January 3rd, 2022 | Career Tips | Forbes
Landing an internship in a desired industry is a major goal for many students, which is a big reason why it can be challenging to get a good one. Below are 12 tips from members of the Forbes Coaches Council on how to stand out and land the best internship for you. The original article can be found here.
1. Leverage Your Professors’ Networks
Internships can greatly improve your chances of landing a job after college graduation. Begin by leveraging the networks of your professors to connect with professionals in your industry. After receiving introductions to industry professionals from your professors, make a great first impression by sharing ideas of how you plan to add value to the company as an intern. - Kyle Elliott, MPA, CHES, CaffeinatedKyle.com
2. Look For Active Sponsors Or Mentors
Look for sponsors or mentors in the industry who actively undertake this role regularly. It may mean doing some cold calls, sending emails, reaching out to other interns you may know who have had success and leveraging the networks of parents, guardians or extended family to get an introduction. Know why you want to be there and how you will make an impact and create value during your internship there. - Arthi Rabikrisson, Prerna Advisory
3. Start Interviewing As Early As Possible
It is all about planning. Hiring students, undergraduates and graduates for internships happens far earlier than you think. It is never too early to begin preparing. First, start with informational interviews as early as possible. Use this to build relationships and understand the relevant timeline. When ready, you will have already taken one step toward finding the right alignment. - Pamela Schilling, Archer Career
4. Communicate And Network With An Open Mind
People want to help, so let them know how they can. Be specific about the desired experience. Ask parents and faculty who they might know and meet them for coffee. Be open to any size company. Small companies have more flexibility to hire, so they may give you more responsibilities and help you learn a lot more than you would in a traditional large-firm internship. - Erica McCurdy, McCurdy Solutions Group LLC
5. Make Yourself Known At Information Sessions
Shortlist the organizations you want to work for and attend their information sessions. Vigorously network at those sessions so that they learn something unique about you. To apply for the internship, make sure you have a CV that differentiates you from other candidates, such as an infographic CV or a link to a 90-second video of you. Lastly, always follow up with a note to thank the recruiter. - Kevin Kan, Break Out Consulting Asia
6. Get The Decision Makers’ Attention
Most people complete online applications and wait for a call. To stand out, you must get the decision makers’ attention. Think outside the box. Write an old-fashioned letter to introduce yourself, send your résumé in a FedEx envelope with a catchy letter or a Snickers bar. Pick up the phone and call. Human interactions are memorable and rare, so connect and follow up. - Christie Garcia, Mindful Choice, LLC.
7. Utilize The Occupational Outlook Handbook
Look up professional associations in the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and write letters requesting an internship. Ask your teachers, the student life and leadership directors and even the campus president for ideas on possible internships. Be prepared to submit a convincing cover letter, your résumé and references to secure an interview to become an intern. - Debra Ann Matthews M.A., Let Me Write It For You
8. Meet Industry Sponsors At Events
Participate in extracurricular activities, such as competitions or special projects, and capitalize on every opportunity to network with industry sponsors. These events are sponsored by major corporations in your desired field, and many of them host events where students can interact with the sponsors. See this as an opportunity to meet and form relationships with hiring managers in your field. - Cheryl Czach, Cheryl Czach Coaching and Consulting, LLC
9. Get Comfortable Reaching Out
Pick up the phone, send an email to introduce yourself and ask to hear others’ stories and what has worked for them. Relationships create opportunity. Leverage your parents’ networks, friends, family, co-workers and even teachers. So many people are willing to be a resource and offer their wisdom if you just ask. - Melanie Towey, Melanie Anne, LLC
10. Connect With Insiders Before Applying
Ask to be introduced to insiders before formally applying. Many students go directly to the application to try to win an internship. I applaud the boldness, but why not connect with an insider, have a conversation and become more familiar with them? Ask someone who knows an influencer to introduce you to that person. The influencer can kindly send a note, make a positive comment and help you get noticed. - John M. O’Connor, Career Pro Inc.
11. Update Your LinkedIn Profile And Use It
Students should make sure that their LinkedIn profile is updated to show their current experience and skill sets and tailored toward the industry they’re looking for an internship in. Next, they should proactively reach out to anybody in a hiring position at companies they would like to work for and share that they’re interested in an opportunity at their specific company or a similar one. - Anna-Vija McClain, Piccolo Marketing
12. Shape Your Own Internship Opportunities
Internships increase your skills and help you build invaluable networks. It is important for students to keep their minds open. There are infinite opportunities to shape internships with nonprofit organizations, churches and community partnerships. Write your own internship proposals and connect with leaders of organizations to pitch twofold benefits: for both yourself and the communities to be served. - Lillian Gregory, The HumEx Institute
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