5 Tips to Score Your First Internship
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Tips to Score Your First Internship

How to get an internship ( even as a freshman )

25
5 Tips to Score Your First Internship
Abbey Patterson

How can I get an internship–the lingering question within every college student's mind. I spent my first semester of college asking people that same question – my parents, family friends, and upper-classmen. One key theme that came out of all that advice was to make it a priority and to be persistent. After several months of networking, job shadowing, and attending career fairs, it became clear that most companies hire primarily incoming juniors and seniors in college for internships. Freshmen, do not be discouraged however. It is possible to get an internship – even as a freshman. You just need to work a lot harder at it – especially when it comes to convincing a potential employer that you are worth investing in now – even though you might not be available for full employment for another three years.

Below are some of the key strategies I used to secure my own internship (Yeah!) that may help you in your own search effort:

1. Network.

Use your contacts as a tool -– and I mean all your contacts – not to mention your contact's contacts. Use your contacts to "get an in" to individuals working at companies you are interested in. More information about reaching out is mentioned in my previous article, 3 Tips to Help You Find Your Best Career.

2. Target and Research.

Do your research on the companies you are targeting. Carefully study their website, press releases, and any other public documents. Try to understand their culture, mission, customers, and competitors. Research key leaders on sites like "LinkedIn" and make sure you carefully study the back on anybody you get to actually speak to in those companies (before you talk to them).

3. Watch for Postings.

Update your resume and carefully watch the job posting coming out of the companies you are targeting. Apply for jobs quickly as they come up. I have learned many companies close postings very quickly. At the same time, continue your efforts to make contacts with people inside those companies.

Haven't created a resume yet? Click here for help.

4. Be deliberate.

My parents always say "be gum on a shoe" when you are going after something - but in a careful way. Stay engaged, stay persistent - but be careful not to cross the fine line into bothersome or annoying (this is an art and not a science). Keep your contacts updated on your employment journey with their company. One contact can go a long way. Sometimes life gets crazy around the office and people forget to connect; always follow up with an email.

5. Say thank you and take every chance to follow up.

A simple thank you goes a long way. Many individuals have taken time out of their busy schedules to discuss your career planning journey, interview and guide through the process.

Happy hunting!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43009
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27001
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952018
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

141667
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments