10 Steps to get Internship with Reputable Organizations
Internships, whether paid or unpaid, offer great opportunities to students and recent graduates to acquire work experience in a real-world setting. The fact that they work with professionals with diverse career backgrounds afford them a valuable platform to be mentored by industry-leaders. In this article, a former Executive Intern with the Government of Saskatchewan, Canada shares his 10 secrets to landing internships with a reputable organization, even without prior work experience.
What are internships?
An internship is a short-term job that is typically taken by students in order to gain work experience in a particular field. Internships can be paid or unpaid, and they often involve working on behalf of the company rather than for personal gain. Internships can be full-time or part-time, and they typically last between two weeks and six months.
Benefits of internships
There are many benefits to interning, including the opportunity to learn new skills, make industry contacts, and explore potential career paths. Internships can also lead to full-time job offers, and they often provide a salary or stipend. International internships offer the additional benefit of cultural immersion and the opportunity to travel. Unlike scholarships where students are simply offered financial assistance, internships go beyond just monetary rewards to offer valuable life and work experience.
Interns are mostly students and fresh graduates
Who is an intern? An intern is typically a student or recent graduate who is in the process of exploring potential career paths. Interns are often placed in entry-level positions and given tasks that are designed to help them learn about the company and the industry. The term internship is also used in reference to the movie The Internship, which starred Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson as two middle-aged interns at Google.
#1. Research the organization and find out what they stand for
Students who are looking for top firms to intern with can research various organizations to find out what they stand for. By doing this, students can narrow down their choices and focus on applying to the organizations that best match their interests and goals. Additionally, many organizations post information about their internship programs on their websites, so students can learn more about the application process and what will be expected of them if they are accepted. Finally, some schools have career services offices that can help students connect with internship opportunities. Overall, taking the time to research internship opportunities is a worthwhile investment for any student who is hoping to gain experience in their desired field.
#2. Connect with people who work or have worked at the organization
professional networking for interns is essential. It allows you to learn more about the organization and make connections with people who work or have worked there. LinkedIn is a great way to connect with current employees and mentors from top firms. You can also meet other interns and learn about their experiences. professional networking for interns can be a great way to learn more about the organization and make connections with people who work or have worked there. LinkedIn is a great way to connect with current employees and mentors from top firms. You can also meet other interns and learn about their experiences. professional networking for interns can help you get a job after graduation. It can also help you learn more about the organization and make connections with people who work or have worked there. LinkedIn is a great way to connect with current employees and mentors from top firms. You can also meet other interns and learn about their experiences. professional networking for interns is essential for your success. Make sure to take advantage of it!
#3. Draft a resume that showcases your skills and experiences relevant to the organization
As a potential intern, you want to make sure that your resume stands out from the rest. Highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the organization you’re applying to. If you don’t have much work experience, consider using your internship as an opportunity to showcase your abilities. Tailor your resume to each individual organization, and be sure to proofread it thoroughly before submitting it. With a little effort, you can create a resume that will help you stand out from the competition and take one step closer to securing your dream internship.
#4. Create a cover letter that explains why you’re interested in working for the organization
A cover letter is an important part of any internship application as it gives you the opportunity to explain why you’re interested in the role and why you believe you would be a good fit. It’s also your chance to demonstrate your research and writing skills. When researching how to write an internship cover letter, look for cover letter examples online or ask someone in your network for a cover letter template. Be sure to tailor your cover letter to the specific organization and internship program, as this will show that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the opportunity. Remember to focus on why you want to intern with the firm and what skills and experience you can bring to the role. By taking the time to craft a well-written cover letter, you’ll increase your chances of landing an interview and eventually, the internship.
#5. Develop a strong network of professionals, educators, and peers
When seeking an internship, one of the best ways to stand out from the competition is to have a strong network of professionals, educators, and peers who can vouch for your skills and abilities. reference letters for internship from past employers or professors can go a long way in convincing a potential employer to take a chance on you. Similarly, having a letter of introduction from a well-connected individual in your field can also help you to get your foot in the door. Finally, being part of an internship peer group or being an international student intern can also give you a significant advantage. By taking the time to develop a strong network, you’ll increase your chances of landing the internship of your dreams.
#6. Get letters of recommendation from professors or employers
If you’re seeking an internship, it’s always a good idea to get letters of recommendation from professors or employers. reference letters for internship can attest your skills and abilities, and can be an important part of the application process. If you don’t have any letters of recommendation yet, consider talking to your professors or supervisors about writing a letter on your behalf. They may be happy to help out, and it can be a great opportunity to ask for feedback on your work. By getting letters of recommendation from past employers or professors, you’ll demonstrate that you’re a standout candidate who is deserving of an opportunity at the organization of your dreams.
Submitting your internship application materials early is always a good idea. By submitting them well in advance, you’ll have plenty of time to fix any mistakes and make sure that your application is as polished as possible. Additionally, submitting your materials early will show the organization that you’re serious about the opportunity and that you’re willing to put in the effort to secure the internship. Early applicants are regarded as serious interns that are more likely to receive an offer, so don’t hesitate to get your application documentation in as soon as possible.
#7. Prepare for an interview by studying the organization’s history and goals
The best way to prepare for an internship interview is to study the organization’s history and goals. By understanding the company’s backstory and what they’re hoping to achieve, you’ll be able to ask relevant questions and demonstrate that you’re passionate about the opportunity. You can find this information online, or by talking to people who work at the organization or other international students that have interned with them before. Additionally, try to think of questions that you can ask during the interview. This will show that you’ve put in the effort to learn about the company and are genuinely interested in the internship position. By preparing for an interview in this way, you’ll increase your chances of landing the internship.
#8. Dress to impress and be on time for your internship interview
When you go in for your internship interview, it’s important to dress to impress. This means wearing professional clothing and looking neat and polished. Additionally, be sure to arrive on time. Punctuality is a key trait that employers look for in interns, so arriving late will not make a good impression. By dressing well and being on time, you’ll show the interviewer that you’re serious about the opportunity and are willing to put in the effort to land the internship.
#9. Smart interns follow up with the interviewer after the first meeting
After your internship interview, be sure to follow up with the interviewer. This will show that you’re interested in the position and that you’re willing to go the extra mile to secure the internship. A simple email thanking the interviewer for their time and expressing your interest in the position is all it takes. By following up after the interview, you’ll increase your chances of being selected for the internship. Examples of how to follow up after an internship interview are via email, phone call, or LinkedIn message.
#10. Wait patiently for a response – don’t call or email incessantly!
With internship, patience is a virtue. Internship applications can take a while to process, so be sure to be patient and wait for a response. Don’t call or email the organization incessantly, as this will only annoy the staff members. Instead, patiently wait for a reply and trust that your application is being considered. By being patient and respectful, you’ll show the interviewer that you’re serious about the opportunity and are willing to wait for a response.
I’ll conclude by reminding potential interns that applying to an internship can be a daunting task. But if you take the time to research the organization and connect with people who know it well, your resume and cover letter will stand out from the crowd. And don’t forget to attend industry events and meet-ups – that’s where you’ll find the most current information on what’s happening in your field. Good luck!