The Search of the Century
Searching for an internship or planning ahead? Don’t lose hope just yet, as there are tons of opportunities out there. It’s never too late!
Planning ahead? You’d be surprised at the amount of time and effort a successful internship search can take. Just as it’s never too late, it’s also never too early!
List it out: Before starting your internship search, try to reflect on what you would like to gain from the internship. Ask yourself the following questions:
Which industry(s) appeal to me?
What kind of role am I looking for?
Do I want to work in a startup or a larger organization?
Where do I want to work?
Am I willing to intern away from home?
This will give you a starting point for your search. There also might be companies that you are extremely interested in working at. It is a good idea to keep track of these in a spreadsheet where you can note down the application deadlines and requirements.
Know the industry well: Some industries have accelerated timelines such as finance which begins as early as June 2019 for summer 2020 internships. Babson’s Handshake portal has suggested timelines for each industry under resources which is a good tool to use to understand when you should start applying. There are also interview guides available. Even if you do not have an interview lined up, you should start practicing ahead of time, so that when you do get an opportunity, you will feel confident and prepared.
Prepare application materials: Most applications will request a resume and cover letter, so make sure you refine your resume and your LinkedIn profile in advance. CCD hosts drop-in hours and 30 minute appointments with career advisers and Peer Career Ambassadors where you can get your resume reviewed. You can also go over your internship search strategy with an adviser who can help you navigate through the process.
Apply!: Handshake has several internships posted everyday and there are other platforms you can use to apply by doing a web search. Companies have career pages where they post internship programs. You should proofread your application to ensure that all correct details are being provided to the prospective employer.
Keep networking: You should also reach out to any alumni or connections you made through prior networking to see if the company is hiring. Even if they are not, it’s always good to gather more information about an industry by talking to alumni. You will also learn more about the interview process and be better prepared for it.