If you go to college, then you probably have the constant fear in the back of your head that you might not get a job once you graduate. For four years you'll be studying and learning, but what if you get out and have to work at the gas station down the road from your house? Luckily, in college you have to option to apply for internships, and it is heavily recommended that you do so, because these part-time jobs could be how you get your career started. However, as most college kids know, getting an internship is not the easiest thing.
1. Get your profile up and running.
Most companies want to see a real person. They get your application, resume, and cover letter, but in the 21st century, they know that a real person has social media. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are good ways to show someone who you are, your interests, and what makes you unique. Just make sure to keep your accounts appropriate, and you should be fine.
PS: Get a LinkedIn as well. That's where I found most of the internships I applied for.
PSS: Networking is SUPER important. Never burn bridges. You never know who could have an amazing job and could get you in.
2. Find that dream internship.
Maybe you're goal in your internship hunt is to work at the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Maybe you wanted to work at Google, or the New York Times. Whatever place you want to be at, look at their website. Check LinkedIn. Find exactly what you want, and begin to apply.
3. Write a beautiful cover letter.
Sometimes writing about yourself can be uncomfortable. How do I write an entire page that is supposed to explain who I am, why I want to work at your company and why I'm a good choice for this job? Well, you can put in your credentials on your own, but you also have the people around you. Your family or friends might be better at wording who you are than you are. Don't be afraid to ask for advice or help.
4. Make sure to check, double-check and triple-check requirements.
I can't tell you how many times I found an amazing internship, that I was ready to apply for, and right before I hit send, I see a quick sentence that tells me that I am not what they want. I am currently a sophomore, and many internships may ask for "juniors or seniors". Some ask for you to already have a year of experience, which the majority of us who are just getting started definitely don't have. Make sure you know what the job asks for, because you don't want to waste your time.
5. Apply.
Once you have everything ready, check it over one more time, and send it in. They might send you some email that says "Thank you for applying!" with some info about how they may or may not call you. But get excited, you've never been better at adult-ing until now!
6. Find more internships.
Some people believe you can just apply to one internship and wait. That is not the best idea. You are just one person out of a large group of people that want the same thing. Even if they respond to you, they could still not give you the job in the end. Chances are you won't get a job if you apply to one. You have to look for more.
7. Apply to every internship you could see yourself at.
There are so many places that offer internships to college kids. All you have to do is look for them. A big issue for college kids is whether or not the internship is paid or un-paid. Everyone understands that. Who doesn't love money? Also, getting to and from the job might cost you some money. But the first internship you get might be unpaid, and as annoying as it sounds, you might just have to deal with that. As said above, some internships want you to have prior experience, and sometimes you'll have to work somewhere tough to get where you want.
8. Put the computer away and wait.
You've done it. You've applied everywhere you can. Now all you can do is wait until hopefully someone from a company calls or emails you. Hopefully you've finished all your applications before October ends, because you don't want to be rushing to get them in before the last day.
9. Prepare yourself for rejection.
Not everyone is going to want to interview you. The majority won't respond. You have to be ready to bounce back. It all works out in the end.
10. Be professional.
If someone contacts you, you are very much allowed to get excited. This could be your chance. Show some enthusiasm. They're probably going to want to interview you to make sure you're right for the job. You have to be ready. If they don't like you in person, you won't get the internship. It is definitely time to prepare. Practice interview skills with friends, family, or your college career center. When the day comes, dress professionally. You want to impress them, and you want to have the confidence to know that you CAN impress them.
11. Nail the interview.
Walk out of that interview triumphantly. You came in prepared, and they loved you. You had good answers ready, and were very receptive to everything they said. Congratulations! You probably just scored yourself an internship. Go celebrate.
