Landing your dream internship is actually the most interesting part of anybody’s college life. It is the time when one can quantify what they have learned in classes and its net worth in the main arena. Yes, internships act as the foundation of the professional journey of a student, exposing him or her to what awaits them in the future. It gives a platform to explore one’s passion and area of interest by learning-from-doing.
1) Create A LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is a critical tool for anyone seeking internships (or employment.) Business culture has conditioned us to look to LinkedIn to find out who someone is. Being absent on LinkedIn is a beacon that says: “I don’t care about my career.” A brief yet polished profile with a professional headshot not selfies , it will do just fine for someone starting out in their career.
2) Volunteer
Nothing proves a student’s abilities more than actually doing the work. Volunteer at organizations that have those internships you are interested in. Drop into their office, bring your resume, shake a hand or two at the front desk, state that you would like to volunteer, then follow up after. And also, showing that you are proactive and are hungry to learn, can do wonders to land your dream internship. Don’t wait for openings or invitations, volunteering will not only prove your ability to work, but will also sharpen your skills.
3) Follow Up
Landing an internship takes as much effort as any other career move. We know it requires a great resume that reflects exactly how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements; however, where many job seekers miss the mark is the follow-up. Beyond sending a thank you letter after the interview, be consistent in touching bases with the hiring managers until the position is filled.
4) Add Value
People who continually add value will always be in demand. You can do this by being engaged, looking to go the extra mile, helping others and being a real team player. If opportunities arise to volunteer, be the first to raise your hand. Be positive, show up on time, and always exhibit a good attitude. Keep complaints to a minimum, and look to bring solutions not problems. Do that and you will be in demand.
5) Demonstrate These Top Three Skills
Students can gain an edge by paying attention to the three top skills employers are looking for. First, coach-ability, you can teach most skills, but you can’t teach someone to be coachable. This is demonstrated by showcasing examples of adaptability. Next, show passion through enthusiasm and hunger to learn. Lastly, show relevance ,being up to date on industry news showcases initiative and intent.
6) Become Invaluable To One Person
Interns get hired because someone at the company vouches for them. A common mistake is to overfocus on meeting as many people as you can, inevitably failing to make a lasting positive impression on any of them. Instead, prioritize becoming invaluable to one person (or two to three people) so they see enough of your true value to refer you for a full-time position.
7) Prepare An Interesting Resume
Keeping handy a one-page resume for your interview spree can do wonders, but only if it’s drafted in an understandable and professional manner. Prepare a one-page concise resume, highlighting your key achievements and skills.
8) Networking
Networking is a crucial part of landing your dream internship. Attend career fairs, industry events, and informational interviews to meet professionals in your desired field. Connect with alumnus from your school or university on LinkedIn and ask for advice or referrals. Building relationships with professionals can lead to valuable connections and potential job opportunities. Don’t be afraid to reach out and make connections – it could be the key to landing your dream internship.
9) Interview Preparation
Once you have submitted your application and been selected for an interview, you must prepare thoroughly. Research the company and the position you are applying for, and practice answering common interview questions. Make sure to dress professionally and arrive on time. During the interview, be confident and articulate, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the company and the internship. A successful interview can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream internship.
10) Position Yourself Through Listening
Focusing on listening gets you adaptability, teamwork, learning savvy, interpersonal communication skills and more. Listening skills are the most powerful way to position yourself. The ability to attend, paraphrase, empathize, summarize and question critically creates credibility in a short interview. Positioning is what you do to the mind of the interviewer with your listening
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