I’ve got a sick case of the internship blues. And what exactly are the internship
blues, you might inquire. It’s a combination of having too little time to apply for the
plethora of opportunities, not hearing back from the ones already applied for, and
the stress that comes from thinking about being so close to the “real world” and
obtaining a career. Here are some general guidelines to keep away the internship
blues.
Take the time. Set aside a couple hours that can be distraction free—that means
no homework or studying or watching Sex and the City reruns for this time frame.
Application and writing processes are typically a breeding ground for tiny errors
because your brain is in so many places. This is your time to live in your own
little internship dreamland. Be passionate about what you’re looking for and be
determined to get it. Take the time to make sure your resume looks spiffy, your
cover letters are spotless, and your applications and filled out correctly. If you go
on a mass internship-applying spree, there’s a chance you’re going to make tiny
mistakes and it will end up looking unprofessional on your part. So pour yourself a
cup of coffee and take your time on your application process.
Don’t be afraid. This is kind of a big process. I feel like when I’ve applied for
internships in the past, I’ve always had this murmuring flicker of self-doubt. “This
company is so big” and “think of how many people apply for this” might cloud your
thoughts. Shaking off the negative thoughts is vital. How on earth are you going to
appear as a shining beacon of hiring in your cover letter if you don’t actually feel
that way? Write down a list of things you’re great at, things that you’re passionate
about and reasons why you are competitive. If you really, truly, don’t think you’re
going to get an internship—maybe you don’t fit all of the requirements or you
simply cannot see yourself with this company—don’t apply. It’s a waste of time if
you have no ounce of confidence in that specific application. And that is OK! There
is an opportunity for every person out there. Apply for an internship that you feel
positive about and that makes you feel poised and equipped.
Stay positive. After your applications are all turned in, don’t get upset if they don’t
call you back. Or if you get an interview and don’t get the position. Take some time
to shake it off and try again with a few new places. Relook at your cover letter and
resume—maybe there was a glitch. But more often than not, it just wasn’t a perfect
fit. There is always another opportunity out there, and being positive will only
enforce this ideal.