Searching for internships doesn’t have to be scary. Here are 5 short and simple resources that I’ve abused :) in my years as an undergraduate.
1: Job Sites
Job congregation websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake are great resources for finding internships or job opportunities. Creating a profile on these sites is a great way to showcase your resume and portfolio to garner interest from recruiters. Additionally, many of these sites use machine learning algorithms to suggest job offers that match your qualifications from your profile data, saving you time on finding opportunities.
2: Events
Many companies will have special recruitment processes for events they present at. These can include career fairs, conferences, and competitions. Such events provide fantastic opportunities to meet representatives from a plethora of companies to connect with and send resumes to. Not only do you get exposed to a greater breadth of companies than you may find online, but you also get distinguished by point of contact because you attended a target event. Sometimes, bigger events will also offer onsite interviews for students that share their information with recruiters ahead of time.
3. University Recruiting
Universities also offer unique recruiting opportunities for students to meet companies in smaller and more intimate environments than general events. Look for student organizations for professions or corporate partners in your field of interest. These entities will periodically host corporate events sponsored by companies that often provide free food and merch as incentives for students’ attendance. Ask around if your department or major has resume databases you can upload yours too. This is also a great way to get in contact with recruiters who specialize in universities and can provide extra support for the application process.
4. Networking
It’s important to establish a professional network early on in your career so that you can build connections with people who may be your future coworkers. Is there anyone in your network you know who held a prior internship in an industry you want to work in? What about alumni? Look for alumni or recruiter chats in your department to meet people who work at the companies you aspire to find a career. Regularly attend professional networking events like coffee chats, faculty lunches, and meet and greets to connect and build your network.
5. Referrals
Above all, referrals are an incredible way to get in touch with companies and distinguish yourself from your competition. Have you studied or worked under a professor with industry connections? Do you know alumni or former interns of companies? Look around at your network (that you’re hopefully also building) and don’t feel shy in asking for help. Referrals are advantageous for the referrer (often as a monetary bonus or a way to maintain relationships) and for the referee (as a way to boost your application).