It may seem early to start looking for a summer internship, but now is actually the time when companies are posting and interviewing. Companies that hire interns every summer know what they are looking for and want to hire before someone else does.
1. Get on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a great source for connecting with potential employers. You can see and directly message the hiring manager who posted the job listing. Keep your profile public so potential employers can view your work history, education, projects, and any other professional achievements.
2. Tailor Your Resume to Every Application
It’s not enough to just make one resume to use for every job, employers want to know you care. Add an objective at the top that states you are applying for that specific job at that specific company and in the skills sections, list the skills that they are looking for (that you have), exactly how they worded them in the job description. If you need help with your resume, SIU’s Career Development Center is a great resource.
3. Create a Portfolio
Employers want to see your previous work so they know you can actually do what you say you can do. Save your projects, class work, and work examples from jobs as PDFs and attach them to your job applications. It’s also a good idea to print them out, along with copies of your resume, to bring to interviews with you. A digital portfolio is another good option, this can be linked on your LinkedIn account or sent to employers via email.
4. Don’t Set Your Heart on a Specific Internship
Apply for as many internships as you can. I applied for over 50 internships and roughly 5 of those turned into interviews and only 1 offered me a position. There are a lot of people out there just like you applying for the same internships that you are; don’t get discouraged when the first one (or 10) doesn’t work out. Keep applying!
5. Don’t Settle If You’re Not Happy with the Offer
If the first offer that comes along does not meet your needs, keep looking! Many internships these days are paid. Consider your financial ability to take on an unpaid internship before accepting an offer for one.
6. Apply as a Rising Sophomore or Junior
You can do internships any time during your college career. It doesn’t have to be the summer before your senior year. In fact, getting an internship earlier can help you in many ways, like helping you decide if you want to work in that field and giving you experience to help you get a more prestigious internship later. The company could also potentially offer you the chance to return as an intern next summer.
Bonus Tip: Look for Internships in the Location Where You Want to Live After College
Have a specific location in mind? Look for internships there so you can make connections before you move. Even if you don’t think you want to work at that company after graduation, you may meet someone that can connect you with another job.
Start looking for an internship now! A good place to start is Handshake. Companies are already looking for summer interns. Many internships turn into full-time jobs so take your time, weigh your options, and set yourself up for success.
Find more information about internships and how to get course credit here.
