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What is the best way to approach someone for an internship

I have found a few companies that I would like to intern and possibly work at but they are not currently offering internships. I would like to approach them and see if they would be willing to let me intern or volunteer there.

#Interning
#Volunteering

interning
Thank you comment icon Hey Lilia! I've had the experience myself of trying to find internships from various companies that I would've liked to work for. If they are not currently offering internships, you can still contact them and ask if they any positions open (either now or in the future). Even if they do not have any positions there currently, you can ask them about future opportunities to intern/volunteer there. Hope this helps! Albert
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Abigail’s Answer

Hi Lilia!

Consider writing your own elevator pitch, a few sentences about who you are, what you can do and why you'd be helpful to them. This way, if you happen to find yourself in an elevator with Oprah, she'll know the best things about you before the doors open at her floor.

This approach has worked wonders for me. I find that if you email them and are courtesy and thoughtful in your email, sometimes someone will take a chance on you, even if there are no jobs or internships listed.

Abigail recommends the following next steps:

Develop your own elevator pitch: who you are, what you can do and how'd you'd be helpful to them.
Do your research. Is there a person on their website that does something of interest to you?
Make your email out to the connection you found researching, start by sharing your shared interest, discuss your interesting in volunteer/interning, and include your elevator pitch.
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Jenna’s Answer

If you have a personal connection there, ask the person directly about their intern/volunteer policy. Also, find similar companies or organizations that would value your skills- for example, if you want to learn more about finance, volunteer with the local low-income tax clinic. If you want to learn more about fashion, volunteer with an organization that helps individuals with career counseling- including how to dress. Think about what you want to get out of the experience, then creatively find ways to get those skills, even if it's not through a traditional internship. Good luck!
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Karen’s Answer

Send a short letter to the organizations where you are interested in volunteering or having an internship to let them know that you are interested in becoming part of their organization as a volunteer or intern because you value their mission -- or give them a good reason why you are a fit with them.  Include that you are flexible (perhaps available for as many hours as they can use you) and willing to learn new tasks.  Send it to the Director of Human Resources (ok if you don't have a name but good if you can find one on their website.)


Meanwhile start volunteering for one or more nonprofits in an area that interests you or perhaps something you have never done such as feeding the homeless or helping at a food shelf.  You can then use this experience to encourage others to hire you.


With every good wish!
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Sandy’s Answer

Just ask!  That's a simple approach but in reality you can prepare a memo that you can send inquiring on internship possibilities.  My first suggestion is to gather as much information about the company prior to asking, have  resume prepared and present your best self!  Following is a link to current information on the subject that you can use as a guide.  I found it very interesting and the information contained can serve as a starting point for you.  https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-write-prospecting-letter-1986449
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Victoria’s Answer

Hi Lilia!

What a great question, I felt the same when I first started looking for internships. I would strongly advise to go to as many events as you can with that firm and share your experiences and desire to work with them. It is always good for a firm to see your interest and to keep you on the radar so that when an opportunity opens up, they think of you. I would also suggest researching other firms that offer similar services and relate to the same industry, but that offers internships or volunteer opportunities.

The best advise I got was stay active and show interest! It goes a long way.

Good luck!
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Arya’s Answer

Most companies have specific departments that handle internships. The primary way is to send mails to the company with your resume. Other companies have an internship drive that you can apply in.

In companies that are not currently accepting internships, it is helpful of you can talk to or approach someone you know who works at the company and ask for referrals or ways to apply that are particular to that company.

There are many college students in India that use this avenue. I myself used this method to apply for and obtain internships in my second year of college.
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