By: Amy Marie Charland and Mary Ann Lawson-Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers
It’s never too early to start planning for your internship. The total process—finding an internship and applying and interviewing for it—can take several weeks or even months. Here is a general timeline to assist you with the planning process:
Research internships
(Three semesters before you want to begin your internship)
- Talk with your academic adviser and a career services counselor to find out what internship resources are available to you on campus.
- Write your resume and cover letter.
- Decide what you would like from your internship. Responsibilities? Compensation? Experience?
- Attend job fairs to find out about internship opportunities.
- Start networking with everyone you know.
- Define where you would like to do your internship. City? Corporation? Industry?
- Start researching internship opportunities. Obtain general information about the company, internship programs, contact people, and deadlines.
Apply for internships
(Two semesters before you intern)
- Apply online or by whatever method the company requires.
- Practice your interviewing skills. Schedule a mock interview with your career services office.
Interview and accept an internship
(One semester before your internship)
- Complete an application for each company where you would like to intern.
- Interview with employers.
- Send a thank-you letter to each employer who gives you an opportunity to interview.
- Accept an internship offer.
Good luck!