Published on Nov 20, 2024
With class registration reaching a close, it is helpful to remember that spring and summer internships can help you with the next step of your career! Internships allow you to utilize your skills that you have learned in class and gain connections with colleagues and mentors in your field.
For me, internships have offered me a new perspective on what is important to me in my career. Working with other people gave me the opportunity to forge real life experience, which has made me more confident in my career path. No matter if you are a freshman or senior, there are internship opportunities that can compliment your career. Here are tips to help you in your interview search:
Look into Handshake
The majority of companies seeking interns prefer to hire college students. Handshake is a job platform specifically built for that! The platform works with students to find career opportunities that fit your personal schedule. Handshake also provides in-depth information about employers making it easy to prepare for your next interview.
Handshake is constantly updating with new job opportunities, so it is important to check every week. You can also sign up for job alerts, which notifies you when a job in your field is available. This can help you apply sooner, giving you the upper hand in your job search.
Don’t Forget A Cover Letter
Even if the cover letter is optional, you should always submit one. Cover letters are the key to standing out against other applicants. They give you the opportunity to discuss prior experience, why you are interested in the company, and how you would contribute to the team.
The more personalized a cover letter is, the more likely you are to get that interview. Addressing the hiring manager in your cover letter, shows that you took extra time. If the hiring manager’s name is not on the job site, looking on the company website or LinkedIn can help you find their name.
Follow Through
If you apply to a position and do not hear back within 2 weeks, you should follow up through email. The majority of the time, job recruiters receive many qualified applicants and sending a follow-up email can keep you fresh on the recruiters’ mind. The email should be fairly short, but should reiterate your interest in the company.
The most important tip is to make sure that you apply often. When I applied to internships last fall, I was worried that I was not going to get an internship. However, the very last internship I applied to, was the one that hired me. So, do not give up on your search too early!
Lastly, internships are not the only way to gain experience, part-time jobs, volunteering, and projects can also give you great opportunities to grow your career skills and experiences. If you are seeking more guidance in your job search, meet with a Career Specialist by making an appointment on MU Connect. The Career Center also offers drop-in career consultations Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the lower level of the Student Success Center.
By Ana B.