6 answers
Taysia
Student
Richmond, Kentucky
1
Question
Asked
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How do you start an internship?
How does someone get an internship in the field that they want to go in to start networking for later?
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6 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1601
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Taysia it should go without saying, but you should find out when the deadline to submit an application is, and then make sure that you get it in on time. What’s more, you should be fastidious in your efforts to complete the application. The writing should be neat and easy to read. Remember that employers often receive dozens, and in some cases hundreds or even thousands, of applications for their internship positions, and making a great first impression is of the utmost importance.
MAKE SURE YOUR RESUME IS PERFECT
First things first, you need to have a clean and clear resume. Proofread your resume for any spelling errors. Don’t just trust your computer’s spell-check program – and, if possible, have someone else read it too. If there are any spelling, style or grammar mistakes, correct them. Also, search your resume for any inaccuracies or situations where you may have stretched the truth. It's important to make these corrections because if the employer uncovers a lie on the resume or application, or during the interview process, you could be discarded from the list or (if you have already landed the internship) out-right fired.
REHEARS REHEAR FOR A INTERVIEW
It should also go without saying that you should be presentable (generally, this means conservatively dressed) and timely when going to your interview. You should also consider asking questions. For example, consider asking about the company’s strategy, what the employer expects from the intern, or about some of its products or services. Why? Simply, this might help convey the message that you are a thinker and are truly interested in the position and the organization. You should also be prepared to answer questions as well, and not just about the nuts and bolts of the internship itself.
BE READY TO START A THE BOTTOM
Interns may have set job duties. That is, their task might be simply to enter data into spreadsheets all day or to make cold calls. However, many times interns are used as “gofers” (as in go for this, or go for that) and are given tasks that nobody else in the office wants. As such your assigned tasks may vary frequently and may not be known by the employer at the time of your interview. For this reason, you should consider making it clear that they are willing to do grunt work and that you can be flexible based upon the organization’s needs. There is usually no guarantee that an internship will lead to a permanent placement at the company. However, in some cases it may not hurt to ask. In fact, it may be good to ask because it not only conveys your interest in joining the organization on a permanent basis, but it also gives the company some time to consider the possibility of hiring you full-time or creating a new position for you.
Applying for an internship isn’t an exact science Taysia, so you can’t expect to get everything right on your first pass. The best way to land an internship is to keep working on perfecting your application, if you get rejected, send an email back to say you appreciate the response and ask for feedback on your application. Some will reply, others won’t. But even with a few replies, you identify opportunities for improvement.
Hope this will be helpful Taysia
MAKE SURE YOUR RESUME IS PERFECT
First things first, you need to have a clean and clear resume. Proofread your resume for any spelling errors. Don’t just trust your computer’s spell-check program – and, if possible, have someone else read it too. If there are any spelling, style or grammar mistakes, correct them. Also, search your resume for any inaccuracies or situations where you may have stretched the truth. It's important to make these corrections because if the employer uncovers a lie on the resume or application, or during the interview process, you could be discarded from the list or (if you have already landed the internship) out-right fired.
REHEARS REHEAR FOR A INTERVIEW
It should also go without saying that you should be presentable (generally, this means conservatively dressed) and timely when going to your interview. You should also consider asking questions. For example, consider asking about the company’s strategy, what the employer expects from the intern, or about some of its products or services. Why? Simply, this might help convey the message that you are a thinker and are truly interested in the position and the organization. You should also be prepared to answer questions as well, and not just about the nuts and bolts of the internship itself.
BE READY TO START A THE BOTTOM
Interns may have set job duties. That is, their task might be simply to enter data into spreadsheets all day or to make cold calls. However, many times interns are used as “gofers” (as in go for this, or go for that) and are given tasks that nobody else in the office wants. As such your assigned tasks may vary frequently and may not be known by the employer at the time of your interview. For this reason, you should consider making it clear that they are willing to do grunt work and that you can be flexible based upon the organization’s needs. There is usually no guarantee that an internship will lead to a permanent placement at the company. However, in some cases it may not hurt to ask. In fact, it may be good to ask because it not only conveys your interest in joining the organization on a permanent basis, but it also gives the company some time to consider the possibility of hiring you full-time or creating a new position for you.
