2008 Woodie Awards
Become an intern in just a few steps
Miranda Wycoff
Issue date: 11/17/05 Section: Features
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The goal for most college students is landing a job after graduation. A key aspect in getting that job is often an internship. However, landing that key internship is sometimes challenging, especially for college students who may not have any outside professional experience.
According to Sharon Jennings, a career development coordinator at the Office of Career Services, anyone can get an internship if they follow these five steps.
The first step in getting an internship is to articulate what you want.
"You have to figure out what kind of experience you want and let people know it, because the perfect internship is rarely going to fall in your lap," Jennings said.
Once you figure out what kind of internship you are looking for, tell your family, friends and teachers.
"Uncle Bill may not know of an opportunity, but if you say something to him, he might say something to his neighbor who knows of an opportunity at his company," Jennings said.
When it comes to internships, your personal network is still your best bet, even though it may take a while to get anywhere, Jennings said.
The next step is to search for the internship(s) that will meet your needs and/or wants.
"There are a variety of resources to use when searching for an internship opportunity," Jennings said.
Such sources include the Internet, newspapers, professional journals and the Central Career Network Web site.
"Our Web site posts a lot of internships and entry-level positions," Jennings said. "It's not like Monster and some of those other Web sites."
Another great resource for internship opportunities are teachers and professors.
"A lot of professors have past students that they have kept contact with that are now looking for interns," Jennings said. "If you let your teacher know that you are interested, you can easily get your foot in the door."
Once you have found an internship opportunity that suits your wants and needs, make sure you market your skills.
According to Sharon Jennings, a career development coordinator at the Office of Career Services, anyone can get an internship if they follow these five steps.
The first step in getting an internship is to articulate what you want.
"You have to figure out what kind of experience you want and let people know it, because the perfect internship is rarely going to fall in your lap," Jennings said.
Once you figure out what kind of internship you are looking for, tell your family, friends and teachers.
"Uncle Bill may not know of an opportunity, but if you say something to him, he might say something to his neighbor who knows of an opportunity at his company," Jennings said.
When it comes to internships, your personal network is still your best bet, even though it may take a while to get anywhere, Jennings said.
The next step is to search for the internship(s) that will meet your needs and/or wants.
"There are a variety of resources to use when searching for an internship opportunity," Jennings said.
Such sources include the Internet, newspapers, professional journals and the Central Career Network Web site.
"Our Web site posts a lot of internships and entry-level positions," Jennings said. "It's not like Monster and some of those other Web sites."
Another great resource for internship opportunities are teachers and professors.
"A lot of professors have past students that they have kept contact with that are now looking for interns," Jennings said. "If you let your teacher know that you are interested, you can easily get your foot in the door."
Once you have found an internship opportunity that suits your wants and needs, make sure you market your skills.