It’s not such a surprise anymore when you hear about post-graduate students being unable to find a job related to their field. Often, they’re told that they don’t have enough experience. The million-dollar question is, “How can I gain experience if no one will give me a job?” One possible solution is to land an internship related to your field of study while you’re a college student.
Before Applying
There are certain things to keep in mind before applying for an internship. It’s important to show that you are involved in extracurricular activities, groups, or work that companies feel pertain to their line of business. For example, joining the Professional Businesswomen Society at your university is a fantastic way to show a company whose focus is on finance or business that you have a certain level of knowledge and interest coming with you when you join them. The organizations you’re a part of are a great addition to your resume and are good talking points during an interview. Building a resume shows professionalism and provides companies an important snapshot of your experience and information you would want them to learn about you. The more you can include under work experience, skills or other activities, the more impressive you may appear to somebody reviewing your resume before an interview. This may even be the deciding factor as to whether or not you get an interview.
Timing
It is important to consider the timing when applying for internships. It’s good to look for internship opportunities in the same way as you look at school semesters, fall, spring and summer. Fall internships start around September, Spring internships around February or March and Summer Internships around May or June. Applying at least a few months before you’d like to start an internship provides a nice grace period to reach out, participate in interviews, and give companies time to make decisions without feeling rushed. This is especially important when you find yourself juggling multiple applications and companies are juggling multiple applicants.
Interviewing
Interview processes can range depending on what type of internship you applied for, but normally it is a phone or video interview, sometimes followed by a second interview. There are generic interview questions you can prepare for like what is your greatest weakness or give an example of a time you handled a difficult situation. Often the topic switches to more specific questions pertaining to you, the company, or line of work. Good tips to follow before any interview are looking up the company’s website, reviewing their mission statement, and learning as much as you can about the company. By doing this, you have a better idea of who is interviewing you. This can also help you with keywords to use during the interview to tie yourself back to them. Another important tip that can make you stand out from other applicants is sending a follow up email after the interview thanking your interviewer for their time and reiterating your interest in working at their company. This is both important and will help you stand out. If you really want to go the extra mile, a handwritten letter in the mail will truly knock their socks off.
Are you interested in an internship with Haute in Texas? Email your resume to info@hitpr.com.
About Megan Valco
Megan Valco is an Account Assistant at Haute In Texas. Currently attending UTSA, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Digital Communications. Her hobbies include enjoying day trips to Fredericksburg and the beach, painting and finding new thrift stores to shop. After graduating, her aspirations have no limit as she plans to continue working in the PR and Marketing world, as well as, traveling and living across the U.S. and abroad.
