc. All of these are skills are things you can likely highlight from your past experiences.

The best interview advice I ever received was someone telling me to remember "you are the prize". Keep in mind that as much as the company is interviewing you to see if you're the right fit, you're interviewing them to see if it's the right fit for you as well. Best of luck w/ the internship hunt!
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Ashley’s Answer

Absolutely! The most effective strategy is to customize your resume to match the specifics of the internship you're applying for. Draw from the experience you already have and connect it directly to the job description. Don't forget to highlight any relevant projects or assignments you've completed during your studies. You've got this!
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Abdullah’s Answer

Experience is valuable, but sometimes students place too much emphasis on its necessity for internships. If I could turn back the clock, here's what I would do to land my first internship:

As a sophomore, I would become more involved in my college's social clubs, or even start one with like-minded individuals. For instance, if there wasn't a book club, I'd initiate one. Why a book club? Simply because I enjoy reading and engaging with fellow book lovers. It's important to pursue what you're passionate about.

I'd also aim to broaden grow my social network, engage in activities beyond my coursework, participate in a play, go on trips with classmates, or volunteer at the library. These experiences not only foster learning but also cultivate enduring friendships.

All these activities can make up for a lack of experience.

Don't hesitate to reach out to recruiters directly. You'd be surprised to know how few people actually take this step for intern roles. There's a high probability that if you contact a recruiter now, you could be interviewing as soon as next week. Wondering what to write? Simply making the effort to reach out can be a great start. Express your genuine interest in the industry and role, your eagerness to learn on the job, and share any relevant experience - whether it's from a class project, your academic performance, or extracurricular activities.

Don't forget your university's most underrated resource - its alumni. Connect with them and see if they can refer you to any internship opportunities in their field. Your shared college experience is a great conversation starter.

Also there might be some apprenticeship in your city, where you can work as an assistant to a business person or some student consultancy program at your college or outside. Maybe there is some program, where there is a mentor do some consultancy for a small company. Maybe a pro bono lawyer in your town, or a local charity, or some local small business. They might be helped from your service, and will be great reference when you apply for the internships.

Best of luck! :)

Abdullah recommends the following next steps:

Reach out your University Alumni
Cold message recruiters and hiring managers
Grow Network
Offer help to local businesses or charities
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Ryan’s Answer

As others have said, internships with limited experience are plentiful...gaining experience is the primary goal of internships so hiring/recruiting managers should have their expectations set accordingly. Some...usually the best ones...can be rather competitive, however, so the key is differentiating yourself in other ways. When we hire for interns, I am usually looking for boundless curiosity, a demonstrated track record of self-direction and a willingness to work hard (school, athletics, volunteerism, club memberships), and perhaps most importantly, courage. At that stage in anyone's career, the skills necessary for any career are yet to be learned...but the courage and confidence to be comfortable being uncomfortable, to be bold, to lean in, sign up, ask questions, share opinions, volunteer to lead projects, etc, in my experience are key determinators for long term success. So my advice? Build an inventory of the things that you have accomplished in every area of your life, prepare your thoughts on how those accomplishments translate to a professional working environment, and go after the internships that interest you with confidence!
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Mark Anthony’s Answer

Just because you're new to your chosen field doesn't mean you're without experience. Your resume should reflect all your past roles, even if they don't seem directly related to the internship you're eyeing. The key is to connect your past experience to the desired outcomes and responsibilities of the role you're applying for. Remember, you've cultivated valuable, transferable skills through your past jobs and your academic journey that employers are actively looking for.

For instance, working as a restaurant server or a store cashier equips you with essential interpersonal skills that employers value, like teamwork, customer service, and communication. Harnessing these experiences in your internship hunt will lay a robust foundation, setting you up for success in securing a full-time job post-college.

Moreover, before you even start applying for internships, consider joining campus organizations and stepping into leadership roles. Volunteering for organizations that positively influence other community members is another great way to gain experience and skills. This proactive approach not only enriches your resume but also boosts your confidence and readiness for future opportunities.
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Olayinka’s Answer

Thank you IIknur! Please see my suggestions below-

1. Performing well in your academics puts you on a competitive place.
2. Network with profs, alumni and attend career fairs.
3. Participate in extracurricular activities.
4. Develop your communication skills.
5. Have a compelling resume/cover letter on your achievements or any experience.
6. Be confident in your abilities.
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Sebastian Salvador’s Answer

Hi Ilknur, I trust you're having a great day. Let me share some tips that could assist you in preparing for interviews and securing internships in your preferred field. Firstly, craft a concise speech about your achievements in school, specifically focusing on the liberal arts. Keep it straightforward and centered around your area of specialization.

