Are you a college student? Did you graduate but haven’t found a job yet because you don’t have enough experience? It may be the right time for you to look for an internship at your dream company.
1. Make a list of your favorite companies. Listing where you would really love to work is the first step. Without knowing where you want to intern, you would be wandering aimlessly, checking out companies and making internship requests to places you don’t know, and might not be interested in working for at all. Don’t waste your time and energy; make a list.
2. Do your research. Know everything you can about your dream company by checking out their Website, liking their Facebook page, following them on Twitter, etc.
3. Make calls. Start calling companies on your list and ask to speak to the person in charge of internships. Some companies do not offer internships, don’t give up, with a little persistence you can become their first intern ever. Properly introduce yourself and explain why you think you would be a valuable addition to the organization and why you are interested in interning with them.
4. As soon as you get an interview at the company, prepare your material, which typically includes your CV and portfolio if you work in an artistic field or as an architect. Depending on your field of study or work, you should get all your materials ready and sent on the same day.
5. Prepare for the interview. Do a thorough research about the company, what is the company’s culture? History and background? Mission and objectives? Market and products or services?
During the interview, ask about what is expected from you as an intern if the company has a history of hiring interns, otherwise, explain how you would add value and ask if they have any suggestions for you.
6. Show eagerness to join. Interns are often treated differently since they don’t get paid, this is your chance to show your enthusiasm and persistence by saying that you are ready to start immediately as opposed to take your time to think about it. Stand out from the crowd by knowing exactly what you want and going for it.
7. Treat your internship as a real job. Many make the mistake of not taking their internship seriously enough. An internship is a real job, except it doesn’t pay the rent.
If you spend a good amount of time looking for an internship, and some more researching the company and then followed with a great personality that showcases persistence and hard-work you will be on the right path to a great career at the same company or somewhere else. At least you would have made great friends and connections.
