Where to Start
The best place to start an internship search is on campus at the campus-recruiting center. Counselors and advisors generally know all of the ratings that have been published about employers by industry. Some university career centers sponsor career fairs focusing on summer internship programs to help prospective candidates find positions.
Career Interests
Before starting the process, a prospective intern should understand what interests them in a career after graduating. As an example, if the student is an English major and is interested in writing advertising copy, then focusing on an advertising agency or a consumer goods company with a large marketing department may be the best choice.
Goals from the Internship
There are many reasons for securing an internship position; including experiencing if the day-to-day activities meet up with the prospective intern's long-range career goals. Other reasons include gaining new skills, networking in the industry, as well as gaining valuable real-world work experience.
Best Companies for Internships
Company reputations vary widely within each industry. Top candidates for internship positions should consider applying to companies with the best reputation in the industry. If the prospective intern secures a position from Microsoft, working on a major project, then this would look more favorable to future employers than securing a position with a small company that may not be known outside of the city or state. For interns who want to experience working for a top internet seller, securing a position at Amazon provides an excellent reference for future employers.
Many business magazines publish annual lists of top companies with solid reputations who accept interns for programs. Finding the right company for an internship program is as important as finding the right career field. Some lists are organized by industry, while other lists are organized by ranking. Top 25 and top 50 lists are available to help prospective interns find the right companies.
Industries Represented in Best Internship Programs
While the companies may change from year to year, a wide variety of industries are routinely present in best internship programs. Industries include investment banking, accounting, technology, manufacturing, media and entertainment, pharmaceuticals, consulting, nonprofit and government agencies.
Issues to Consider
The best internship positions also draw the most competition and the most number of highly qualified candidates. Successful candidates prepare in advance by researching the company and the position prior to sending a cover letter and resume. Prospective interns should network and schedule informational interviews with people who either work for the target company or in the industry of the target company. Successful candidates are able to demonstrate an understanding of the position in the cover letter, resume and then through the interviewing process. Finding the best internship program is worth the effort.