Next, be open about your abilities and honest about your weaknesses. These are inherent to all of us and are essential for your professional development. Don't feel the need to present yourself differently than you are.

Lastly, be explicit about your expectations from the consulting firm. Are you looking for experience, a summer job, or to cultivate interest in a certain field? Companies are keen to understand how they can contribute to your growth, as it aligns with their human resources strategy. They're aware that you're there to learn, and you should also consider the skills they can offer you when choosing firms to apply to.

Best of luck and keep going!
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Laurie’s Answer

This is a tough question -- how do you get an internship without experience but you can't get experience without an internship?! As the other responses have noted, think about projects you're working on in school that you can position as experiences that are relevant to the business world. It wasn't just a project you did for a grade -- the project likely had a purpose like marketing something, influencing something, advising on something. It's those words that will be noticed on your resume (advise, consult, influence, strategize, etc.). Do some research in the field that your'e interested in (consulting) and find out what words are most relevant for "resume scraping" where technology scans resumes and does a first round of analysis for people who will get called.

There is also a great resource online called Forage (www.Forage.com) and is free for students. Many companies have designed real life simulations that you can experience as a potential job applicant (lots will also give you a "badge" to post on LinkedIn). You can give consulting a try to see if it's something that you like and companies will be impressed that you completed modules to better understand their company.

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Hi Laurie, thank you for your great advice! It seems that the link you provided www.forage.com does not work. Do you have any additional resources you can recommend? Sharyn Grose, Admin
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Debbie’s Answer

Behavioral in addition to skills based, set people at easy through clear communication and easy communication. The ability to relate to others quickly. Demonstrate positive attitude, confidence, interest in the subject matter!
Demonstrate how you would jump in, learn on the job and take initiative.
Problem solvers. Even if you've never done the exact thing, demonstrate how you solve a problem, tackle something new.
Curiosity to learn new things -- show how you are eager to learn and develop.

Tips for interviews!
Share what you were doing instead of internships! How what you were doing helped build skills, learned experience, prepared you for this role.
Show how you're finding ways to learn. Look for ways (other than internships) to groom your experience and find where your interests lie. Go searching! Find your peak interest areas.

Do your homework on the role youre interviewing for and then demonstrate how you have the right skills to be successful, regardless of interview experience.
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Elettra’s Answer

The works for the exhibition are finally ready.
When you can would you send me the right screen sizes so it suits me? Thank you.

I have almost all videos except a piece or two.
Since I have many artworks, if you want I send you the pieces that I would have selected and choose the coolest ones.
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Jerome’s Answer

Do your research. Know what you can about the company and be prepared to show how you can add value. You should look to connect with someone at the company you are applying to. If you can have a conversation with someone, they might be able to offer insights into the person you are meeting with or what pst interns did that worked well.

With consulting, you have to ask great questions, be a solid listener and then offer solutions. You could turn the interview around and have some amazing questions ready to go. Ask about the role and then show how you’ll be an intern by matching what they need with what you’ve learned during your schooling.
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Troy’s Answer

Internships are designed as stepping stones for those who are just starting out, so there's no need to be anxious about lack of experience. Be proactive in seeking out internship opportunities. Engage in conversations with people from sectors you aspire to join, and even your friends, to find out about any potential internships. Remember, I've spent many years in consulting, and it's important to know that it typically requires years of experience in a specific field to become a consultant. It's not something you can usually leap into from the start. Therefore, pinpoint a work area or industry that sparks your interest, and eagerly apply to any internships that catch your eye.
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Krysten’s Answer

When I'm in the process of selecting potential interns, I'm on the lookout for individuals who display a strong thirst for knowledge and a burning desire to grow. I appreciate those who aren't afraid to ask questions and voice their opinions to challenge the existing norms. Demonstrating your skill in juggling priorities, such as managing your academic coursework and extracurricular activities, is an added advantage. This is especially true for those intern candidates who may not yet have formal business experience!
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Laurie’s Answer

@Sharyn, sorry I gave the wrong website. It’s www.TheForage.com. Good luck!
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Eoin’s Answer

If you don’t have prior experience, there are still ways to become a good candidate for internships. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Develop your skills: Attend workshops, clubs, or other settings to develop general skills that apply to other careers, such as computer, leadership, project management, or communication skills 1.

Emphasize your skills and achievements: In your resume, emphasize your skills and achievements over your previous positions. With the limited work history you do have, illustrate how those jobs prepared you for the career you’re seeking 2.

Research different career options: Research different career options for the degree program in which you’re currently enrolled. As you learn more, you can decide what your top two to three choices are and look for internships related to those positions 3.

Apply for internships: Apply for internships even if you don’t meet all the requirements. Many companies are willing to train interns who show potential and enthusiasm 3.

