Janice Lozano
Internships are a great way for students to gain valuable experience, develop skills, and explore their interests. They can also help students make more informed decisions about their majors and future careers. While the process of finding an internship can be challenging, there are several strategies that students can use to increase their chances of success. This includes reflecting on their interests and goals, leveraging personal and academic connections, and making use of online resources and platforms dedicated to internship searches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to start looking | As early as September or October of their junior or senior year |
| Where to look | Online job search sites, local businesses, career centres, academic connections, internship platforms, personal contacts, local resources, social media |
| What to look for | Paid vs. unpaid, summer vs. year-round, visa-friendly, international, remote, federal government internships |
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What You'll Learn
- Utilise online job search sites and general search engines
- Leverage your network, including friends, family, teachers, and coaches
- Explore internship opportunities within your local community
- Reach out to companies directly and inquire about internship programs
- Utilise online platforms and resources, such as LinkedIn and Google Jobs
Utilise online job search sites and general search engines
Online job search sites and general search engines are a great way to find students for internships. There are many websites that can be used for this purpose, and they offer a variety of features to help you find the right interns.
Indeed.com, for example, is a user-friendly site that only requires you to fill in "what" and "where" to find internships. It also allows users to upload their resumes, making it convenient for employers to reach out to suitable candidates.
Another useful site is Internmatch.com, which sends daily notifications for new internship postings. The site referred Amanda Fox, a junior at the University of Connecticut, to an internship at Enterprise Rent-a-Car, which she was able to secure.
LinkedIn is also a valuable resource, especially for college students. It provides exclusive opportunities, internships, and entry-level positions for students at companies that actively recruit early-career talent. It is a great way to discover hidden opportunities through your network and see which of your contacts works at a particular company or knows people there.
Additionally, your school's job listing site and alumni network can be a great first step for students. Alumni often post internship listings, and this can give students a competitive edge over other interns vying for the same position.
Other sites worth considering include Glassdoor, which provides company reviews, salary insights, and intern reviews; USAJobs.gov, the official portal for federal internships; and Handshake, which has thousands of employers posting jobs and internships.
General search engines, such as Google, can also be utilised effectively. For instance, a student searching for "paid marketing internship New York City" on Google found hits for several sites, including FindSpark, which offers creative internships and entry-level jobs in NYC.
By utilising these online job search sites and general search engines, you can effectively find students for internships and ensure a good match between the interns and your company.
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Leverage your network, including friends, family, teachers, and coaches
When looking to find interns, it is essential to leverage your network, including friends, family, teachers, and coaches. Here are some ways to do that:
Friends and Family
Friends and family members can be a great resource when searching for interns. They can provide referrals and help spread the word about your internship opportunity. Ask them to keep an eye out for potential candidates and share your job postings on their social media networks. They might also have connections to local colleges, universities, or high schools, which can be a great source of interns. Additionally, if they have recently graduated or are currently employed, they may have valuable insights into the internship market and can give you an inside scoop on in-demand internships.
Teachers and Coaches
Reaching out to teachers and coaches can also be beneficial. They often have connections to students who are seeking internships or looking for career guidance. Teachers and coaches work closely with students and can identify those with the skills and qualifications you are seeking. They can recommend potential interns or even facilitate direct introductions. Additionally, they can provide valuable insights into the skill sets and strengths of potential candidates, helping you make more informed decisions about your intern selections.
Online Platforms and Social Media
Utilize online platforms and social media networks to your advantage. Post internship opportunities on your company's social media accounts and careers page to increase visibility and attract a wider audience of potential interns. Encourage your employees to share these postings on their personal accounts as well. Additionally, consider creating or updating your company's LinkedIn page, which can be a great platform for connecting with potential interns and showcase your company as an attractive place for interns to gain valuable experience.
Community Engagement
Engage with your local community to find interns. Attend career fairs and networking events, especially those held at colleges or universities. These events provide opportunities to meet potential interns face-to-face and understand their interests and skill sets. You can also connect with local businesses, nonprofits, or community organizations that may have internship programs or know of potential candidates. Building relationships within your community can expand your network and increase your chances of finding qualified interns.
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Explore internship opportunities within your local community
Exploring internship opportunities within your local community is a great way to gain valuable experience and build your professional network. Here are some tips to find internship opportunities in your area:
Identify your interests and skills
Start by making a list of your interests, talents, and passions, both within and outside your academic field. For instance, you might be interested in video games, street art, robotics, or business. Think about the type of work that sounds exciting to you and the skills you want to develop. This will help you narrow down the types of internships that align with your interests and goals.
