If you are a college student, getting internships are key to help develop your skills, professional experiences and build relationships. Getting internships can be an intimidating and long process but will pay off in the end.
If you are looking to intern somewhere, you are probably wondering where to start looking. Here are some tips on how to get your search started:
1) Ask Your College Professors- Chances are, your professors know alumni they have taught that are in your field of study and could be still connected with those people. Whether you are at a small school or big school, taking time to talk to your college professors can help open up some doors for internship possibilities and can provide you with names of people to contact as well.
2) Ask Other Students You Go To School With- If you are a freshman or sophomore, take time to ask some of the juniors and seniors you are connected with as to where they interned, how they liked that experience and the name of the person they worked for. This can provide you with some ideas as to where to look, and who to contact. Don't be afraid to ask others what the experience was like and how they benefited from that internship.
3) The Internet- With the help of different search engines and LinkedIn, it's easy to find different companies in your area. Most of the time, these companies will list internship opportunities on their web-sites or people to contact.
For example, if you are looking to intern with a radio station DJ, you can use the Internet to look up different radio stations in your area and chances are, the Program Director's name is listed. If the Program Director is not listed, you can simply call the station and all you have to ask is the following:
"Hello, my name is Jeff Sabo and I am interested in interning with one of your DJs. Could you please connect me with someone in charge of hiring the interns for the programming department?"
That line was short, sweet, quick to the point and provides the receptionist with exactly what you are looking for.
4) Talk To The Alumni Relations or Career Center On Campus- These people are in constant contact with alumni and could help provide some suggestions for you. They may know of alumni in the area looking for interns and might even be able to connect you with that person. They may also know of other alumni who are starting up businesses and will need some help early on.
5) Don't Be Afraid to Ask- You won't know what's available until you ask the resources close to you what's around. You might get shut down at times or vague answers but keep asking and you will find the answers you are looking.
