Some majors require an internship, and some do not. However, us college students are always told that having an internship could really benefit you when finding an entry-level job when you graduate. As the new year begins, many college students are competing and applying for all of these internships and it's nervewracking.
Here are the stages of finding an internship, told by a college student:
1. Writing a perfect resume and cover letter.
It has to be perfect. You want it to look like everybody else's, but somehow it needs to stand out as well. You have to fit work experience, education, your skills, volunteering, leadership roles, and your relevant coursework all on one page? Good luck. Also, everyone has different views on what makes the best resume and cover letter. Which one does my dream job like the best?! The world may never know.
2. Applying for internships and temporary jobs.
You scroll through a million job websites trying to find titles that seem fitting in your area. Some of the qualifications are not fair and do not make sense. Other qualifications a monkey could do. It's all over the place on the web so be careful of what you choose. You send about 100 applications and send your resume to 100 employers, hoping to get one stinking internship.
3. You get an email of interest.
Oh, happy day! A company potentially wants to hire you! You get all excited for it, but then realize how nervous you are.
4. You get an email that you have been denied.
Well, better luck next time. You win some, you lose some. There's still hope (or at least that's what we tell ourselves).
5. You prepare for the interview.
You research their website and their company so that when it comes time for the interview, you are their biggest fan. You have to mentally prepare yourself for this interview.
6. You do a phone interview.
You are ready for them to ask you what your strengths and weaknesses are, and the basic questions. Then, they throw you a curveball. You answer to the best of your ability and regret your answer later, wondering if that just ruined your interview.
7. You want to meet this company and they want to meet you.
This is it. You got the real-deal interview. I guess they liked what you said in the phone interview when you just kind of word-vomited everywhere! OK, now you have to prepare for this interview, which will be even scarier.
8. You finally get an internship.You got the offer!
You got the offer! There is some miracle out there that they picked you out of at least 50 applicants and you are thrilled. You are the chosen one.
Do all of this on repeat while taking five to six classes, fulfilling extracurricular activities, and work, and you will find an internship right away (or not)!
