An internship also may be very valuable in helping you to decide if a certain career path is right for you. You may decide to rethink your ultimate goals after having some solid hands-on time in the field.
Some suggestions for hunting out good internship opportunities:
Don’t wait until you are an upperclassman to scope out the possibilities. Although most internships are designed for juniors and seniors, there may be opportunities earlier. If you don’t find what you’d like, at least you have the experience of seeing what is available while learning the ropes for the future. You’ll be that much ahead of the competition. Knowing where internships may be had could guide you in tailoring courses so you’ll be ready when the applications become serious.
The career placement center in your college or university is a valuable resource. They are current on the challenges of today’s employment realities. They know where the jobs are and which fields are most crowded. The experts in the center can guide you in seeking job-exposure opportunities. Practice your future job-seeking skills by dressing appropriately for your interview with the career center advisor. Bring a resume. Knowing you are serious may give you an advantage over other students as the competition begins in earnest.
Call on the resources you have at hand. Your family and friends are fair game for requests for information about internships available at the companies where they work. Take advantage of any inside information they may have. Look at your institution’s lists of alumni who might want to give someone from their alma mater the opportunity to share in their success.
Whatever it takes. The rewards for seeking out internship opportunities could be great if they give your resume that extra touch employers are looking for.