There are many ways to find a great internship. (Image by David Castillo Dominici)
Competition for good internships can be stiff, but there are many ways that college grads and students can find opportunities to gain professional experience. Try some of these:
1. Email everyone you know (friends, your parents’ friends, instructors, former managers and colleagues, former sports coaches, and LinkedIn connections), and tell them what type of internship or work experience you are seeking. Ask if they know anyone who works in your desired field or at the companies you wish to work for.
2. Contact early-stage startup companies and ask if they will create an internship for you. Many startups rely on free labor (that is, people working for potential stock options) and may take you up on your offer. Startups offer the best opportunity to do a wide range of tasks and gain professional skills quickly.
3. Attend Meetup groups for startups and entrepreneurs. You will meet numerous people who need help launching their companies. Let them know about your skills and interests and how you can contribute to their businesses.
4. Do informational interviews with people who do the work you want to do. If you are prepared, ask thoughtful questions, and present yourself professionally, interviewers will remember you when internships become available or when they hear about relevant job openings.
5. Make sure you have a top-notch resume. A poorly written resume will impede your ability to get an internship, while a compelling one will propel you ahead of your competition. Your college career center will be able to offer you guidance on resume writing, but you may find that a professionally written or edited resume will help you get an internship much more quickly.
Not only will these strategies help you find a great internship but they will also help you find great jobs throughout your career.
2. Contact early-stage startup companies and ask if they will create an internship for you. Many startups rely on free labor (that is, people working for potential stock options) and may take you up on your offer. Startups offer the best opportunity to do a wide range of tasks and gain professional skills quickly.
3. Attend Meetup groups for startups and entrepreneurs. You will meet numerous people who need help launching their companies. Let them know about your skills and interests and how you can contribute to their businesses.
4. Do informational interviews with people who do the work you want to do. If you are prepared, ask thoughtful questions, and present yourself professionally, interviewers will remember you when internships become available or when they hear about relevant job openings.
5. Make sure you have a top-notch resume. A poorly written resume will impede your ability to get an internship, while a compelling one will propel you ahead of your competition. Your college career center will be able to offer you guidance on resume writing, but you may find that a professionally written or edited resume will help you get an internship much more quickly.
Not only will these strategies help you find a great internship but they will also help you find great jobs throughout your career.
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