The snow is falling and finals are calling! So, the last thing on your mind is the summertime. It seems so far off into the distance that planning six months ahead seems like almost an impossible and unnecessary task. However, instead of spending your whole winter break decompressing from the fall semester, you may be wise to begin the summer internship search.
Often people think that the search should happen some time between March and April, but at this point, a lot of internships at more reputable, name-worthy organizations and businesses are already taken, including most of the paid roles. Looking into internships over winter break may save you some hassle later on in the spring, when the weather is much nicer, and you may be stretched too thin with other obligations.
- Did you know that many summer internship application deadlines are in January or early February?
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If you research summer internships now, you will see many companies have already posted their summer applications. These applications are most likely due sometime within the next month or two, as employers want to do their vetting of summer interns early. Some summer internship applications at companies like The Wall Street Journal and The Boston Globe have deadlines that already passed in early December and even as early as November 1st.
But no need to worry! Most companies are just beginning to post their summer intern applications, so your December break is the perfect time to start the process, away from the chaos of the spring semester.
- When you start now, the process is actually fun.
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You can take your time over break to explore what companies offer summer internships. Some may be right in your backyard or take you to a new city, but either way, don’t forget to look at what companies can offer to their interns. Some internship programs not only offer real-world work experience but also seminars from people in the industry. This format is prevalent in communication and business related fields. These programs may even provide future connections to jobs after graduation, and help you better gauge what you may want to do in your career.
You can do a bit of your own outside research too by checking on social media what past interns have to say. The better the experience, the more vocal past participants are to be about their time at the organization. Certain internship programs even have social media posts dedicated to showcasing their interns at work, and even give little shout-outs. These are perfect ways to investigate whether or not you see yourself working in that type of environment, and offer you something to look forward to if you’re a candidate for the position!
- When you have the time, thoughtfully complete these applications.
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Winter break is one of those rare times in the school year when you no longer have any academic responsibilities and your employment duties are most likely put on hold if you have a job in college. Now you’re left with almost a month off from school, free to spend the days however you please. But really, the Netflix streaming and hanging in at your friends’ gets old after a week or so, and you’re going to want to take care of business…internship business, that is.
By looking at these applications now, you do not have the distraction of focusing on other work you might have at school. The time can be used to ask for references and recommendation letters from former employers, professors, and mentors, rather than springing the question at the last minute, and waiting anxiously for a response. Also, you can devote the attention to checking every last detail on your cover letter and resume to make sure it’s flawless, and in certain cases, like journalism or the arts, putting your best pieces of work forward to showcase your true talent.
On your break, you may even be lucky enough to find a friend or family member who has a moment to review your materials too. A second set of eyes can catch mistakes that you may have breezed over!
- You are in control of what your options are for the summer…don’t settle.
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By applying to summer internships now, you will have an array of options depending on which employers are receptive. By the time April rolls around, you will be deciding whether or not you want to intern for a company, instead of hoping that some place will still accept your application. Even if right now you’re not so sure about an internship, but are interested, you should still apply. You can always say no later, but without an application, the window is closed.
While I think it would be wise to begin the process now, there is no right time to start summer internship applications. Sometimes certain companies do not even release their application materials until early springtime. But if you were to start just glancing at options now, you can rule in and rule out certain opportunities available to you, rather than coming across a perfect opportunity months later, when the deadline for the summer session has already passed.
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