A college degree can surely help you find a good job and kick-start a valuable career, but there is one thing that can effectively improve your chances – an internship. Many college students are required to do an internship, sometimes in their field of study, for credits.
These internships can be paid or unpaid, but if you find a good internship, the knowledge and experience you will gain will be far more valuable than any stipend.
So how to find the perfect internship? Here is a quick guide to help you do that:
Step 1: Determine what you want to do
Let’s be honest, finding an internship is not so difficult but finding a good one is. You should explore your options and determine what kind of internship you need. If there are certain requirements for your degree program, you have to follow those. Think about the future and what interests you and then look for internships.
Step 2: Begin the search
Now that you know what you want to do, you can start looking for internships online. The internet is not the only source for finding internships; you can take help from the career counselor at your college or even ask your professors to help you get an ideal fit.
Step 3: Prepare your Resume
This is the most important part, and you need to be very careful with this. First of all, your resume should look professional and contain things that are relevant to the internship you are applying for. Highlight the key skills you have as employers are interested in knowing your skills. Mention any previous experience or projects you have undertaken to show your dedication.
Helpful tip: Keep things concise and spell check a dozen times. A spelling mistake can leave a bad impression!
Step 4: Prepare for Interview
When you are called in for an interview, you have to be prepared to present yourself. Choose the right attire that is suitable enough for the workplace. If you are unsure, keep it formal. Prepare to answer questions regarding your skills, work or projects. And stay confident no matter what!
An internship will look good on the resume when you start applying for jobs after college. According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for those with college degrees is less than 2.5 percent whereas the rate for those with high school diplomas is 5 percent.
To learn more about internships, check out this infographic created by Handmadewriting.
