How Can I Find a Good Internship?

For many, the first step to a lucrative career is through an internship. Internships are invaluable learning experiences for college students getting started in a new career, and most of the time they are required for beginning employment with most companies. Company recruiters and managers in charge of hiring want to see people with some real-world experience in their particular field, and an internship will lend the candidate that necessary experience. With that being said, it is important to know how to find a great internship that will give you real-world experience and a way into your chosen career choice.

Determine Your Career Goals

The first step you need to take before undertaking any hunt for an internship is to determine exactly what your career goals are. Do you want to become a politician, an architect, an engineer, a doctor, a journalist, electrician, or marketing executive? Knowing what it is you want to do with your life is the first step in finding a great internship.



Determine What You Want from an Internship

An internship is not as simple as it might sound. There are several factors to take into account when searching for your internship. The first thing to consider is what you want from your internship. Do you want to gain necessary job skills, make new connections with people in the field, add work experience for your resume, or fill a full-time position with the company after you graduate?

Another point of consideration is the location of your internship. Of course, if you are still in school taking classes then you will want to secure an internship near the college. But if you are on break or off for the summer, an internship in a different state or country would be a very good experience.

Along with the two points of consideration listed above, there is also the one about money. Do you want to be paid for you internship? Many times this is not possible, because many companies do not pay their interns. So you must think about whether or not you can afford to work without pay.

Work on Your Interview Skills

Once you have determined your goals and have found a place you want to intern, there will be an application and interview process. Spend time working on your interviewing techniques and work on your resume. This will help you land the internship that is best for you instead of settling for anything that comes your way.

Network for Internships

For the most part, finding a great internship is based on your ability to track one down. Use various means and job boards to help you find the internship that is best for you. Your college should have information on upcoming opportunities, as should your professors. Go to job fairs and get the business cards of the recruiters there. Learn their names and stay in contact with them. Ask them if they know of any other places where an internship is available.