How to apply for internship opportunities
How can you apply for internship opportunities? If you’re just starting out in your professional life or looking to switch careers, internships can be a valuable experience. They offer the chance to gain work experience, enhance your resume, and get a firsthand look at what it’s like to work in a particular field or role. Additionally, internships are a great way to make connections as you begin your career.
Employers are often more interested in your skills and attitude than your professional experience when it comes to internship applicants. By searching in the right places, putting together a strong application, and preparing well for your interview, you can land an excellent internship that sets you on the path to success.
When applying for internships, it’s important to focus on your skills and attitude, since you may not have a lot of professional experience to draw from. To find internship opportunities, check with your school, search job boards, and attend career fairs. Once you’ve found a few opportunities that interest you, create a professional resume and cover letter, and be sure to prepare for your interview by practicing your answers to common questions.
When submitting your internship application, be sure to follow the submission guidelines exactly as stated in the listing. Some businesses may require you to submit your application through an online portal, while others may prefer that you send your documents via email. Additionally, most employers will require you to provide 2-3 references, so start collecting these names well in advance.
Finally, some internships may require you to provide a portfolio of your work. This can be a great way to showcase your skills and provide concrete evidence of your abilities. If you’re applying for an internship in a field that typically requires a portfolio, be sure to put together a collection of your best and most relevant work.
Follow the following steps when applying for internship opportunities.
- 1. Look for internship opportunities through your school, job boards, and career fairs.
- 2. Create a professional resume that highlights your background, experience, and references. Keep it concise and include a cover letter.
- 3. Write a very good cover letter
- 4. Consider volunteering for an internship if you’re having trouble finding paid opportunities.
- 5. Practice answering common interview questions ahead of time so you’re prepared and confident.
- 6. Ensure your social media accounts are private and do not contain questionable posts
- 7. Know and follow the internship application deadlines
- 8. Double check your application
- 9. After your interview, send a follow-up email to thank the recruiter for their time and express your continued interest in the position.
When to apply for Internships
Wondering when is the right time to apply for an internship? Well, it actually depends on a few factors such as the time of year you prefer, the type of internship you’re interested in, and the deadline set by the company.
If you’re eager to intern during the summer, keep in mind that it’s a highly competitive season with a larger pool of applicants. To increase your chances, it’s wise to research when companies in your industry typically hire their summer interns. Some prestigious companies offering investment banking internships, for instance, may start their recruitment process a year or even a year and a half in advance.
Another important aspect to consider is whether the internship has a rolling deadline or not. A rolling deadline means that the company reviews applications as they receive them and may fill the positions before the official deadline. If you come across an internship description mentioning a rolling deadline, make it a priority to apply as soon as possible for the best opportunity to secure the internship.
How to make your application stand out
- Want to make your internship application stand out? Show your eagerness to learn, and learn and learn! Manager are looking for those with growth potential, so in your application, highlight the skills you want to learn and the experience you want to gain. Let the managers and organizations know that you’re ready to take on new challenges.
2. Know your goals. What if you do not have much work experience to show? No problem! Knowing your professional brand is key to positioning yourself and your goals and aspirations. Practice giving a clear elevator pitch or presentation that summarizes who you are and your experiences. Make sure your professional messaging is clear, direct, and concise.
3. Network. Networking can be intimidating, but it’s a powerful tool for finding internships. Instead of asking for an internship outright, try taking a “design” approach and ask for informational interviews to learn more about what people do. You never know who might be the right connection for your next opportunity!
4. Connect with the recruiters. Want to stand out from the crowd of applicants? Try connecting with the recruiter, organization, agency, etc., after submitting your application. Look for those with recruiter titles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or the company website, connect with them, follow them or like their pages, and send them a friendly and concise message via LinkedIn or email.
Finally, getting an internship opportunity requires some serious organization, planning, work, and focus. You should start by knowing the right time to apply, then tailor your resume, your cover letter, and other application materials for each specific position of internship you are applying for. When you submit your application to an organization, demonstrate your enthusiasm to learn, grow, contribute to the goals of that organization, and effectively convey your professional identity. And if you really want to go above and beyond other applicants, try networking, connecting, and reaching out to industry professionals and company insiders to make connections. And do not forget, show you really like the organization and are interested in their success by connecting with them on social media.
