Four Easy Steps to Landing Your First Internship

By Shannon Atran on January 20, 2013

Even though the spring semester is just starting, it is not too early to start looking for summer internships. Many students take advantage of summer internships so that they do not have to worry about interning and managing their academics during the same semester.

So why intern in the first place? A lot of internships are unpaid anyways. Is it really necessary to get one? The answer is a resounding yes. Even though interns usually do not get paid, the experience is invaluable.

Alexa Lardieri, a sophomore journalism major, was an accessories intern at Cosmopolitan Magazine over the winter term. As an intern, Lardieri acquired skills that cannot be taught in the classroom.

“One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned while interning is to multi-task. Working in a fast-paced environment means there is always a deadline to make and something to do and knowing how to do 10 things at once is very important in the business world,” she said.

It  is essential for college students to get internship experience so they are prepared to enter the working world. Here are some tips to land your first internship:

1. Prepare a resume and cover letter

Most companies require you to send them a resume and/or cover letter. A resume is no longer than a page and should include your education, experience in the field, skills, honors and awards. Many companies also require you to send a cover letter. In the cover letter, you should indicate why you are interested in the internship position and explain why you are qualified. Do not repeat the information stated in your resume. Instead, use the cover letter to state information that complements your resume. You can visit the University Career Center to receive more information on how to write a resume and a cover letter.

 2.  Get references

In addition to your resume, you should compile a list of three to five references. Before making the list, you must ask your references if they are willing to talk to employers about your abilities. The references should be current or previous employers, professors and/or other adults who can speak favorably about your experience, skills and character.

 3.  Search for internships online

The Internet makes it easy to apply for internships. A simple Google search allows you to look over hundreds of internship positions. There are also numerous websites that post internship opportunities. The site InternMatch lets you search for internships in your desired field and location. Also, University of Maryland students can use the Careers4Terps internship database to find out about openings.

  4.  Ask your family, friends and professors

Believe it or not, your family and friends may know of internship opporunities in your field. Similarly, professors who have worked in your desired field probably know of internships that will interest you.

The internship process may seem daunting at first, but a lot of preparation and perseverance will make it a whole lot easier!

 

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