An internship is the best way to learn as much hands on experience as you can in your profession of choice. Although some interns end up performing basic tasks, such as sorting the mail and making coffee runs (done that) others get the opportunity to work one on one with a person, and even participate in projects and other opportunities within the company (done that too!)
An internship can be what sets you apart from another job seeker in the future. If your employer sees that you have had previous experience in the field, he will be that much more inclined to hire you than someone who dosen't. It means that you aren't a complete amateur and are willing to do more.
Internships are great for getting your feet wet in a new profession. If you are interested in learning about a new career in, say, public relations but you're a business major, an internship can teach you the ins and outs of the job and leave you with at the least general knowledge about your field of choice. Even if you don't choose to work in that area, you have at least had the experience, which makes you a more well rounded person :-)
Upsides:
- great experience
- meet people in your field
- network
Downsides:
- can be long hours
- many are unpaid
- competitive
The best ways to find internships are through who you know. Anyone can fill out an application online, but if you can have someone vouch for your character up front, then it makes you look more reliable than someone on paper. Talk to friends and relatives who can get you a link to the internship you want. Does your cousin know a guy who used to work as a page at NBC? Call her! Does your mom know the mom of a girl who works as a reporter for Rolling Stone? Get on it!
However, on the same sites that can help you find jobs, you can also find internships. Just remember to type in "internship" in the Search line. Also, if there is a company and/or organization in particular you are trying to work with, you can go on their website and contact them directly.
For more competitive internships, the two key words are "early" and "persistent". Applying early WITH YOUR STUFF TOGETHER stands out as opposed to waiting at the last minute. The only drawback is that the waiting period is longer since you turned it in so early. Unless otherwise posted, there is nothing wrong with making a call to find out the "status" of your application once the due date has passed.
They key to making your internship last is to MILK IT FOR ALL ITS WORTH. This means take advantage of every networking opportunity, every opportunity to do actually big-person work, offering to get the coffee (pick up a doughnut too!), going to lunch with the staff, and even scheduling some one on one time with a person you admire. Make an impression, but don't make it fake.
- If you're lucky, your internship may have a job position open for you, or at the least an extended internship.
- Once it's over, SEND A THANK YOU NOTE TO YOUR COORDINATOR, and keep in touch with those you worked with; you never know when you need a recommendation, plus it's just courteous :-)
More internship help:
Wet Feet
The Intern Files
DC Internships
Happy Hunting!
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