College is an exciting time! You are still a kid, so you can get away with not following all the rules. However, you have learned that the real world does not operate like college, so it is important to start preparing for it. Internships are one of the most productive ways to gain experience in your chosen field, and while you may not have the connections to get started, that is not an excuse. There are tons of resources online that can help you launch a successful career.
What Is an Internship?
Internships offer the chance to test-drive various careers, including those new to you. They allow you to gain valuable work experience in your chosen field, and employers often hire interns full-time after the internship.
College is the ideal time to discover your career path. But it is also the perfect time to build your résumé and land an internship. But getting an internship is easier said than done. Forty-eight percent of college students report that employers are more selective about hiring this year than last year. It is even harder to find internships if you have fewer or no connections that will help you find an internship. Fortunately, there are seven ways to find an internship when you are in college:
- Contact college career counselors. You need to know where to look and who to ask for help. To get started, speak with your college career counselor, and ask for a list of resources. If you are not sure who that is, ask for the aide in charge of your academic plan or the person who advised you on your first major. Also, visit your school’s website and look for the “careers” or “internships” section. Many colleges and universities have online job and internship opportunities databases, which you can use to search for internships in your field of study.
- Talk to professors. Visit your professors and talk to them about possible internships. Professors often have connections with companies looking for interns willing to put in some work. Talk to professors and other students and see what opportunities are out there for you.
- Network. Well, one great way is to network. And you are not alone in your search for an internship. There are thousands of other students out there looking for the same position, and they are not just going to find you. You have to go to them, and that means networking.
- Attend job fairs. Finding internships is tough, but it does not have to be. If you have your heart set on working in public relations, attending job fairs can help you find internships. These job fairs usually occur at colleges, professional organizations, and your local Chamber of Commerce. At these events, you can meet employers looking to hire interns.
- Volunteer. Volunteering is one of the best ways to find an internship while in college. Your college likely offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, from helping your campus community by serving on committees to tutoring students to working on-campus events. Volunteering is also a great resume builder; it will help you develop the skills employers seek. Plus, you are forming great relationships with people on your college campus.
- Search online. If you are a college student and you really want an internship, it can be not easy to secure one. Most employers will not just throw an internship at a junior or senior at random since it means they will have to train you. But you can increase your chances of getting an internship by searching for the right one.
- Use social media. You can spend hours and hours scouring the internet, flipping through job boards, and knocking on doors, but looking on social media is the best way to find a new internship. College is when you should be networking with professionals in your field, and by speaking with them and following them on social media, you can see what they like to do and see opportunities to connect.
Internships are a win-win. Employers get employees with real-world experience, while interns get an opportunity to explore a potential career. It is important to apply to internships that interest you and to be flexible about location. Having an internship on your resume can be a major plus. Many companies look for candidates with internships who have done well in school, whether with good grades, strong extracurriculars, or strong recommendations.