Applying for an internship isn’t an exact science Taysia, so you can’t expect to get everything right on your first pass. The best way to land an internship is to keep working on perfecting your application, if you get rejected, send an email back to say you appreciate the response and ask for feedback on your application. Some will reply, others won’t. But even with a few replies, you identify opportunities for improvement.
Hope this will be helpful Taysia
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would also check the employment or job center at the college or university that you attend.
Internships and company interviews are usually scheduled and posted in their network.
Internships and company interviews are usually scheduled and posted in their network.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
349
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Taysia:
Networking is the means to communicate with professionals in various fields to learn more about them, their professions, their industries, etc. It is a way to share information, ideas and other contacts. Networking includes building resources that you can rely upon or refer others to.
Network ... Network ... Network ... the more people who know that you are looking to purse internships and career opportunities ... the better your chances of learning more about the industry that you are interested in, getting hired, etc. Sometimes it is not what you know, but who you know. Also, family, friends, high school teachers, college professors and staff may know of contacts in the industry that you want to get into, so ask them as well.
Have you networked with your professors back at your college? The professors can provide you with professional contacts and information on companies in need of college students and graduates. They can also provide a list of alumni who you can reach out to for internships and full-time employment opportunities. Another great resource for information is a student organization that is primarily focused for college students and graduates with your major.
Colleges and universities offer career placement assistance via the Career Service Center. At the Career Service Center, there are resources available to assist with resume format, style and flow; interview workshops; job searches and job fairs; internships; research information for company profiles and points of contact; networking, etc.
LinkedIn is a great platform to connect with professionals across various industries, related or not related to your own field. One can search and view a company's profile, available open positions, professional profiles, etc. Within the news feed, one can view postings and announcements from other professionals.
With LinkedIn, members can send InMails to directly to each other without being connected to one another. Professionals who are directly connected to each other can send regular LinkedIn messages to each other. Professionals who pay for the premium service on LinkedIn have access to the InMail service feature.
Directly from LinkedIn Help:
"InMail messages is a premium feature, and it allows you to directly message another LinkedIn member that you're not connected to. If you have a Basic (free) account, then you can only directly message LinkedIn members that you’re connected to. You must upgrade to a Premium account to use InMail messages. You can’t message a member if they’ve chosen not to receive InMail messages in their message preferences settings. You’re allotted a specific number of InMail message credits based on your subscription type. You can find the number of InMail message credits you have from your My Premium page."
"Premium InMail message credits can't be used to send InMail messages on Sales Navigator or LinkedIn Recruiter."
According to ConsumersAdvocate.org, here are the best hiring websites:
- ZipRecruiter
- CareerBuilder
- LinkedIn
- Monster
- FlexJobs
https://www.consumersadvocate.org/job-search-sites/lp/best-hiring-websites
Here are other hiring websites to consider:
- Indeed
- Simply Hired
- Glassdoor
- Dice
When applying for a position, a checklist is good to go by:
- Research what the position entails - daily responsibilities, required skill set, education requirements, etc.
- Look at the job description and see where your background, skills, etc. matches what is required
- If there is information listed for the Hiring Manager and/or HR Recruiter, then contact them for additional inquiries/questions
- Research what the salary ranges are for the position
- Years of experience needed for the position
- Check out the company's website and research the company's background, culture, employment opportunities, clientele served/serviced, etc.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your college years and your search for internships and full-time career opportunities!
Networking is the means to communicate with professionals in various fields to learn more about them, their professions, their industries, etc. It is a way to share information, ideas and other contacts. Networking includes building resources that you can rely upon or refer others to.
Network ... Network ... Network ... the more people who know that you are looking to purse internships and career opportunities ... the better your chances of learning more about the industry that you are interested in, getting hired, etc. Sometimes it is not what you know, but who you know. Also, family, friends, high school teachers, college professors and staff may know of contacts in the industry that you want to get into, so ask them as well.
Have you networked with your professors back at your college? The professors can provide you with professional contacts and information on companies in need of college students and graduates. They can also provide a list of alumni who you can reach out to for internships and full-time employment opportunities. Another great resource for information is a student organization that is primarily focused for college students and graduates with your major.
Colleges and universities offer career placement assistance via the Career Service Center. At the Career Service Center, there are resources available to assist with resume format, style and flow; interview workshops; job searches and job fairs; internships; research information for company profiles and points of contact; networking, etc.
