So you’re a year or two into college and you’ve realized it’s time to get serious and actually do something productive with your life: It’s time for an internship. Internships are absolutely essential in this day and age which is why you should have at least 1 or 2 completed before you graduate. But where do you start? The most difficult part of an internship is actually finding one that fits you best. There are so many things to consider: where you want to be, what you want to learn, when to do it. Here are the top resources to finding your perfect internship:
Career Services at UMass has a website called Career Connect. Any student is able to log on using his or her UMass username and password. From there, you are able to search for internships using keywords that are based on your major or whatever interests you and where you would like the internship to be. Career Connect then filters its database according to what you submitted. UMass offers students to intern for credits as well. This means you have a faculty advisor who guides you through the internship and helps you get the best out of your internship experience!
No kidding right? Internships.com is where I discovered my very first internship. I wanted to explore all of my options so I took a peek at this website. In order to search for an internship here, you need to sign up. After you create an account you are provided with your very own profile that allows you to include your resume, cover letters, and writing samples as well. Employers are then able to see your profile and potentially pick you out of the bunch if they believe you’re right for the position.
Internqueen.com is a website created by Lauren Berger, the queen of internships. Having completed 15 internships in college (whoa baby!), Berger earned the title and started helping students all over the country find internships. Like Career Connect and Internships.com you are able to search for internships on Intern Queen. The website most often provides magazine, fashion, public relations, marketing and social media internships located in some of the country’s top cities such as New York City and LA.
Send An Email
Have a company in mind that you’ve always dreamt of interning or working for? Send them an email! It can’t hurt to try. Explain that you are very interested in the company and that you would be glad to apply for any internship programs they offer. You never know the response you’ll get. Contacting them directly also gets your name noticed which is a big bonus!
And don’t forget: After you’ve applied for the positions, follow up in TWO WEEKS by email. If you don’t receive a response by email then pick up the phone and call. You wouldn’t believe how many students never follow up and think: “Eh, I guess they didn’t choose me if they haven’t gotten back to me.” This isn’t always true! You’re better safe than sorry.
Now that you have these resources, you’re ready to jump head first into the internship search. Good luck, collegiettes!