In this day and age, internships are extremely crucial during your time in college and early in your career. I have seen far too many friends bypass internships and then experience frustration while searching for a job after graduation. One internship is great, but two internships are better!

While there's nothing wrong with accepting an internship in your college city or hometown, why not explore beyond the comfort zone? The sky's the limit! Apply for an internship with a big-wig company and don't think twice about it. Just because you go to a small campus doesn't mean you can't stand out against applicants from well-known, larger universities. Honestly, what's the worst that could happen by applying for your dream internship? The employer turn you down? Oh well, you never know until you try! Have a little more faith in yourself, you could be surprised.

I am no expert, nor am I trying to toot my own horn, but I did land the internship of a lifetime: my dream internship at CMT in Nashville. People continually ask me, "How did you get that?!" Well, friends, it's easier than you think – if you're proactive during your time in college.

I want to share a few tidbits to keep in mind while pursuing the perfect internship.

Do your research

This is where you want to start as soon as possible. Some internships you can find with a simple Google search, where others you must seek out directly from their websites. If you're still struggling to find internship information, a quick email to their point-of-contact will show you're serious about working for them. With research, you'll want to find out application deadlines and requirements, such as letters of recommendation or proof of school credit. You'll feel much better knowing time constraints instead of scrambling at the last minute. Even though it's summer, it's not too soon to start thinking about next summer. And as I've said before, this is no regular internship, this is your dream internship... so go big or go home!

Get involved!

I know, I know. This is the number one thing they preach at school, but the more involvement, the better chance you have of getting an interview. It's important to be active in clubs within your major, but it's also important to show you have interests outside your major. Being proactive in the community and taking on volunteer work or leadership roles on campus such as student government or campus tours, show that you can balance multiple organizations and hobbies alongside a thriving education.

Crafting a unique resumé

When it comes to resumés, this your 10-to-15-second-long shot to stand out. So you wouldn't want to stick to a typical black-and-white, Times New Roman, Microsoft Word template, right? Right! If your career allows for creativity, why shouldn't your resumé reflect that? If you're a whiz in Photoshop or InDesign, I recommend using those to break the norm. They even offer 30-day free trials if you want to play around and teach yourself the programs. I did and it has helped enormously! However, if you're not that confident, some Etsy shops have creative ideas for inspiration and some will even build it for you (for a price, of course).

And a standout cover letter

Cover letters. Just those two words alone can send shivers down a spine. The main points to keep in mind with a cover letter are to be polite (duh), genuine, and speak of your accomplishments. First and foremost, you'll want to address the letter to "Dear Mr./Ms. (Internship Coordinator)." If you can't find a contact name, a simple "Dear Sir or Madam" will work. At the end of the letter, it's important to thank the contact for reviewing your letter, times he or she can reach you, and a conclusion. The cover letter is your time to shine and elaborate on points from your resumé. Never, ever reiterate your resumé. Instead, pick a couple of points that apply most to the position and talk about the success you've gained personally or brought to your employers. In the meat of the letter, you want to talk about why you're best suited for the position, so speak from the heart.

Practice, practice, practice for interviews

You never want to just wing an interview. It's best to consider a few questions they may ask and prepare your response. I'm not saying write out a script to follow; please don't do that! But if they ask about your strengths, weaknesses or a time you took on a leadership role, have an idea of what you'll say. At least have these three questions prepared: "Tell me a little bit about yourself," "What interested you in our program/company?" and "Why should we choose you for the position?" A friend once told me that with each question, tell a little story within your answer. The interviewer is likely to remember you based on a personal story versus a vague response. It's always worked for me.

When that phone rings, relax!

If your dream internship is across the country or hours away, chances are your first interview will be a "phoner." While some will ambush you with an untimely call, usually the employer will send a courteous email notifying you of the time to expect. Remember to keep in mind time zones. If the company is based in New York, their interview at 10 a.m. will be 10 a.m. EST. With phone interviews, you can take the call in pajamas, and no one but you will know! However, I do not recommend lazy attire. Instead, treat it like a real interview. If you're dressed like it's an in-person, professional interview, your mind will be in a professional state too. So be prepared, take a deep breath, and give it your all. When it's over, you have the rest of the day to change back into those PJs and do whatever you want.

Worrying will be your downfall

After the phone call, it's easy to worry. "I should have said this" or "I shouldn't have talked about this." Chances are, you did your best and you are your worst critic. Don't fret! The worst that could happen is they say "no." You won't fail your classes, you won't be expelled from school, et cetera, et cetera. I'm a big believer in if it's meant to be, it'll be. If you don't get picked for the position, it's because it was not meant to be and another opportunity is out there! If you don't get the internship, at least you tried. That's a lot more than some can say! But... if it is meant to be... and you get that email or phone call saying, "We'd love to have you be our intern," congratulations! I bet you'll be glad you put yourself out there. See what a little faith, perseverance, and determination can get you?

So get to work. The sky's the limit! Happy dream internship hunting!