How
How to be an intern?
Every successful Internship begins with a well thought out and executed plan. First and foremost, in order to achieve an Internship an individual must have a good indication of the direction they want to pursue and what they are hoping to obtain from the Internship. Almost any area of employment offers the opportunity to Intern including areas involving the marketing field, business, Law, Engineering, Finance, Fashion and Design, Medical and even international intern jobs such as teaching. Once the area of interest is established it is then time to begin searching for Internship jobs that can offer access to experience in the chosen field.
Finding Internships
Locating available internships can be done in a variety of ways including attending Career or Job Fairs, performing searches Online to uncover Internship listings, networking with individuals both in the area of interest and in social circles and through Centers such as Student Centers located within High Schools, Universities and Colleges. Other avenues that can be explored, particularly for those seeking Internships related to return to work or career changes, might include Online databases for Federal Internships, blogs dedicated to Internships in various fields, Placement Centers, Employment Support Centers and even through local Libraries that offer access to materials related to Internships and employment.
Preparing for Internships
The preparation of a Resume for Application submission can sometimes be a lengthy process and competition for an Intern position can be fierce but time spent developing a Resume that sets the standard is paramount. Demonstration of personality, maturity, educational pursuits and any employment related ability are all necessary to develop an impressive Resume. The cover letter should be neatly typed and include a brief overview that clearly conveys the individual’s interest in the business or organization as well as providing the reasons why the applicant would be a suitable candidate for the position. While preparing the Resume it is an excellent time to also gather and note any Employers or Personal references that may be available for inclusion. Almost every Internship opportunity carries with it a deadline, the latest date by which Applications will be accepted. It is important to ensure that this deadline is adhered to as late arrival of a Resume can undermine everything the candidate has worked so hard to accomplish.
The Interview
Once the reviewing of candidate applications has been completed by the organization, successful candidates are notified and offered the opportunity of an ‘in person’ Interview. When preparing for this important step there are a number of things a candidate can do to further impress the reviewer of their suitability for the position.
The Interviewer wants to hear about the candidate’s accomplishments, their drive and their ability to make a valuable contribution to the company. Some of the best ways to do this is to display enthusiasm both for the company and for what the individual has to offer. Often times this is an excellent reason to seek out before hand, new opportunities or projects, approach a mentor and establish relationships with them or with supervisors or other key contacts, particularly if related to the field of interest or related skill sets. Establishing the fact that the individual is a demonstrated team player and is eager to learn are other key areas that should be highlighted during the interview.
Some of the best laid plans can quickly fall to ruin during the interview process though, especially if the candidate arrives late for the interview, forgets to turn their cell phone off or takes and makes calls, appears in clothing that is unkempt or does not project a professional image. A “know it all” or someone who is fearful of asking questions or is unable to engage the interviewer can quickly undo any potential the candidate might otherwise have shown.
It is always a good idea to take time to practice responses to possible questions that may be asked in advance of the actual interview. An online search can uncover a wealth of possible questions that might be asked during an interview. This preparation can make all the difference, ultimately leading the individual who stands out in the crowd to become the successful intern of choice.