An internship, for many, is the gateway into a career. It is the first step of making something out of themselves and an opportunity to learn new skills as well as progressing on their own abilities.
This article will be guiding you in how to apply for an internship as well as exploring the ins and outs of what it truly takes.
Table of Contents
What Is An Internship?
An internship is a working position that is offered to those wanting to learn and progress.
Typically, you will find students following this route after graduating, as an alternative way of studying, or during their studies.
With an internship, it sets you up for your future and you will most likely participate in an internship related to your future career.
Finding An Internship For You
When applying for an internship you should know how to go about applying. Although internships are similar to a job, it is not the same thing, and with this in mind you may not know where to start when it comes to searching.
Below are a number of ways you can find an internship:
When searching for an internship, use this opportunity to take advantage of your social media. Start following the companies you want to apply for and learn about who they are. This will allow you to be comfortable with the company and prepare you for a possible internship.
Career Centers
Another way to find an internship is through career centers. Here, there are plenty of counselors who can work with you to have you find a suitable placement.
They will be able to provide you with resources and push you in the right direction to finding the perfect internship for you.
Networking
Try networking to lead you to a good internship. Attending open days, events, and talk to others. Show that you are willing to get out there and apply yourself and someone may just offer you a position as an intern.
Online Job Sites
The great thing about online job sites is how you are able to filter accordingly to what you want. Not only can you look for part time and full time jobs, but there are also categories for apprenticeships, volunteering and internships.
Applying For An Internship
Once you have found your list of potential internships, now is the time to start applying.
The application process is simple to do and only takes a few steps to do. However, you want to know that your application stands out as internships can be competitive.
Here are the steps you need to take when applying for an internship and ensure the job is yours:
Resume
It is key to update your resume. It can be easy to just send off your resume as it is but there is a high chance it needs an update.
It is important to fill your resume with the correct contact details, accurate accounts of your skills and abilities, and updated past experiences. Making sure this is polished before being sent can make a great difference.
Cover Letter
When applying for an internship, you will also be required to write out a cover letter.
A cover letter is there to help the hiring manager assess why you are the right person for the position and is the most vital part of the application process.
Within this cover letter, express why you are the right person for the internship, expressing what you already know as well as what you hope to gain from it.
Although this letter should be kept professional, it is okay to show some emotion in your writing. This shows that you are passionate and care about the position.
Deadlines
With all of the internships needed to be applied for and the amount of preparation, it is easy for something to slip through the cracks.
Make sure you know when the deadlines are to ensure you don’t miss out on an opportunity. Once you miss out, there is no turning back.
To help, write down the internships you wish to apply for along with their application deadlines.
Don’t Apply For Just One
Internships is a competitive field with thousands of people applying. Because of this, it is very important to not just limit yourself to one position. Apply for multiple internships.
By doing this you a raising your chances of being noticed by a hiring manager and being efficient with your search.
Double Check
The final step is to double check your application. It is important to do this before every application you send.
It is easy to make a mistake (incorrect information, spelling mistakes, etc.) so to avoid this you should read through your application thoroughly. Once that is done, you are then free to send it off.
Final Thoughts
Overall, applying for an internship is a simple task. What makes the process challenging, however, is the way you write and apply yourself. It is important in the application to highlight your skills and achievements.
You also want to take note on what you wish to improve on.
An internship is made to help people learn new skills centered around the career field of choice.
These skills prepare people for the future by giving them a head start in the industry. With that said, successfully being accepted into an internship can be hard, especially depending on the internship you are applying for.
There is plenty of healthy competition out there, some who have less qualifications, others with more. However, do not let this put you off; competition is normal and a healthy part of the application process.
You are able to find positions for internships everywhere such as through social media, on job sites and through career centers.
Once you have found your ideal internship, then start applying (remember to apply for multiple positions!).
Before sending your application off, ensure that your resume is up to date and edited according and, most importantly, make sure that your cover letter strongly represents who you are.
I stumbled upon this internship guide and was pleasantly surprised. It offers a clear and concise roadmap for anyone seeking an internship like me. These tips helped me feel confident and well-prepared as I ventured into the competitive internship landscape.
This covers every aspect of the application process, from crafting a standout application to acing the interview. I particularly appreciated the real-world examples and practical advice that made it easy to understand and implement.
Enough tips for me! It’s like having a personal mentor walk you through the entire process. This will help me streamline my application materials before any interviews at my dream internship company.