Take time to reflect and assess your current situation.
Understand yourself and your goals...
"Why do I want an internship?”
Answering these questions will:
Help to focus your search
Help to articulate your learning objectives to potential employers
Help you to think about your long term goals for your career
Assess Yourself to Better Direct Your Search
Personal Interests: What do you enjoy doing? What issues are you passionate about?
Academic Interests: What do you most desire to learn or experience?
Career or Grad School Goals: What do you see yourself doing for the near future?
Work Values: What is important to you? What rewards do you seek?
Personal Abilities: What skills and abilities do you have to offer? What skills do you want to develop or enhance?
Explore opportunities...
Do you have a basic awareness of opportunities in a given profession?
Do you understand what career opportunities are available in a given field?
What competencies/skills/knowledge are most desired?
What might a typical path look like in your field?
What issues are likely to affect the future of this profession?
To help you answer these questions:
Conduct an Informational Interview(s)
Review Professional Journals
Conduct Web or Library research
Gather more information by checking out these resources...
ohiomeansjobs.com/
Career Services Staff
Conferences
Faculty Professional Associations/ Chapters
Peers (current /previous interns)
Previous supervisors
Narrow down your choices...
What criteria do you have for selecting an Internship? Consider the following:
Type of Experience
Organizational Mission
Geographic Location
Pay
Reputation
Product
Academic Credit
Timing or # of Hours per week
After research evaluate...
Develop a list of 10-30 target organizations
Review in light of your goals and criteria
Do you meet the organizational requirements (class year, major, skills)?
Now here are some steps in securing an internship:
Get organized...
Organize a spreadsheet, binder or folder specifically for your search
Establish a record–keeping method
Dedicate time and space to your search everyday
Create a professional outgoing message on your cell phone
Refine your On-line identity
Compile basic tools...
Resume ~ you may need more than one!
Create a LinkedIn profile
Develop a cover letter with customized paragraphs for each position
Prepare for the interview...
Develop an "elevator speech”. The answer to the question "Tell me about yourself."
Review tips & potential common interview questions
Conduct a mock interview with Career Services
Develop a list of questions to ask the employer based on research
Identify appropriate clothing
Follow-up...
Write a thank you note after an interview within 24 hours
Be persistent with calls, emails but don't stalk
Broaden your search as needed