How to Find the Right Internship — and Make It Work for You

You need experience to get a good job, but you need a job to get good experience. What’s a college student to do?

This is the dilemma of undergrads everywhere. Fortunately, there's a solution: Internships.

According to a recent survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 95 percent of employers want to hire people with experience. This includes new college grads.

Since college students most likely do not have much in the way of real-world experience to offer an employer, an internship might be the best way to obtain that experience. So, think carefully before you take that summer position waiting tables, and consider an internship in the field you want to enter instead. (Especially one that pays a stipend!)

Once you've landed an internship, focus on getting it right. Success here can mean a reference, recommendation letter, or even a permanent job.

Getting the Internship

There are a great many things you can procrastinate on (and makeup for by pulling an all-nighter), but this should not be one of them. It's wise to consider internships early on in your college career. The more work experience you have, the better.

Research

Start by researching companies in your chosen field to get connected and find the best fit. Not all internships are equal, and you want one that will give you valuable experience. Also, if you land an interview with one of your preferred companies, this research will help you be better prepared to answer their questions.

Understand that “research” means more than looking over the website. Take time to see if the company has been in the news, their company history, how their culture works, etc.

If possible, use the product, and prove you’ve used it with anecdotes and online activity (have you “liked” it on Facebook or used it to improve your life?).

Be sure to select a field or department that aligns with your career goals. Of course, a marketing major won't want to apply for an accounting internship, but other considerations aren't so obvious. For example, future marketers can learn a lot from a product management internship, and vice versa.

Job Fairs

It's a good idea to go to college job fairs as well. This is your chance to speak with a company that might otherwise not even see your resume.

Treat each introduction like an interview by looking and speaking the part, and research the organizations you plan to approach. Once you score an interview, start preparing. Develop a short “speech” about who you are and your goals for the internship — something you can rattle off (with sincerity) on the spot.

Interview Time

For the interview itself, here are some things to consider:

• Get a good night’s sleep
• Dress well
• Have a plan for how to get to the interview and arrive 15 minutes early
• Bring extra resumes, business cards and your portfolio
• Smile :)
• Give hearty handshakes
• Remember names with these tips and memory games
• Ask thoughtful questions about the internship, the company, and the industry
• Write a thank-you note to the person who interviewed you, as well as anyone who helped you with the interview process

If you get more than one internship offer, take the one that will be most beneficial to your long-term goals. Of course, if you can handle more than one at a time, go for it! Once you have an offer, if you have not already done so, be sure to ask about stipends or other compensation.

Making Your Internship Count

A successful internship can be the beginning of a successful career. Take it seriously.

Your supervisor is going to play a big part in your experience, so work to build a good relationship there. Some supervisors are very involved and helpful, while others are more hands-off.

Meet regularly, even if you have to initiate the meeting. Don't be afraid to ask questions and share experiences, but also remember to listen, and keep in mind that supervisors are busy with work of their own.

Make sure you get in front of the organization's decision-makers at some point, and be ready to make a good impression. This is exposure for you, and you never know who might remember you down the road.

Don't be afraid of a challenge, either, and ask for a difficult project. It'll show that you're willing to go the extra mile.

A couple examples of going above and beyond could be researching stats for a new project to help someone out or seeking information about a different department in your spare time. And, it might sound scary, but ask to present something.

Keep in mind that no one expects you to be an expert in the field. The idea is to build confidence and show that you have an understanding of the work.

Tips for presenting include ensuring solid content, practicing in front of friends, and asking for advice from others in the office.

After It's Over

When the internship is over, the networking truly begins. You'll have to work to stay connected with people you met during the internship on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. It's also a good idea to try meet with them occasionally for lunch.

Ensure an Exit Interview

Be sure you get an exit interview. While the organization might want this for their own information, interns can use the opportunity to create a lasting impression. During the exit conversation, offer summaries of what you've accomplished and how they match with the goals you had in the beginning of the internship. Also, be honest. Most companies will appreciate learning of ways they can improve their internship program and make future intern experiences better.

Secure a Recommendation Letter

Ask in advance for a recommendation. Ask the person who knows you and your work and will write a quality letter that makes you proud.

When you present the idea, phrase your request respectfully and without expectations. Allow them time to think before answering if needed.

If the person agrees to write the letter, provide any necessary specifics, like what job you're applying for and what related skills you think you've demonstrated during the internship.

Be prepared for them to ask that you type a letter yourself, and then allow them to review, make any edits and sign it. The goal is to make it as simple as possible for them to put their name on a solid recommendation.

Last, But Not Least

Once you're no longer in the office, send your supervisors and any other mentors thank-you notes with specifics about how they helped you.

Update your resume, LinkedIn and other professional profiles to reflect this new work experience. It could make all the difference when you're looking for a permanent position.

If you've taken your internship seriously, you can view it as one, long job interview. Companies that take on interns often have a need for employees, and would almost certainly consider someone they already know (and who knows them) over another recent grad.

This means you have a chance to be bold and ask for a job offer. Employers don't always assume that you want a job, and might not realize how much they could use you. Of course, before you ask for a job, be certain you want to work there and that you've built a reputation you can be proud of.

Internships have become the standard in basic work experience. It’s in your best interest to have at least one before graduation.

Giving it your all now could mean great things for your future — so take advantage of the opportunity!