Look for local businesses or organizations
Consider the businesses, organizations, or entrepreneurs in your local community that might offer relevant internship opportunities. For example, if you're interested in business, you could reach out to local companies or startups to inquire about potential internships. They may have openings for interns seeking hands-on experience in areas like marketing, finance, or operations.
Tap into your network
Don't underestimate the power of your personal network! Talk to your family, friends, teachers, coaches, and peers about your internship search. They might have connections or know of opportunities that would be a great fit for you. Utilize your social media networks as well by reaching out to local businesses or organizations directly and expressing your interest in potential internships.
Check with your school or university
If you're a student, your school or university is an excellent resource for finding internships. Many educational institutions have career centers that provide valuable resources, such as career assessments, resume workshops, and interview preparation. These career centers often have relationships with local companies and may have internship listings or databases that you can access.
Search online
Utilize online job search sites or internship-specific platforms to find opportunities in your local community. You can also use search engines to look for internships by including your location in the search query, such as "internships for high school students near me."
Remember, exploring internship opportunities within your local community is a great way to gain valuable experience and make meaningful connections. By following these tips and staying proactive in your search, you'll be well on your way to finding a rewarding internship that aligns with your interests and career goals.
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Reach out to companies directly and inquire about internship programs
When reaching out to companies directly, it's important to first do your research. Identify companies that align with your career goals and start by exploring their websites. Look for internship coordinators or specific contacts within the organization. Use online tools like LinkedIn and your school's alumni network to find connections. Consider reaching out to professors, mentors, peers, relatives, and family friends who may offer insights or referrals.
Once you've identified your target companies and contacts, it's time to craft a professional email or letter. Begin with an appropriate salutation, using "Dear Mr./Ms./etc. [Last Name]" or "Dear [First Name] [Last Name]." If the company culture is casual, you can use "Dear [First Name]." Include a clear and concise subject line, such as " [Your Name], Possible Internship."
In the body of your email, introduce yourself and showcase your knowledge of the company. Mention specific aspects of their work or mission that align with your interests and goals. Briefly touch on relevant experiences, skills, and academic achievements that make you a strong candidate. Indicate your availability and whether you're seeking class credit. Ask about the internship process and express your eagerness to apply.
Keep your message concise and direct, maintaining a professional tone. Proofread your email to ensure it is free of slang and profanity. Include your up-to-date contact information in the email signature, and consider providing a phone number and email address within the closing paragraph as well.
If you don't hear back, follow up when you promised you would in your initial email. Even if you don't secure the internship, send a polite email thanking them for their consideration and reiterating your interest.
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Utilise online platforms and resources, such as LinkedIn and Google Jobs
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for finding interns and advertising internship opportunities. It is a platform that allows for professional networking and job searching. It is beneficial for building connections, following companies, and finding internships. LinkedIn also allows users to view which of their contacts work at a particular company or know people who do, making it easier to get referrals and recommendations.
To search for internship listings on LinkedIn, go to the "Jobs" tab at the top of the page and type "internship" into the search box. You can then refine your search by filling in the boxes on the left side of the page. It is also beneficial to build a fleshed-out profile on LinkedIn and reach out to your connections, especially professional contacts. Ask previous employers to write recommendations and include any volunteer work you have done.
College students can access LinkedIn exclusively through their registered college email. This gives them access to exclusive opportunities, internships, part-time jobs, and entry-level positions at companies that actively recruit early-career talent. Many postings are exclusive to specific school networks, reducing competition and increasing the chances of finding a match.
Google Jobs is another useful resource for finding interns. Simply searching "internships" on Google can yield many results and internship listings. Google allows for searching by specific job titles, such as "marketing internship", and locations, such as "New York City", to find relevant opportunities.
In addition to LinkedIn and Google Jobs, other online platforms and job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, Extern, Handshake, and TrueUp, can be utilised to find interns. These sites often collaborate with companies to offer internship opportunities and provide valuable information such as salaries, company reviews, and job interview descriptions.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many websites that offer internship opportunities, such as InternshipFinder, Extern, USAJobs, SimplyHired.com, Google Jobs, Absolute Internship, and WayUp. You can also search for internships on job search sites or general search engines.
You can inquire about internships at local businesses and organizations in your areas of interest. You can also ask your high school counselor, teachers, coaches, club advisors, family, and friends if they know of any internships or if their place of employment hires interns.
Make a list of your interests, talents, and passions, and then look for internship opportunities that match those criteria. You can also follow companies you're interested in on social media and explore hashtags like #internship, #remoteinternship, or #hiring to find hidden gems.
Some websites, like Extern, allow you to filter internship searches by location, experience level, and issue area. You can also find out which types of internships frequently include benefits like room and board or travel reimbursement by reading internship descriptions and guides, such as those offered by InternshipFinder.
