5 Tips to Secure a College Internship in 2011

5 Tips to Secure a College Internship in 2011

1. Be Flexible with Internship Dates Most college students are looking for a traditional summer internship program where they can work full-time while school is out. If you want to increase your chances of landing an internship, try to be more flexible. Some companies have internship programs that run during the school year, where you might work 1 or 2 days per week. If you are able to fit part-time work in your school schedule, you should consider these types of opportunities as well.
   
2. Attend School Internship Fairs Your school has probably already created relationships with local companies that offer college internships to their students. Make sure you attend all of the job and interview fairs provided by your school, even if you aren’t ready to start an internship in the near future. The goal is to hand out your resume to potential employers, receive feedback, increase contacts and give you additional interview experience. If you need help with your resume, seek advice from your school’s career center, a professor, or check out our section on Entry Level Resumes & Cover Letters.
   
3. Always Dress Professionally We know that money is tight for most college students, so you need to make each impression count. The first visual impression you make should be positive and is often manifested in being well groomed and appropriately dressed for the profession you are seeking. We suggest you invest in at least one professional suit for job fairs and interviews, and some business casual attire for networking events, business club meetings and for when you land that internship! With fewer interview opportunities available and competition steep these days, every factor counts so you want to ensure that the company interviewing you is not distracted by your appearance.
   
4. Improve Your Odds While you may be excited about a particular internship program, be realistic about the number of spots available and the level of competition you may face. If you are going for a national internship program that accepts 12 students across the country, improve your odds of landing an internship by applying to other programs. It’s never a bad thing to have more than one internship offer to choose from!
   
It doesn’t hurt to ask your personal network (family, friends, professors, school administrators) if they are aware of any college internship opportunities. Some small or local companies may accept interns without having a formal program, just to help with their workload. A personal reference from a relative or professor may be able to get you in the door. You need to work as many angles as possible to find a college internship opportunity that is not only available, but that you can gain valuable experience from.
5. Search Online There are plenty of job sites on the internet that post college internship opportunities. You can also check your school’s website and the websites of your favorite companies. Just remember to treat each internship submission with care. You’ll want to research the company and submit a well-crafted cover letter and resume with each internship submission.