Preparation and Planning
Candidates for internship positions need to set aside enough time to plan and study prospective positions. If a college student wants to use the summer break for an internship, planning should begin three to six months in advance to learn about the industry, potential positions, and companies with a solid record of providing valuable internship positions.
Targeting the Industry
Most intern candidates focus on industries within their major field of study. For example, a civil engineering student will probably have success finding an internship position with an engineering firm that designs and builds construction projects. Other internship positions may not be as traditional. An art history major may want to work with a museum or a conservation agency. Non-profit agencies looking for specific skills may also provide internships. These positions may be unpaid, depending on the organization. However, some interns take unpaid internships to gain experience and to build skills that would be valuable in the future.
Networking
If an employer has the choice between hiring a candidate they do not know and one who is known by others in the company, most of the time the hiring manager will select the candidate who is known. Networking is an excellent way for an intern candidate to learn about the industry and specifics about the company.
Alumni
Most universities have alumni associations with a list of contacts in a variety of companies and industries. An excellent avenue to learn about companies and industries is for the prospective intern to set up an informational interview with former students to learn about the industry. If the alumnus is an employee of the target company and the candidate has developed strong rapport, they may feel comfortable in giving a tour as well as introduce the prospective candidate to others within the company.
Professional Societies
Most professional societies allow students to join at special student rates. Professional societies in major cities routinely have networking meetings on a monthly basis. By joining a professional society, the intern candidate will be able to network with other professionals who currently work in the field, as well as show prospective employers that they are serious about their professional development. Some professional societies hold programs for college students to meet professionals in the field and conduct mock interviews, as well as create a forum for questions to be asked about the industry.
Use Planning as a Defining Factor
Internship candidates should stress the amount of work they have done in preparing for the interview and the residency program. By outlining the professional associations, informational interviews, and meetings with others in the field, the intern demonstrates a commitment to the position and shows that hiring them will not be a risk for the employer.
By taking time to plan and prepare using networking and professional societies, prospective interns have an additional opportunity to promote themselves as serious candidates as well as to establish themselves above the crowd of letters and resumes.
