Landing Your Internship

It’s important to be prepared when you’re searching for internship opportunities, but the process doesn’t have to be as difficult or overwhelming as it may seem. Here are 5 tips that could help you tackle the challenge of landing an internship.  

1. Use the Career Center. Most schools will have some version of a career center or career services available to students. The Career Center could help you get an internship by providing guidance and assistance with things like resume building, applications, interview skills, crafting an elevator pitch, and more.  
2. Lean into networking. Internships are all about building connections, and putting yourself out there could lead you to the right people and the right opportunities. You could network with recruiters at career fairs hosted by your school and speak with them about potential opportunities. You could also network online by creating a LinkedIn account and connecting with industry leaders or companies you’re interested in working for. Don’t be afraid to reach out; after all, many people say that success isn’t just about what you know, but about who you know.  
3. Always be prepared. Whether you’re going to a career fair, preparing for an interview, or just sending an introductory email, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Have multiple printed copies of your updated resume on hand when attending functions like these in person. First impressions matter, so prepare your elevator pitch in advance.
4. Ask questions. This goes right along with being prepared. Be sure to do some research on the company that you’re interested in and come up with a few questions to ask while you’re networking. For example:  
   • What kinds of projects or tasks would I be working on?
   • Is mentorship or support provided for interns?  
   • How do interns typically contribute to the team or the organization’s mission?
   • Asking questions shows that you’ve done your homework and that you’re interested in the role, which is often a great sign for potential recruiters.  
5. Confidence is key. When you’re networking and speaking with recruiters, it’s important to project confidence. Even if you’re not feeling very confident, there are ways to practice different skills that will help you to fake it until you make it. For example, find someone to practice with that you trust, like a friend, mentor, or family member. Together, you can work on mastering key confidence builders like eye contact and a firm handshake.  

The Bottom Line  

Internships are often great tools for students and young adults to gain practical experience and professional working contacts. The process of landing a good internship may seem daunting, but there are different things you could focus on to make the process easier and more attainable. Networking, effective preparation, bolstered confidence, and resources like the Career Center are great places to start, and with these things in mind, you could see great success in your internship search.