You’re about to graduate and you want to start applying to jobs. Much to your dismay, every position requires experience. Even the “entry-level” opportunities prefer candidates with expertise. Whether you are a student, or looking to change industries, an internship is key to building your dream career. As a supervisor on the other side of the process, here are some of my keys to landing and completing a successful internship.
The Application Process
-Proofread your resume. I cannot stress this enough! Some managers get hundreds (or even thousands) of resumes and cover letters, especially ahead of the summer semester. A blatant typo may immediately eliminate you from their large pile of candidates.
-Include only relevant skills. Do not include your high school extracurriculars unless the activity applies directly to the job. We want to know what you are doing now to achieve your goals. The courses you are taking may make you a more attractive candidate. The activities you choose to spend your time on show what you are working toward and they show your personal passions. Also, unless you are applying to work at a comedy club, you may not want to include standup comedy as a skill (true story).
-Follow all instructions and include all required materials in your application. Did they ask for a cover letter or writing samples? If these aren’t included, chances are your application will go directly into the recycling bin or email archives.
-Advocate for yourself. Do not allow your parents or others to constantly call and send messages on your behalf (another true story). This is borderline harassment. It is also a red flag for your potential supervisor. Will this be an ongoing occurrence if you are hired? You want to work for a company that hires based on an applicant’s qualifications, not because of who they know.
-Check your digital footprint. If you are being considered as a candidate, the hiring manager (and probably others in the office) will Google you. Pictures of keg stands do not always make the best first impression. You have a right to free speech, but cyber bullying and inappropriate/vulgar comments are usually frowned upon. A LinkedIn account with an appropriate profile picture goes a long way. A personal, professional website goes even further.
-Apply in advance. Sometimes it’s all about timing. Spots are often limited and the summer semester fills up particularly fast. Every organization is different, but usually the sooner you apply, the better. Personally, I like to hire my summer interns in March, fall interns in July and spring interns in November. If you are applying from out of state, spring break and Thanksgiving can be good windows of opportunity to schedule in-person interviews. When it comes to your future job search, the more experience the better. Start looking for internships during your freshman and sophomore years in college. You may not be able to complete your first internship for credit, but many organizations offer volunteer and job shadow opportunities.
The Interview
–Dress to impress. My parent’s have always told me to dress for the job I want, not necessarily the job I already have. As a college student, sweats are often the outfit of choice, but this is not what you should wear to an interview. You should also do your research on the company. Some offices are more casual than others, particularly in the creative fields. Appearance should not be a factor in the hiring process, but first impressions count for a lot. As an intern you have the potential to be interacting with leaders in the organization, community members, clients or board members. You want your potential supervisor to trust that you can represent the company in a professional manner.
-Do your research. Visit the company website and get to know the mission and vision statements (if available) before you walk into your interview. Social media accounts and sites like Indeed and Glassdoor can also give insight into the company culture. If you can, find out who you will be interviewing with. A shared professional or personal interest could be a conversation starter to help both of you feel more at ease.
-Ask questions. After you do your research, you should formulate a few questions to ask. This shows initiative and it gives you another chance to show you have a true interest in the position. The more specific the question, the better. For example, “how do you see this role fulfilling the mission of X,Y,Z…What would a typical day in this position look like? I saw this particular X,Y, Z on the company website, how could I get involved in X, Y, Z?” You can ask about ideal shift times, but this is not the time to ask for days or months off (yes, this has happened to me more than once).
-Send a thank you. In my opinion, this is essential after every interview. Not only is it a nice gesture, but it kindly reminds the hiring manager to follow up with you. Personally, I appreciate a hand-written note. An email will also suffice, please just be sure to double check for typos.
During Your Internship
-Ask (helpful) questions. The purpose of an internship is to learn, take advantage of this opportunity! If you are working for a supportive manager, they will happily share insight and advice. At times it will also be necessary to ask questions in order to properly complete an assignment. You will make mistakes (we all do), but it’s best to do every assignment you are given to the best of your ability. Please remember to also be mindful of your supervisor’s time. Running the internship program is most likely only a small part of their daily tasks.
-Volunteer. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to take on more responsibilities. If there is an upcoming event, be sure to volunteer. Ask if you can shadow multiple team members in the company during your internship. This will make you a more well-rounded job candidate in the future. Also, observe and listen to people who have been successful in your industry. Their insight and experiences will be valuable in your career for years to come.
-Attend meetings. When there is an opportunity, attend staff and department meetings. This will give you a glimpse into what your future career could look like on a daily basis. You can also discover what works (and what doesn’t work) when it comes to leading a team of people.
-Take notes. Be attentive and soak up all the information you can. Bring a notebook or tablet to your internship everyday. You may even refer back to these notes while applying to jobs in the future.
-Be respectful and professional. This should go without saying. The golden rule holds true in the working world as well. Treat others as you would like to be treated. If you are disrespectful and unprofessional, the company may choose to cut your opportunity short.
–Finish strong! Some internships require final presentations and/or evaluations. Complete these to the best of your ability and finish on a high note. Internships are for learning, but they are also for building your professional network. You will want to be able to put your supervisor down as a reference in the future. If you make a good impression, they may even write you a letter of recommendation (if you ask). Please show up to your last day. Don’t throw away all of your hard work at the end!
After Your Internship
-Stay in touch. Make sure you exchange contact information with your supervisor, but be mindful of personal preferences. Some supervisors will give you their cellphone number and Instagram handle, others will only connect with you on LinkedIn or via email. I have a rule against adding interns on social media while they are working for me, but I will often share my personal information on their last day. If you completed the semester with a group of fellow interns, you may want to all stay connected. You will appreciate having a group of peers you can call on for years to come.
-It’s ok to ask for a reference. If you made a strong connection with your supervisor or other colleagues, you should ask if you can count on them as a professional reference. While you are applying to jobs, reach back out to give them a heads up. You may want to ask them for a specific letter of recommendation as well.
–Don’t use your old supervisor. Would you stay friends with someone who only reached out when they needed something? The same sentiment applies when it comes to professional relationships. Stay in touch and cultivate a working relationship over time. I am always happy to help former interns in the job hunt. My role however is not to negotiate specific salaries or answer every interview question. When you are mindful and respectful, your supervisor could be an ally throughout your entire career.
A successful internship can help propel you into a rewarding career! Never stop learning and keep an open mind. The possibilities are endless!