It’s only November, but many students are already on the hunt for their summer internships. You have probably already received a few LinkedIn notifications from connections announcing their new position for summer 2022. If you’re anything like me, you might get a slight anxiety attack every time one pops up on your phone. However, this doesn’t mean you need to drop everything and find an internship this second, because there is no shortage of internships this summer. You just need to know where to look or, better yet, learn where to start. So, from this seemingly overwhelming process, here are a few things I’ve learned when it comes to discovering that perfect summer internship.
- Get started… asap
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Not to stress anyone else out, but the earlier you get into it the better. If you have an idea of what you want to do, great! If not, start doing some simple research to see what kind of internships are out there and which ones you’re interested in. Do you like fashion? Sustainability? Or are you more interested in finance or law? Figure out where you see yourself in ten years and go from there.
- narrow your search
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I’m a firm believer in following your dreams, but maybe Vogue isn’t super realistic for your first internship. Try looking for internships in your area that still pertain to your aspiring field of work. Checking out smaller or less renowned companies may be more attainable, especially if this is your first internship. Any industry experience is valuable even if it’s not where you envision yourself for the rest of your career. Every company offers a new perspective along with opportunities to grow and connections that will help you down the road.
- do your research
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So, you’ve narrowed it down to a few companies. Make sure you have an idea of what each one is all about. Knowing the company’s message and learning about their current employees will tell you a lot about who they are and, more importantly, if you can see yourself there. Checking out the company’s “About Us” page and researching their recent projects will give you a lot of information. LinkedIn is an amazing resource to see what the company is up to as well as their current employees.
- don’t be afraid to reach out
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In your hours of stalking the company and everyone who works there, chances are you found someone with your dream job or at least something you’re interested in. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them! Professionals love to hear that young people joining the workforce have an interest in what they do! Send them a Starbucks gift card and ask for 15 minutes to chat. What’s the worst that could happen?
- sell yourself like it’s your dream job
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When it comes down to the interview, be the best version of yourself. Look presentable, sound professional, and be confident! You have worked hard to get here, so don’t sell yourself short (just don’t be cocky). The interview (or those 15 minutes you courageously asked for) is your opportunity to prove you belong at their company and that you would do anything to be a part of it. Summer internships get your foot in the door while still allowing you leeway to change your mind. No matter which way you turn, the experience will be rewarding as you further your career and expand your network.