Landing an internship may seem pretty cut and dry, but there are several things to think about beforehand that make a huge difference down the road. Internships are a big deal because they help you figure out which path you want to take professionally while also preparing you with valuable real-life experience. It’s not something to be taken lightly, so it’s important to have a plan beforehand to make sure all your bases are covered.
Here are some tips from Degrees & Careers for landing the best internship for you:
Make a Plan
You’ll be met with a variety of lifestyle changes once you graduate high school, start college, and start looking for internships. These changes can be overwhelming, so look for resources to help guide you through these transitions. You can use the advice that you find to begin to create a plan. Don’t worry if things don’t pan out exactly as you had imagined; the goal is there to help give you a framework to work from.
You can also work with the degree counsellors at Degrees & Careers to talk through your career options and what it might take for you to reach those goals.
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Soak Up Experience
You may be thinking, “But soaking up experience is what the internship is for.” You’re right, but interns are often hired based on how much experience they have in that particular field from degrees, jobs, clubs, and events. If you’re still in school, look for activities related to your preferred field and participate in as many special interests as possible, including young leadership groups. Also, look for volunteer opportunities, which can help hone your working interests.
After graduation, consider getting a master’s degree in the field or industry you’re most interested in. A master’s degree in business administration will help you hone and develop skills that those with business bachelor’s degrees won’t yet have, putting you on a level above your competition.
When working part-time during or in between the school year, choose jobs that align with your preferred field. Hiring managers know that transferable skills are important. Having any sort of experience to put on your resume will make you stand out from the crowd and give you the upper hand.
As a Step to Business Ownership
If your goal as an intern is to own your own business eventually, you’ll definitely want to get a part-time job working for a related company. If you are attending college, ask your career department for information about internships. Many businesses work with nearby colleges for this very purpose. Or there are reputable websites where you can locate quality internships on your own.
Now’s also a good time to learn about entrepreneurship. You may be able to take classes or even complete a degree in entrepreneurship. But you should also look into the four common business structures and what it takes to establish them. An LLC is most common for small businesses. If you think you may start an LLC, become familiar with the state-specific processes so that you can start thinking about your business in strategic ways, even if starting it is several years away.
You can even start by creating a small business to manage during the summer. It likely won’t be what you love, but the experience can go a long way in showing that you’re resourceful and dependable. Choose something you can do, like pet sitting, washing cars, or cleaning people’s homes. Make your business stand out by offering something others don’t, like using all-natural cleaning products for your car wash or cleaning services. That way, you’ll learn a little about marketing, too!
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Reach Out to Connections
Making it in business – any business, really – is about networking, so start now! If you have friends in the field you’re interested in, don’t be shy about letting them know you’re looking. You don’t have to be pushy by asking them to set you up with an interview but laying the groundwork with a simple “Let me know if something is available” will put your name in their mind. Then, when something does come up, you’ll be the first to know. Maintain these connections well, because you never know when you’ll need a favour.
Learn How to Write a Resume
Resume writing may seem like an easy task, but it is actually fairly complicated. Start with a good guide about how to create an impressive, professional-looking resume, but don’t stop there. Your industry broadly, and audience specifically should guide a lot of your choices, from layout to organization. Look online for examples of resumes within your desired industry and think strategically about how your strengths and experience can be presented in similar ways.
If you are straight out of high school, but you went to a school with a high GreatSchool Rating, include that along with the experience you gained there, like clubs, your GPA, and volunteer work. Use your resume to show off your best and most relevant qualities without being deceptive.
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Practice Interviewing
Because successful interviews require a great first impression, it’s a good idea to record yourself on your phone in a practice interview. GlassDoor encourages you to think about what your potential employer might ask, questions like, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and “What would you say is your biggest strength?” Practising your responses will help you not to fumble for an answer when the actual interview takes place. Being prepared will help you remain confident throughout the process, which will be evident to the interviewer.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen suit or professional outfit. That first impression includes the way you look, no matter how much many of us wish it didn’t. Being properly groomed gives off an air of professionalism. And don’t forget about timeliness; being on time is absolutely essential.
Don’t Forget Your Manners
According to Archinect, being polite and following through are two traits that will get you far with an employer. After an interview, send out a thank-you letter within a day. This reminds them of who you are, leaves them with a good impression, and shows that you know how to get things done.
Research, Plan, and Advance
Landing that dream internship doesn’t usually come easily. With proper preparation, however, including building up your background, maintaining good references, and being interview-ready, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. As you do research regarding potential internships and your desired industry, think strategically about how these steps could lead you to start your own LLC in the future. Every experience – both good and bad – will shape who you become as a professional, so be strategic about how you prepare for your dream internship.
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