How To Get A Fab Internship
I get questions all the time asking about my internship last summer when I interned in a fashion showroom in NYC. Ranging from how I got the internship to how they can get internships. Once you enter college, I strongly believe that summer’s should be used to do something fun and beneficial. It’s 3 or 4 months without the stress of school work, so the worst thing you can do is sit around and watch TV. It’s time to be productive and get experience. It will help TREMENDOUSLY if you have some kind of experience on your resume when you’re looking for a job after college. Whether it’s an internship, summer job, or taking summer classes, there’s so many ways you can make the most of your time off.
This summer I completed my second internship at Moon and Lola. It was a fabulous experience and totally different than last summer (but in a good way!). Interning at a small company can allow you to be more hands on and learn more about the industry you’re interning in.
1. Start Early
With so many people looking for internships, it’s smart to think about it early and get ahead. Start emailing companies to ask about internship opportunities and their application process. The worst thing you want is to miss an application deadline, because you inquired about an internship too late! I would say that right near the new year is a good time to start looking. While it may seem far out, Spring semester always seems to fly by and it’s always better to be early than late! The early bird always gets the worm ;)
2. Apply to as many people as possible
It’s important not to put all your eggs in one basket. Things happen and sometimes internships fall through, so it’s a good idea to have a backup. Similar to applying to college, it’s competitive and you never know where you’ll get accepted, so apply to a bunch! It can’t hurt!
3. Go for it
Companies are weird about interns. Some look for students majoring in certain things, or coming from certain schools. Honestly you just never know what they are looking for in an intern. Some companies like to have a variety of interns who are good at an array of things! So even if the chances are slim, you honestly never know! I think it’s smart to have one (or a few) reach internships that you apply to.
4. Know what you want
Know what kind of companies you are interested in when looking for an internship. If you are completely unorganized, then your search will be all over the place. Knowing what you want can help you narrow down the list of companies you want to send applications to.
5. Ask questions
If you are unsure about what your tasks will be, the hours, their expectations; the best thing to do is to ASK. So many people are scared to ask questions when corresponding with the company, or even in an interview and this can come back to haunt you. It’s crucial that you know what you’re getting into before you accept a position.
6. Do your research
Before you even apply, and definitely before you interview, do extensive research about the company. Know their corporate culture and what they do! This helps you market yourself because you know what they are looking for and to top it off, you appear prepared! If they are a marketing company, make sure to emphasize your graphic design skills and people skills. You must be able to sell your skills to them !
7. Make connections
Connections can get you everywhere. As unfair as it seems sometimes, connections can get you a job, an interview, or even an internship. If someone comes to speak at your school who is in the industry you’re interested in, go up and talk to them after. Ask for their business card and email them and thank them for speaking. Connections like these can make all the difference when you’re looking for your internship.
8. Have a resume
I know you might feel too young to have a resume already, but when applying for internships the first thing employers are going to ask you for is a resume. As daunting as the task sounds, they really are not that hard to make! I’m in the process of updating mine now and Levo League’s resume builder is heaven sent. All you have to do is plug in your information and they format it for you! Literally amazing.
9. Branch out
Don’t limit yourself to only one kind of company. It’s important to have a variety of internships so you can see all aspects of the industry. Even if you are set on being a physical therapist and a chiropractor offers you a summer internship, I wouldn’t cross it off the list! Exposing yourself to all kinds of businesses will ultimately help you decide what you want to do. You may find something you’re passionate about!
10. Emphasize enthusiasm
Sound excited about this opportunity! You’re not going to be wanted there if you don’t want to be there! Tell the company how excited you are for this opportunity and how much you appreciate their time. Enthusiasm is crucial. A company would rather hire someone who is passionate and excited about the position than someone with a perfect GPA.
I hope this helps!
I hope this helps!
Written by Shannon of Prep Avenue
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