Top Tips For Locating A Great Internship

Certainly, obtaining a college degree is a significant accomplishment. It represents a substantial investment of time and a profound dedication to your studies. However, in a number of cases, obtaining a BA or BS degree is no guarantee that you will land a job. Instead, you must demonstrate that you have experience.

But how can you gain experience if you are just starting out in your field? One strategy is to pursue an internship. In some cases, you can receive college credit for an internship opportunity. But, more importantly, an internship provides you with valuable, real-world work experience. While you may not be paid for your efforts, you will be compensated in terms of the knowledge you'll gain. Still, you might be wondering how to land a successful internship.

Consult the head of your department

One good place to start is with the chairman of the university department related to your field. For instance, if you are a psychology major, talk to the head of the psychology department about internship possibilities. Chairpersons of university departments are interested in making sure their students find jobs after graduation; consequently, they are usually happy to direct students to internships that can ultimately lead to paying jobs. The head of the department can also let you know whether you can receive college credit for your internship.

Check with your university job placement office

Another possibility is to check with your college's job placement office. Employers routinely contact placement offices to find workers and, in some cases, these companies may be searching for interns. You might be surprised at just how many internships are available in your field.

Contact companies

Yet another option is to contact companies directly and see if they are offering internships at this time. A number of businesses welcome interns because they are a source of no-cost labor. In addition, businesses recognize that an internship can be a tremendous training opportunity for students. Corporate headhunters want the best-qualified workers available and they realize that internships help prepare students for the day-to-day working life.

Cruise the Internet

You can find a wealth of information on the Internet and that includes information about available internships. Conduct a Google search of internships in your chosen field and see what you can come up with. Websites might also offer specific information about how to apply for internships, what recruiters look for, whether the internships are paid, and whether the employer is willing to work to ensure that the student receives college credit.

Network

Since the guide to finding a good job can be networking, the key to locating an internship might be networking as well. Talk to your friends, especially those who are pursuing your same major, and see if they know of any internship opportunities. You might be amazed by what you can learn by word-of-mouth. Any mentors you have could also provide some important internship leads.

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