Internships 101: How to Find, Apply, and Succeed in an Internship

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Welcome Back Lovelies

It’s internship season! Many deadlines passed last semester, but many opportunities are still open. Their deadlines are quickly approaching though Finding the perfect internship can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This is the time to begin looking for internships that can lead you to future job opportunities post grad.

This article will teach you how to find opportunities, perfect your resume, and prepare for interviews! Take a deep breath and find comfort that what is meant for you will never miss you.

"Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them."

Madam C.J. Walker

The journey to obtaining an internship can be daunting but it does not have to be with the right mindset and tools. In my opinion, social media has glamorized internships and inherently made them seem unobtainable, when this is not the case. With a little bit of time and a lot of effort, you can find the perfect opportunity for you. My journey to internships/jobs begins last summer. I was blessed to work two internships, but it did not come easy. I was met with a lot of nos before I got my first yes. Through the help of my university, I have gained valuable skills that continue to help me in my professional career. Trust in the process and you too will find the perfect opportunity.

1.) Step 1: Finding Internship Opportunities

Finding internship opportunities is only half of the battle. For the first half of my college experience, I struggled immensely with not only finding opportunities but finding the RIGHT opportunities for me. Through the help of my major's career center though, I begin to find opportunities that were just right for me. If your university offers any type of career assistance, I highly recommend that you inquire about opportunities through that service. If your university does not offer this service, I recommend looking for opportunities through LinkedIn and Handshake. I have found these two programs are the most helpful when researching.

• Create an action plan alone or with a career coach to find opportunities.

• DO YOUR RESEARCH, there are plenty of opportunities you just have to find them.

2.) Update Your Resume & Cover Letter

"If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready", keeping your resume and cover letter updated is key when applying for internships and jobs. I like to have my resume reviewed every so often from outside sources such as professors, mentors and advising coaches. This is important because there is always room for improvement when it comes to these documents. I also like to have template for my cover letters to refer to when I am writing them for applications. I know some college students struggle with creating their resumes due to lack of experience, but I have learned that you may have more experience than you realize. I have learned that providing skills that I have obtained from jobs can also be beneficial. Hiring mangers are looking for skills such as communication skills, leadership skills, and time management.

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3.) Prepare for Applications & Submissions

Make sure that you are giving yourself ample amount of time to complete your applications and submit them ON TIME. I struggle with this because I am a procrastinator especially if the deadline is a month away. I have learned though that it is so beneficial to complete everything ahead of time so it can be done. This mindset is also good to have if your application requires recommendation letters. You should give whoever is writing your letter of recommendation ample amount of time to write it. Completing your application before the deadline also allows you to get it reviewed by a professor, mentor or advising coach.

4.) Get Ready for Interviews

Interviews can often create a sense of panic for college students, but it shouldn't! With the proper preparation, interviews will begin to get easier the more you do them. If it is your first interview, I highly recommend that you do a mock interview with a friend or family member. This can help you tremendously and help you relax ahead of your interview. I also recommend researching the company and preparing follow up questions! Be yourself! The interviewer wants to get to know you and that is the only way you can! Take a deep breath and have faith that you got this!

5.) Follow Up & Stay Persistent

Though we live in the era that internships/jobs will ghost you instead of just rejecting you follow up with the employer and inquire about your status if applicable. Do not be discouraged if you cannot obtain a job or internship. That just means this wasn't the right opportunity for you. Stay persistent and you will find the right one.

In conclusion, what's meant for you will always find you. Do not be so quick to compare your journey to others. There isn't a right or wrong way to obtain an internship. You will get the opportunity that is made for you just keep applying and remember you miss 100% of the shots you don't make!

Thank you so much for reading.

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Until the next blog post!

Lindsay Mariah