Article by: Ja’Nia Keith (BOS Intern)
It is almost expected that the summers you spend away from school, should be spent working. I had been job searching since I was in my dorm room. While home for Spring Break, my mom handed me a newspaper and I looked at her confused. She tells me there is a program called Summerworks and that I should check it out. Through them, I acquired my first internship and official mentor. I wanted to share my process because I know how hard Internships can be to find. Here are 5 ways to snag an internship in college:
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
1. Search Early for Opportunities
Start searching for internships while you're still in school. It might seem a little difficult to try to keep track of school while searching for opportunities but it's easier than you think. Ask a peer, professor, dean, maybe even a family member with similar interest if they have heard of any positions. This is how most people find internships, through connections. You can also discover them:
Online
Flyers
Direct Contact (sending emails, messaging on Linked In, calling companies)
Career Fairs
Visiting the Career Center at your school
2. Make a List of Opportunities
There might be a specific position that you really want but shop around. You can still find an internship that suits your interest. It is always good to have multiple opportunities to choose from, so make a list of all the ones you applied for.
3. Have all your Paperwork Prepared
Have your resume, cover letter, application forms, and paperwork provided by the company, finished. When they ask for these materials, you want to make sure they are completed to the best of your ability. Provide them on time so your employer can see you’re prepared.
4. Prepare & Do your Research
Make sure to have your ducks in a row. When being interviewed, you need to know the company you may be working for. Ask them questions to show that you are engaged. You want you and your employer to be on the same page.
5. Take a Position that Best Fits You
After applying for multiple internships, fingers crossed you were able to snag a couple of your interests. Now the hard part is choosing the one that fits you the best. That might be based on interest, location, connections, schedule, and more.
Remember, this is an opportunity for you. This will help you advance in your career and give you insight on how to go to the next level. Make sure to take advantage of this time away from school to prepare yourself for the career you desire. Work smarter not harder.
About the Author
Ja’Nia Keith is the Social Media Intern at The Back Office Studio. She’s currently a sophomore at Hampton University in Virginia. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Marketing. Let’s connect on LinkedIn: Ja'Nia Keith