Let the Hunting Begin!
To-be graduates are always stuck in the same loop of confusion- “I want a good job, but I need experience. How do I get the appropriate experience without a good job?” This is where internships come in. In today’s competitive job market, just having a degree, a good GPA, or online courses isn’t enough. Experience counts more than ever. But then again, it’s easier said than done. How do you find an internship with your given skill set out of this pool of infinite opportunities? And what skills can you brush up on before you start applying?
1. Start early and look small: Once you enter college, you realize the importance of your summer vacations. It’s not just about parties and trips and sunbathing by the beach. The internet becomes your Bible when you are internship hunting for the summer. But just dreaming of a great internship all year round and finally waking up from that dream a couple of months (or worse, weeks) before the internship season begins does not work. To secure a summer internship, it’s best to start around six months in advance to focus all your resources properly over time. Everyone dreams of working in their dream companies, but again, how can you get there with your real-life experience close to zilch? So, focus your search on a few small local companies initially. Chances are you’ll get the position, work more closely with the higher authorities, and gain some valuable experience.
2. Networking: Now, you’ve taken your first step by choosing to sit down and search for internships. But how exactly do you seek? This is a question that has haunted potential interns from time immemorial. One place you can start with is your peer network. Talk to your friends about their interests and how they’re going about with their search. Some of your peers might already be a step ahead of you and might have done some internships. Find out how they secured those internships. Else, tap into your school or university’s alumni network. Reach out to them and see what they have to say. Another place often overlooked is family and their connections. Ask your parents or relatives if the company they work at needs a little extra help via interns. The great part about searching for internships through personal contacts is that you might get a referral or two, which can go a long way. If none of this works, you can always get into the cold calling or emailing mode, or use resources such as LinkedIn or Monster.com. You can also refer to our detailed blog on networking and personal branding!
3. Be prompt and detail-oriented: Now, once a company shows interest in you, you have to revert to them with your curriculum vitae, cover letter, recommendations, portfolios, etc. Putting all of this together can be a gigantic and not very flattering task, but it must be done, and it must be done quickly. Responding to potential employers rapidly shows your keenness to work with them, and is a plus point. But, of course, before you send them the required documents as part of the application procedure, you have to make sure you’re sending in your best. For this, ask other trusted people to review your application and give feedback on how to improve it. DO NOT submit an application with incorrect spellings, grammar, or information.
4. Interview and follow-up: Now, your application has been accepted, and they would like to meet you for a short chat to get a sense of what kind of a person you are. How do you make a good impression on your first go? Here, your first impression might be your last one, so you have to make it count. And why shouldn’t you- after all, you’ve made it all this way to the interview! This is where your presentation and communication skills kick in. Knowing how to present yourself and create a lasting impression is vital, and excellent speaking skills are complementary. Check out our blog on polishing your communication skills! Answer questions to-the-point, and ask relevant questions too. After the interview, make sure to send a thank-you note to the interviewer for taking the time out and listening to you. But that’s not where it ends. Employers will take time to respond, but after a while, you need to show initiative and follow-up with them. This gives the impression that you are still interested in the job and eager to get started too.
Following these above-mentioned points religiously can prove to be more useful than they seem, and can even make or break your shot at that internship. So, get started today!
References:
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/land-a-great-internship
https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2012/01/31/how-to-get-an-internship/#3125a6783033
https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/how-to-get-an-internship/