Network: Attend career fairs, join professional organizations, and connect with alumni to expand your network and learn about internship opportunities 3.

Be proactive: Reach out to companies you’re interested in and ask if they have any internship opportunities available. Even if they don’t, they may be able to refer you to other companies or provide advice on how to improve your chances of getting an internship 3.

Remember, getting an internship with no experience is possible if you’re willing to put in the effort. Good luck! 💪
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Eric’s Answer

Hustle and "sharpen your saw" by improving your skills in the areas that employers would be looking for in interns. Hustle by putting yourself out there confidently and among as many firms as possible. Improve your skills in things like data entry, spreadsheets, word documents and any other program or skill that an employer is likely to have an intern perform. That is, interns are usually handed the tasks that are grunt tasks in some of the above mentioned areas or other similar areas. For example, if there is a certain computer program that your field of interest uses to perform most of its tasks, try and learn or improve yourself in that program now so that you will have a skill that is employable when you apply for an internship. Of course, the skill should be one that you can easily obtain while in school, otherwise it would be best to focus on other areas that are achievable now. All the best.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hi there, Ilknur!

Becoming a competitive internship candidate without any prior experience might seem like a tall order, but don't worry! There are several steps you can take to boost your chances and shine among other applicants. It might feel a bit tough initially, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can certainly make a strong impression. Here's a list of qualities and tactics that could be your game-changers:

1. **Nurture Transferable Skills**: Don't fret if you don't have direct experience in your dream field. Instead, focus on honing skills that are universally appreciated across all industries. These include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and critical thinking. Engaging in extracurricular activities, volunteering, or enrolling in relevant courses can help you gain and showcase these skills.

2. **Create a Powerful Resume**: Your resume should be a well-crafted document that underlines your strengths and accomplishments. Even if you're short on professional experience, you can include relevant coursework, academic projects, leadership roles, and any part-time jobs or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills and commitment. Make sure to tailor your resume to each internship application, highlighting the skills and experiences most pertinent to the position.

3. **Network, Network, Network**: Networking is key in any job hunt, and internships are no exception. Attend career fairs, industry events, and workshops to connect with professionals in your desired field. Joining student organizations or clubs that align with your interests can also provide networking opportunities. Don't hesitate to reach out to college alumni working in your field of interest for informational interviews or advice.

4. **Dive into Side Projects**: Show initiative by embarking on side projects related to your field of interest. This could involve conducting research, starting a blog or website, creating a portfolio of your work, or participating in open-source projects. These experiences not only reflect your passion but also provide tangible proof of your abilities.

5. **Hunt for Internship Opportunities**: Be proactive in your search for internships. Use online job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor), your college’s career services office, and industry-specific websites. Also, consider reaching out directly to companies you're interested in to inquire about internship opportunities. Many organizations offer internships tailored for students without prior experience.

6. **Tap into Your Personal Network**: Let your family, friends, professors, and mentors know about your internship hunt. They might have connections or know about opportunities that could be perfect for you. Personal referrals can significantly boost your chances of securing an internship.

7. **Ace Your Interviews**: If you land an interview, preparation is key. Research the company, understand their values and culture, and familiarize yourself with the role you're applying for. Practice common interview questions and formulate thoughtful responses that highlight your skills and potential contributions. Be ready to discuss how your transferable skills can be applied to the specific internship role.

8. **Show Your Passion and Enthusiasm**: During interviews and in your application materials, make sure to convey your genuine interest and excitement for the field of consulting or any other industry you're targeting. Employers appreciate candidates who are passionate about their work and can clearly express their motivations.

Remember, internships are meant to be learning experiences, and employers understand that interns may not have extensive prior experience. Focus on showcasing your potential, eagerness to learn, and transferable skills that make you an asset to the organization.

In a nutshell, to become a strong candidate for internships without prior experience, you need to develop transferable skills, build a compelling resume, network effectively, gain experience through side projects, actively seek opportunities, leverage personal connections, prepare for interviews, and showcase your passion and enthusiasm.

Here are the top 3 authoritative reference publications/domain names:

1. **Harvard Business Review**: This well-known publication offers insights into various business-related topics, including internships and career development strategies.
2. **Vault**: Vault provides industry-specific career information and advice. It offers internship rankings, employer profiles, and career guides that can assist you in the internship search process.
3. **LinkedIn**: This professional networking platform offers job and internship listings, as well as the ability to connect with professionals in your desired field. It's a valuable resource for finding internship opportunities and expanding your network.

Please remember, while these sources are reputable, it's always crucial to cross-reference information and consider multiple perspectives when gathering advice for your specific situation.

