Internship Tips

[The Big PINK One♥]

I can tell you, first hand, that going for an internship is just as nerving as applying for a job. Yeah its usually free, but keeping in mind that this may help you in whatever you are acquiring a degree in & ultimately the rest of your life. This IS your career. I wish I'd had these tips when I was still in school... ;D

Hey you! Capable university woman that you are — you have the abilities to score the internship of your dreams! As a serial intern, I’ve picked up a few things from experience that have helped me and I’m here to pass them along to you.

I’ve interned at five places so far in my undergraduate career – including a television production firm, Polo Ralph Lauren, even at Australian Harper’s BAZAAR — and I used these five tips to land them every time. Just remember the most important tip of all — let the confident, capable, uniquely-you woman shine through in all you do!

Tip #5: Start early!

I cannot emphasize how important this is. If you’re looking to score the perfect summer internship, most companies say they start looking at applicants around December or January of that year. The Human Resources Department may not look at the submitted applications until then, but that doesn’t mean you can’t meet with people outside of HR before then. That way, if you hit it off, they can recommend your name to HR when the time comes to pick the actual interns.

For example, I interviewed with a magazine editor early in November of last year and she offered to keep in touch with me until the actual applications were released. She said I was a good candidate and since I had met with her so early, she was impressed. She even offered to help my application along in Human Resources, so trust me when I say it works. Contacting employers early shows you are organized and enthusiastic — two of the qualities that will make your application stand out.

Tip #4: Avoid resume mistakes.

Your resume is the first, and often the only way future employers get to know you, so make sure it’s perfect! Your resume should be no longer than one page (I print mine double-sided) so that it’s easy for your employer to keep on file. It seems obvious, but make sure you include all of your contact information, and that it’s updated. It should be as easy as possible for an employer to contact you if they’re interested — if you make them search for your phone number, they may find it’s just too much work.

Always include the names and contact information for your previous employers, even if it’s just a job like being a waitress, so they know you’ve worked somewhere before and can talk to one of your previous employers if necessary.

Choose fonts that are easy to read and don’t go overboard with borders or bullets — just keep it simple and professional.

Tip #3: Take advantage of on-campus resources.

If your school has any type of Career Services office (chances are high that they do) then this is a great place to go. Often these offices have some type of alumni contact list, which makes it super easy to just drop a quick email to an alum in a position or company that interests you. It’s a wise idea to approach them looking for advice, as well as subtly searching for a job, since most alumni signed up to be mentors, not just employers.

Ask the alumni mentor some questions about how they got to where they are, tell them a bit about your major and interests, and let them ask you what your future plans include. If you feel comfortable, ask to call them, because a phone conversation is a much more personal way to forge a meaningful relationship than e-mail. Any kind of real-world advice, whether they offer you a job or not, will help you reach your internship and professional goals.

Tip #2: Use any and all contacts you might have.

If you know anyone, anywhere, who also might know someone somewhere, use it! It’s true what they say about the strength of weak ties: Sometimes the people who can help you the most are those outside of your comfortable social circle. If you know there’s a girl in your English class who interned at a newspaper last summer, ask her if she wouldn’t mind grabbing a quick coffee to talk about her experience. She’ll have great information and probably a few contacts — so don’t be shy!



Tip #1: Don’t assume anything.

You never know whether you could be a meaningful addition to a company, especially if you’re willing to work for free. It never hurts to send your resume and a cover letter, even if the only contact you can find is the postal address of the office.

I once sat down with the masthead of a magazine, printed out copies of my magazine, and mailed them to the editors I was interested in working for. I mailed about thirteen copies and got back two responses — it’s better than nothing! And all you have to pay for is the stamps. If you can get an email address, it’s even better since it’s free. Always keep in mind that the worst that can happen is that they don’t contact you back — which is a pretty low level of rejection!

An opportunity at a stellar internship will really increase your chances at success in the work force after college graduation. Put these tips to the test and have fun at your next internship!

{Source: University Chic}