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Finding an Internship

It is the student’s responsibility to find their own internship. This means that you must create the necessary tools and employ the appropriate search techniques to secure one. Some suggestions are as follows:

1. You need a RESUME. If you don’t have one, you will need to create it. If you have one, look at how you can enhance it. Rarely can you get an internship (or job) without a resume. This is a key document that will be with you for the rest of your professional life. It needs to be a living document in your computer and a copy kept with you at all times.

2. Develop a COVER LETTER for potential companies explaining your desire to work for them. This is your way of personally conveying that you want to be part of their organization as well as presenting your key attributes.

3. When searching, try to focus on an interest that you have or knowledge that you want to utilize, test or develop.

4. Utilize all resources that you would normally use to find a job to help you find an internship. Consult all available media, literature and networking options. Use corporation, industry, educational, government and trade association web sites.

5. Use relationships. This is the best source for finding internships and jobs. Talk to people you know, friends, parents, fellow students, past interns, alumni, professors and anyone else you can think of. Don’t be shy. Let everyone know that you want to do an internship because you never know where a lead will come from…or lead to.

6. Access the Lake Forest College CAREER ADVANCEMENT CENTER web site for current internship listings. The Career Advancement Center can help with career information; resume development, internship searches and interviewing techniques.  Maximize all college resources and the benefits that they provide.

7. Don’t be afraid to step out of the box and try something unique or even pursue a dream. Many college internships are new and first time opportunities. This can be the best time in your life to experiment.

8. Remember: Most internships don’t end up as future jobs, but they are great ways to help determine your future direction. Likewise, internships have low downside risk because they need not be continued. It is not like finding out you are trapped in a job that you discover you don’t like.

9. If you get an interview; be yourself, but be professional. How you act and look are important aspects of employment. 

10. HAVE FUN. Most internships are enjoyable as well as good learning experiences.