Internships are a great way to gain experience in the field you're interested in, but it can be difficult to find an internship that is both rewarding and fulfilling. Internships also look fantastic on resumes and can lead directly into full-time employment opportunities with companies where interns performed well. But how do you start the search for the perfect internship? We have you covered with these six tips to find the perfect internship.
Know what type of internship you want
Whether you are interested in marketing, advertising, business management or anything else, there is an internship for you. There are many different types of internships to choose from and it's important to pick the one that best suits your career goals. Some internships are paid, some allow you to work from home, some are only 1 or 2 days per week. Find the type of internship that fits your schedule and begin the search. In the beginning, remain open to any and all opportunities. If a company really wants you as an intern, they will usually accommodate your school or work schedule.
Choose a company that is in the same industry as your desired internship
Finding a company in the same industry as your desired internship will help ensure that the skills and experiences gained at your internship can be applied to other companies in that industry. You could begin your search online at websites such as Indeed or SimplyHired (or other job boards) and see what the requirements are for each company that interests you. You may also want to apply directly to companies who have openings on their website or social media pages using the contact form provided on the page.
Research the company
Before applying for an internship, it is important to gain as much knowledge about the company as possible. This includes getting familiar with the company's product and services they offer, their mission and vision statements, and any news related to the company. One way to research a company is by checking out its website. If you can't find information about what the company does, then try finding news articles published by reputable sources. This will give you an idea of what the company is doing and if it aligns with your interests.
Apply for internships with companies in the same industry, making sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each application
It is not necessary to make multiple resumes when applying for internships in the same industry. You can use one resume, but you must tailor it to the specific jobs you are applying for. The best way to do this is to read each job description very carefully and highlight what they are looking for in an intern. Then, focus on that information in your resume and cover letter. Make sure to highlight the skills you have that are needed in each job description if they're not on your resume already. If there is any prior work experience, but it is not related to the internship you are applying for, do not include it in your application materials. You can also add relevant coursework or independent learning projects to this section if you feel like you need more information.
Network with people who work at the company of interest
Find the thought leaders and employees in your desired department and start following them on social media. Sharing articles and commenting on posts shows interest in their work. Also, you can share personal stories about how the things they post make you think of your own goals/experiences. You can also try reaching out to people who work there via email. Sending a 'cold outreach' email to someone at the company shows that you are interested in their internship and it's a good way for them to learn more about you as a candidate. Finally, if there is ever a chance to attend an event where workers from your future place of employment will be, going shows that you are interested in what they do and also gives you a chance to network with them one-on-one.
Connect through LinkedIn
It is more effective to use the "advanced search" option on LinkedIn than it is to use Google or other general websites. You should also make sure that your profile is up to date, complete with your previous work experiences. This allows hiring managers who are not connected to you on LinkedIn to see what you have achieved already. When writing a message, it needs to be specific to the internship you are applying for. You should mention where you found their contact information, and why your skills match the requirements of the internship. All of this shows that you have done some research on the company, ensuring that they will be more likely to respond positively. Most importantly, follow up with these contacts after first emailing them. Everyone is busy, so If they do not respond, send another email after a few weeks.
Add professional certificates to your resume
Finding the perfect internship is no easy task, but it is one of the best ways to gain experience and make connections in your industry of choice. If you want to find an internship that will give you more than just experience and a line on your resume, use our six tips for finding the right one for you! And if you really want to stand out in your search for the perfect internship, add some professional certificates to your resume. Thankfully, WorkforceReady offers free professional certificates to help jumpstart your search for the ideal internship. Sign up today!
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