THE BEST TIPS FOR FINDING AN INTERNSHIP

May 9, 2022, by Extern

As a student, internships can be a great opportunity to apply your academic knowledge and build new professional skills. But how do you find – and secure – a valuable internship where you won’t be stuck by the copier? Here are some of the best tips to help you find the internship of your dreams and give your professional career a strong start.

Focus on Specific Industries and Companies

Once you have all the practical information you need, you can start searching for the internship of your dreams. The first key to finding the right internship is choosing an industry you’re interested in. For example, if you’re a communications student, are you more interested in sectors like food, fashion, or technology? Or are you drawn to public institutions and associations? Naturally, it’s important to pay attention to what drives you. Do certain companies promote the same values as you? In which sectors could you make a meaningful contribution through your internship?

Narrow Down Your Internship Options

If you’ve found a few internship opportunities that match your interests and skills, don’t rush! Before you apply, we recommend reading the internship vacancy carefully and taking the time to research the company. Ask yourself the following questions to be sure the internship offers what you’re looking for:

• What goal do I want to achieve by the end of my internship?
• What skills do I want to develop?
• What can I contribute to the company?

Connect with people, not just companies.

If there’s one takeaway from our advice, it’s this: to land an internship, you must absolutely connect with people, not just the departments or companies. This means prioritizing direct contact with people you’re likely to work with. Here’s what you can do:

• Find people on LinkedIn who work in the department where you want to apply.
• Look up the email address or phone number of the person responsible for recruitment at the company, rather than sending your application to a general email address.

Create a CV and Cover Letter

It’s time to start preparing your internship application. Worried about how to demonstrate your skills without professional experience? Don’t stress – we have expert advice to help you make a strong application. Own a bicycle? Your car insurance is taken care of, but make sure you have reliable transportation for your internship if needed.Use the tips below!

• Make sure your CV looks professional.
• Be specific about your skills and use action verbs.
• Explain why you chose this company.
• Highlight your interpersonal skills.