Getting an internship can be a difficult and stressful process. It definitely has been for me. So here are a few things you can do to help increase your chances of getting the job.
1. Networking
This is easily the most important skill to have when looking for a job. Sometimes, applying to companies just isn't enough. So ask your family, friends, and professors about potential opportunities. The larger you make your network, the better your odds are of finding someone that can give you an internship opportunity.
2. Have Your Resume Edited
Have your resume looked at by everyone. There might be something that you miss on your resume, or there may be an error that you didn't notice. Keep in mind that your resume is the initial representation of you. So make the "first" impression count.
3. Pick Up A Side Project
Picking up a side project that relates to you major is always a good idea. It gives you the opportunity learn skills that you don't learn in school, as well as a way to find out what truly interests you. An additional benefit is that it gives you a chance to showcase your skills and creativeness in an interview.
4. Apply To The Right Companies
Its never a good idea to have all your eggs in one basket. So it's always good to apply to jobs that may be outside of your comfort zone. At the same time, you have to make sure you would be a good fit with the company culture, and what the job would entail. By applying to jobs that pertain to the skills shown in your resume, you can greatly increase your odds of getting a callback.
5. Get To Know Yourself
Get extremely comfortable with yourself. Before you even consider applying to jobs, make sure you know exactly what you are good at and what kind of person you are. A lot of companies get resumes from people that have the exact same skills as you. So find what makes you unique, and try to emphasize it in interviews.
6. Research The Company Before The Interview
Be sure you know what the company does, who their competitors are, etc. It helps to show you really care about the job.
7. Identify Which Of Your Skills Apply To The Position
This goes along with number five. Be sure you can emphasize the skills that pertain to the actual job in an interview. This will also help to show that you are a good fit for the company.
8. Join An Extracurricular
Joining an extracurricular helps to make you well-rounded. It can also show that you have good time management skills. Extracurriculars can shed some insight on who you are when listed on a resume.
9. Improve Your Written & Verbal Communication Skills
These are the most important skills to have when applying to a job. This is especially true for engineering jobs and internships. When you are selected for an interview, a company assumes that you have the necessary skills to be successful at their company. An interview is a company's way of seeing how you interact with others, as well as how good you are with communication. So make sure you have good communication skills, or are actively working on improving them.
10. Never Give Up
Believe me, getting an internship is a very long, stressful, and hard process. But no matter how many companies deny you, no matter how demoralized you feel, don't give up. There are so many different factors that decide why you don't get an internship. Don't let a few small failures set you behind.
Good luck to all my friends who are still searching for an internship. Hopefully you have learned something that can help increase your chances.