I'd also like to invite you to read my autobiography. The section about Jane offers valuable insights on enhancing your academic and work capacities. Thank you so much for your time!

Stay blessed,
James.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hi Ilknur!

Navigating through the complexities of becoming a top-notch candidate for internships might seem daunting, particularly in a fiercely competitive domain like consulting. Yet, with the right qualities and tactics, you can definitely shine and enhance your prospects of landing an internship.

Cultivate a robust academic base: Consulting companies place a high premium on students who have a solid academic foundation, notably in areas such as mathematics, statistics, economics, and business. Strive to excel in your studies, and contemplate enrolling in courses that align with your field of interest. For instance, if strategy consulting piques your interest, you might want to consider strategy, operations management, and data analysis courses.

Develop a broad array of skills: Consulting firms are on the lookout for versatile candidates who possess a spectrum of skills, including communication, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and teamwork. You might want to consider assuming leadership positions in extracurricular activities, volunteering, or part-time jobs to hone these skills.

Acquire pertinent work experience: Even without previous internship experience, you can still amass relevant work experience through other avenues. You might want to consider undertaking freelance assignments, participating in hackathons, or embarking on personal projects that reflect your skills and passions.

Forge connections and pursue mentorship: Networking is a critical component of success in any profession, and consulting is no different. Make it a point to attend job fairs, industry gatherings, and networking events to connect with industry professionals and gain insights from their experiences. Seek mentors who can offer guidance and advice on how to penetrate the industry.

Establish a compelling personal brand: Develop a professional online persona by crafting a LinkedIn profile and setting up a personal website or blog to showcase your skills and experiences. Leverage social media platforms to celebrate your achievements and interact with industry professionals.

Understand the industry: Make an effort to research the consulting industry and the specific firm that interests you. Familiarize yourself with their offerings, clientele, and culture to exhibit your knowledge and enthusiasm during interviews.

Get ready for case interviews: Case interviews are a popular method consulting firms use to evaluate candidates' problem-solving abilities and cultural fit. Prepare for these interviews by practicing with peers, family, or a mentor, and familiarize yourself with the kinds of questions that are typically asked.

To sum up, becoming a compelling candidate for internships in consulting necessitates a blend of academic prowess, a varied skill set, relevant work experience, networking, a compelling personal brand, and preparation for case interviews. By cultivating these qualities and tactics, you can boost your chances of securing an internship and paving the way for a prosperous career in consulting.

Authoritative Reference Titles:

“How to Land a Consulting Internship” by The Financial Times
“The Consulting Interview” by Victor Cheng
“Cracking the Case Interview” by Robert H. Shaffer and Thomas E. Ramsay
Note: These references are not URLs or links, but rather the titles of authoritative books and articles that provide valuable information on the topic.

May God bless you on your journey!
James.
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Mary Ann’s Answer

Hi Ilknur,
One of my many jobs in my career was to attend job fairs at colleges as part of the process to identify candidates for internships. I did this for a very large tech company. I would talk to about 200 students and as tasked with identifying who moved to the next round. These were the three questions I asked students at the job fair:
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself and why you would like an internship with this company?
2. What things that you are learning in class do you hope to apply to an internship?
3. What are you hoping to get out of the internship? What do you hope to learn?

Asking these questions helped me to understand the individual's enthusiasm for the opportunity and gave me insight into the individual. People would often talk about their course work and projects they had worked on. If someone had called out a specific project on their resume/CV, I might ask for more information about that. Question #1 was the most important question of the 3. Often people would answer by saying "I want to work in tech" but they really didn't know anything about my company. Others would say "I see your Company is doing this kind of work and that is really interesting to me because . . . . " This showed me that they did some research and were interested in my Company, not just any job.

When I looked at someone's resume, I was looking for information about how someone might approach the work of the internship and what skills they already had that would help the individual be successful as an intern. Things that jumped out at me were things like
- "Camp Counselor" because that indicated someone might be good at leading teams or groups, they likely had practice with conflict resolution, and they could work with people from different backgrounds (kids and adults)
- "Leader of School Club" showed leadership skills and an ability to work with groups of people
- "Created a solution for a problem" showed me that someone was innovative, curious, and willing to try new things.

My advice is to tap into your school's career fairs. Usually, they publish a list of what companies will be there and what types of internship roles are available. Do a little research in advance to identify which companies you want to target. We know you don't have a lot of experience working in a company, but we also know you know how to do a lot of different things and you do them well (even if you don't know that yet). When you talk to the reps from the companies, be honest about what you are hoping to provide the company and what you are hoping to get out of the internship. And, always have at least one question to ask the person you are talking to.

Internships are competitive. But, I am confident with some preparation, you will find the internship that is right for you.

Goodluck!
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