LinkedIn is a great platform to connect with professionals across various industries, related or not related to your own field. One can search and view a company's profile, available open positions, professional profiles, etc. Within the news feed, one can view postings and announcements from other professionals.
With LinkedIn, members can send InMails to directly to each other without being connected to one another. Professionals who are directly connected to each other can send regular LinkedIn messages to each other. Professionals who pay for the premium service on LinkedIn have access to the InMail service feature.
Directly from LinkedIn Help:
"InMail messages is a premium feature, and it allows you to directly message another LinkedIn member that you're not connected to. If you have a Basic (free) account, then you can only directly message LinkedIn members that you’re connected to. You must upgrade to a Premium account to use InMail messages. You can’t message a member if they’ve chosen not to receive InMail messages in their message preferences settings. You’re allotted a specific number of InMail message credits based on your subscription type. You can find the number of InMail message credits you have from your My Premium page."
"Premium InMail message credits can't be used to send InMail messages on Sales Navigator or LinkedIn Recruiter."
According to ConsumersAdvocate.org, here are the best hiring websites:
- ZipRecruiter
- CareerBuilder
- Monster
- FlexJobs
https://www.consumersadvocate.org/job-search-sites/lp/best-hiring-websites
Here are other hiring websites to consider:
- Indeed
- Simply Hired
- Glassdoor
- Dice
When applying for a position, a checklist is good to go by:
- Research what the position entails - daily responsibilities, required skill set, education requirements, etc.
- Look at the job description and see where your background, skills, etc. matches what is required
- If there is information listed for the Hiring Manager and/or HR Recruiter, then contact them for additional inquiries/questions
- Research what the salary ranges are for the position
- Years of experience needed for the position
- Check out the company's website and research the company's background, culture, employment opportunities, clientele served/serviced, etc.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your college years and your search for internships and full-time career opportunities!
Michael O'Leary
Sales
2
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Numerous big corporations run structured internship programs and conduct interviews at colleges and universities. Participating in these school-organized interview sessions can be a fantastic opportunity. However, it's also beneficial to take the initiative by sending your resume and a cover letter directly to the HR departments of various companies. Additionally, LinkedIn serves as a valuable resource for finding available internships.
Tara Chiusano
Actor/Teaching Artist
35
Answers
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Hi Taysia! Great question! Your instincts are correct: it's all about making connections.
The first thing you need to do is pick at least three companies in the industry that you want to work in and research their respective websites. If you don't see any internships available on their websites, pick three more companies that are in the field of your choice. I can pretty much guarantee that someone will be offering an internship that will pique your interest.
Once you find the internship that appeals to you (and that you're qualified for), follow the instructions on the website, and apply. You might have to wait until the spring because most internships are on a semester cycle, but you can definitely do some research before then.
When I wanted to work in the film and television industry in D.C. many years ago, this is exactly what I did. I ended up getting an internship with a documentary film company and then got a job working there as an associate producer. Being an intern was how I made connections, and I wouldn't have traded the experience for the world.
I wish you all the best! It's time to get researching :)
The first thing you need to do is pick at least three companies in the industry that you want to work in and research their respective websites. If you don't see any internships available on their websites, pick three more companies that are in the field of your choice. I can pretty much guarantee that someone will be offering an internship that will pique your interest.
Once you find the internship that appeals to you (and that you're qualified for), follow the instructions on the website, and apply. You might have to wait until the spring because most internships are on a semester cycle, but you can definitely do some research before then.
When I wanted to work in the film and television industry in D.C. many years ago, this is exactly what I did. I ended up getting an internship with a documentary film company and then got a job working there as an associate producer. Being an intern was how I made connections, and I wouldn't have traded the experience for the world.
I wish you all the best! It's time to get researching :)
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1832
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Than you for your question. I am glad to hear that you would like to get an internship.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Some corporates may do internship program information session in the college. You can keep an eye in the career office announcement
2. Keep an eye on the corporate career portal
3. If you have any corporate you have interest, you can send email with your CV enclosed to their HR department to seek for opportunities.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Some corporates may do internship program information session in the college. You can keep an eye in the career office announcement
2. Keep an eye on the corporate career portal
3. If you have any corporate you have interest, you can send email with your CV enclosed to their HR department to seek for opportunities.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!