Summer internships are the best
resource for students to make the most of their vacations and use their time polishing
their skills. Moreover, they get an opportunity to gain real life experiences
of a professional working environment and enrich themselves as a student of their
particular field. In other words, summer internships also offer students a
chance to gain practical knowledge of their field. In this way, students are
able to gain professional skills and experience.
Following are some effective ways you
can find a perfect summer internship without any hassle.
1.
Set
your Goals
Prior to applying for
an internship, you need to identify your preferences. Set your priorities and then
establish the goals that you want to accomplish from an internship program. Determine
your interests, objectives, needs and wants that could help you identify the type
of internship that you should consider.
2.
Network
With the Right People
Networking is an
important aspect when you are searching an internship opportunity. It exposes
you to the right people who may come handy in your search for an internship
program. Make contacts with everyone you know in your social sphere. Inform
them about the type of internship that you are looking for. Make sure that they
have your contact details so that they can easily get in touch with you when an
opportunity is available.
Networking for internships can land you a job! Flickr COD Newsroom |
3.
Keep
In Touch With Your College
It is important to stay
updated about the current internship programs that your college is offering. Visit
your professor or the concerned faculty of your college to get the necessary
information. Check out their online resources and find the requisites for an
internship.
4.
Always
Start Early
Graduates often find
themselves entangled in their assignments, such as dissertation
writing or editing.
Consequently, they tend to delay their application for internship. Remember, starting
early will get you ahead in front of others and you will be able to secure a stronger
position than others. Plus, you need time to organize all your papers and do
the necessary preparations. Also, never forget to research the company and get crucial
details before sending your application. Making the preparations early will make
you mentally prepared for an interview. As you will be among the first ones in
the row, you will have higher chances of getting an internship.
5.
Develop
An Impressive Resume
A resume is an
influential factor in your internship. Just like a job, a resume is your tool
to showcase your skills or abilities for an internship. Describe your
educational background and highlight the skills that make you a perfect
candidate. Showcase the marks in your core subjects or mention any certificates
that emphasize your distinct expertise in your respective field.
6.
Prepare
For the Interview
An internship
interview is very much like a job interview. The hiring manager will gauge the authenticity
of information in your resume based on your performance in the interview. Therefore,
it is important that you prepare your best and dress up according to the code
of conduct of the company. Do a mock interview a night before the ‘D’ day. If
necessary, get a friend to help you with the practice sessions.
7.
Stand
Out Among The Crowd
Organizations are
more interested in students who are unique and different. Bring to light the important
aspects of your personality that define you. Mention the things, such as GPA, special
characteristics and experiences, which can show you as a deserving candidate
for the internship. With a distinct application, you will be able to capture the
attention of the interviewer and so he will prefer you over other candidates.
8.
Follow
Up With The Interviewer
Always follow up with
the interviewer once the interview is over. Send a thank-you note to express
your gratitude for the chance. This will show your interest in the internship
and consequently the interviewer will feel a strong sense of connection with you.
9.
Broaden
Your Research
Make your search for internship
wider to various industries. Rather than focusing on a single organization, you
should consider different other organizations that can utilize your skills and talent
in the best possible manner. Use all your channels within your trade and grab
every opportunity that matches your academic profile.
10. Check The Viability Of Your Internship
After
all the things have finalized, you must evaluate the success chances of your
internship. You can do it by answering the following important questions:
· Will this be financially reasonable for
me?
· Will I be able to manage my studies
with this additional work?
· How much time will I be consuming while
doing this work?
About the Author:
A keen photography and a fervent writer, Martin Berk
prefers to spend his time pumping up his knowledge through reading whatever he
gets his hands on. He works as a specialist/advisor for a renowned company. He
mostly spends his leisure hours polishing his photography skills or surfing Google+
|Facebook.