Get a head start on your career, apply for an internship!
Summer is just around the corner. As you eagerly bid goodbye to your classmates, teachers, heavy books, and dreadful tests, you’re ready for your summer itinerary - getting a tan and hitting the beach with friends. These are great activities, but they obviously don’t have any long-term effects especially on careers.
Why don’t you apply for a summer internship instead? Internships are valuable to both undergraduate and fresh grad students who already have an idea of what their chosen career is. A summer internship may be the best is one of the best things you can do to give your future professional prospects a real boost for your future. In fact, a lot of companies now use their own internship program as on of their primary recruiting tools. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, one out of three students from the graduating class of 2007 is now employed in the same company he / she used to work for as an intern.
Unfortunately, getting an internship is not a quick process. You'll have to start early with your applications, since the competition for internship slots is similar to that for job vacancies. Hundreds or even thousands of students nationwide compete for the same internship, which is why getting a head start on your application is crucial. This will surely prevent you from getting swamped by the overwhelming number of applications.
Here are some tips to help you land the summer stint that can open the door to your dream career:
Tip # 1 - Create a game plan
You need to assess yourself and identify your skills and strengths, and you have to find out what industry or company you’re interested in working for. An internship can actually help you define and refine your career goals. For instance, if you’re taking up marketing, you might be confused about whether to pursue advertising or public relations. Internship can help you decide which job best suits you.
You can ask help from your school counselor to help you in this process to draw up a definitive game plan for your summer internship.
Tip # 2 – Explore internship opportunities
Internship opportunities are numerous. They can be found anywhere: recommendations from your career counselor or professors, fellow students and alumni association. You can also browse through online internship directories in different internship websites or at your campus library.
Check out and examine these opportunities. Create a list of internship programs you want to apply for, and make sure that they match your interest, skills, and background. From the list, pick the top three internship possibilities. You then need to read and research on the internships' background to get to a better idea of the work description and the perks you’ll be receiving, if you get accepted to this program.
Tip # 3 – Application
Make a basic yet strong resume. And don't forget to include a well-written cover letter. If this is your first time in making a resume, try to don't hesitate to seek help from your career counselor or academic instructor. Also, ask your professors to write recommendation letters that can show companies your academic and professional skills.
Submit your resume, cover letter and accomplished application form to the internship programs that interest you. Remember to keep track of your applications. After the deadline passes, you need to follow up on your application. You might even be scheduled for an interview or get accepted right away!
Once you get accepted, remember to be professional - from the way you talk, act, and dress. If you show the company that you're serious about making the most of your internship, you can leave a lasting and positive impression on your employers. Once you graduate, you might even get a call from the company and get an offer to work for them full time!
So follow these tips, and make your summer worthwhile. Start building your future through summer internships!
