Five Ways to Nail an Internship

If you don’t have any plans for next summer but want to do something productive and perhaps earn some extra cash, consider an internship. An internship is a temporary job that companies and firms usually offer during the summer months to young people looking to get their feet wet in the business world. Working as an intern is a great way to learn about a specific line of work, gain invaluable experience, and expand your personal network. Here are five ways to nab your dream internship.

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1. Network

Networking is the single most important thing to do when searching for an internship. As many seasoned veterans of the workforce will tell you, “It’s all in who you know.” Many people land their dream internship or job because of a connection with a mutual friend, classmate, or family member. Even before you begin an internship search, reach out to your friends and family to see if they know a person who could open up a possibility for you.

2. Attend events hosted by Hillsdale College’s Career Services

Keep an eye out for Career Services events that offer networking opportunities or interviews with employers. Throughout the year, employers such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Fox News come to campus to conduct interviews. Even if you don’t land an interview initially, just showing up will demonstrate your eagerness to employers and may serve as a good reference later on. Make friends with as many alumni as possible through attending networking events with alumni in attendance and through joining the Hillsdale College Alumni group on LinkedIn.

3. Update your resume

Remember to include recent jobs, organizations you’ve joined, volunteer opportunities, and any other items your employer may be interested in. Try to customize your resume for the particular internship. For example, if you’re applying for a position as a lab assistant, including your on-campus job as a TA in the chemistry lab might boost your chances of getting hired. However, the TA line item may not help too much if you’re pursuing a desk job in a firm. If you need help shining up your resume (or reducing it to the desirable length of one page), don’t hesitate to stop by Career Services to schedule an appointment with one of the experts there.

4. Write a Cover Letter

Some internships may require cover letters. Cover letters allow you to introduce yourself to your potential employer and allow you to say exactly why you are such a great fit for the position being offered. Just like resumes, cover letters are normally one page long. If you need help crafting the perfect cover letter, swing by Career Services for an appointment.

5. Ace the interview

If your internship requires an interview, remember to dress the part and to show up on time. Often, employers judge you the second you enter the room. Appropriate attire and punctuality play a huge role in first impressions. If in doubt about the level of formality, err on the side of more formal dress. Career Services offers mock interviews for students who want to get some practice before the big day.