Your Guide to Summer Internships, From an Intern

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in all of the fun parts of college that sometimes we forget why we are actually in college. For most, if not all college students, the goal is to get a job after graduation. We pick a major and minor to then take classes in that field in order to pursue that career in the future. In the beginning that can seem super scary, but if you truly enjoy the classes you take and the topics you study, it isn’t all that bad. However, in order to get a job after graduation, most colleges require students to complete at least one internship. Freshman year and even sophomore year it’s easy to push that off and just hang with your friends or work all summer. But just like that junior year sneaks up on you and it’s time to start looking for an internship. 

Internships are super important to not only gain experience, but they also help you make great connections with employers in your field. And in a lot of cases internships are paid, so you make money AND get experience all in one! Scrolling through job sites or internship posts can be daunting, especially if none of them jump out to you. As a junior myself and having had an internship, here are some helpful tips from an actual intern. 

Update your cover letter and resume 

Step one is to put your best foot forward, and that starts with a good resume. Make sure your resume is updated, and showcases everything that you want it to. A resume is the first thing employers see, so make it count. 

Narrow your internship search 

There are SO many internships out there, that it is best to start with a few websites or resources to look at. Pick one or two websites to not get too overwhelmed. Some of our personal favorites include Indeed.com and Linkedin jobs. You can search for job titles that you are interested in, and set parameters like paid vs. unpaid, or in person vs. remote. That will help narrow the search. 

Ask for help & use resources

Secondly, make sure to use your college's resources. Sometimes these can seem overrated, but we promise they can actually be really helpful. They often have a list of internships within your specific major, can help you make connections with companies, look over your resume or do a mock- interview. Make sure to take advantage of these resources because they can make a big difference. 

Don’t be afraid to use connections 

One of the best tips is don’t be afraid to use connections. Getting a personal recommendation can make all the difference in securing an internship, or even just getting an interview in the first place. Whether that is through family or friends, professors, or alumni, we definitely encourage you to reach out. The worst someone can say is no- and we live by that. So don’t be afraid to leverage resources and opportunities to help you succeed. 

There’s still time to secure an internship offer for this summer, so we hope these tips help!