Freshman year move-in day. Honestly, it seems like it was just yesterday your parents were dropping you off in this unfamiliar place with a case of ramen and a full bank account that will magically dwindle down to zero within the next month. There was so much on your mind, and it seemed like an eternity until you would see your parents again over the break.
Yet, here you are spring of your junior year. Where has the time gone? Graduation isn't that far off into the distance and the fact that your life in the real world is approaching has hit you, hard. So, in an effort to lock down that "real world job" you're going to have to get yourself a "real word" summer internship, because a future career of working at the ice cream shop simply isn't an option anymore.
Here is a list of the 14 stages of landing a summer internship.
1. Create The Perfect Resume
Remember when Elle Woods had her scented pink resume? Yeah, maybe leave that little personal touch out. Your resume needs to look clean-cut and professional since it's only the first thing a prospective employer has to associate with you.
2. Research, Research, Research
Spend some time getting to know the company. You should know their website, mission statement, and company history like the back of your hand.
3. Time For Some Soul Searching
Now's the time when you have to face the cold hard truth. Those summers spent relaxing by the beach and drooling over the hot life guards are in your rear view mirror.
4. Network
We've all heard the saying, "It's not what you know, it's who you know" and honestly, it couldn't be more true. It doesn't matter how flawless your resume is when there are dozens of other applicants with the same credentials. What's really going to give you the step up is knowing someone on the inside.This is the time when you're dad's golf buddies are really going to come in handy.
5. Apply
Try not to mention in your cover letter the fact that you have literally no experience and you're short on educational requirements.
6. Research Past Interns
Time to Facebook stalk. It's vital that you find out what kind of candidates they've hired in the past, so you know what kind of person you have to B.S. yourself into being.
7. Prepare For The Interview
It's time to get your girlfriends together to have a crash course in mock interviews. It's just like speed dating except this time your future career is on the line, not your plans for Friday night.
8. Highlight Your (Relevant) Strengths
Are you known among your friends for being the one who can eat a whole pizza after a night at the club? Yeah, maybe that's not the kind of strength they're looking for, but perseverance in any form is something to brag about!
9. Downplay Your Weaknesses
Try not to mention your inability to stick with things. Like the fact that this may be the 27th time this month you've swore "Today I'm actually starting my diet".
10. Ask Questions
The saying there's never a dumb question? Well there are. Make sure that you have some questions already written up for your interviewer because saying you have no questions is always the wrong answer.
11. Follow Up
Thank you notes matter. I know writing letters seem like a foreign concept, but trust me, an employer will be all the more impressed if you send them a hand written note.
12. Results Time
This is arguably the most excruciating part of the entire process. You're going to spends days, weeks, maybe even months constantly checking your email preparing yourself for the worst.
13. Victory
Sometimes you get everything you've dreamed of and more. Well, if everything you've ever dreamed of consists of being a corporate slave for the next three months.
14. Or....Defeat
Cue Adele. There's always next time.
