How do you get an internship, you ask?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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![\"download](\"https:\/\/www.goodwall.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/cta-blog-download-app-v3.png\")
<\/figure>Want to showcase yourself in the best way possible to future employers or universities? Sign up to Goodwall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Develop skills & experience<\/li>
- Highlight accomplishments<\/li>
- Network globally<\/li>
- Find top jobs & internships<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Download the app now to get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nRelated Read<\/strong>: Internships 101: Everything You Should Know About Internship Programs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few easy steps for how to get an internship<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Understand Where You Stand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before you can search for an internship, you need to decide what industry you want to try out or what skills you’d like to learn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Think about why you chose your major. What kind of career path were you planning to follow? Do you still have the same interests?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you choose an industry to try, you can learn how to get internships in that particular field. For example, book publishing and environmental science internships will have very different requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: What is an Internship? Your Basic Questions Answered on Intern Programs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re still not sure what type of internship is best<\/a> for you, think about your past work and academic experience. What skills or projects are you most proud of? What do you want to learn more about?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read Further:<\/strong> 21+ Internship Quotes: The Best Quotes About Interns<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Know Where to Look for Internships<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Once you’ve decided what type of industry and experience you want to try out, you can start looking for employers who want interns. Luckily, there are lots of opportunities if you know where to look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The easiest places to look for opportunities are online job sites. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster always have listings for internships, but these job listings come with tons of competition. This may be the easiest method, but it’s not necessarily the most effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read Further:<\/strong> 15+ Best Internship Websites for Finding Programs Near You (or Abroad!)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, there\u2019s us\u2014Goodwall!<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read Further:<\/strong> 10 Niche Social Media Sites & Vertical Networks to Join in 2021<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Prep Your Paperwork & Apply<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When you apply for an internship, you’ll always need a resume and usually a cover letter. Also, make sure to follow the instructions in the listing to see how they want you to submit your application. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your resume advertises your experience and your cover letter explains why you’re the right person for the internship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re afraid you don’t have enough experience to write your first resume<\/a>, don’t worry. Start with a template and go from there. Since you’re a student, you should focus on your academic experience like your GPA (if it’s above a 3.0), relevant classes, and class projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also list part-time jobs on your resume, even if they’re not directly relevant. You probably learned soft skills like customer service, time management, and communication which employers look for. In fact, 57% of employers<\/a> think soft skills are more important than technical or hard skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read Further:<\/strong> Best First Jobs: 65+ First-Time Job Ideas for Teens & College Students<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Nail the Internship Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Jobs and internships are extremely competitive\u2014hiring managers often get hundreds of applications for each job opening. Out of the people who apply, only 2% get called in<\/a> for interviews. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read Further<\/strong>: How to Prepare for an Interview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read Further:<\/strong> Here\u2019s What to Bring to an Interview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Follow Up With the Interviewer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
After the interview, send your interviewer an email within 24 hours. Thank them for their time, tell them how great it was to meet them and how even more interested you are about the internship opportunity. Perhaps ask one more question you forgot to mention at your interview. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you haven’t heard back after a week or two, send one more follow-up email, just in case. At some larger companies, as well as small organizations short on staff, the process could take longer than usual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you were not granted the internship opportunity this time around, don\u2019t worry! Use the process you went through as a learning experience, and then try once more to get an internship somewhere new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So\u2014 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s wrap this up so you can get started on scoring that interview for real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a college student, you’re already juggling school, a social life, and extracurriculars. It’s tough to imagine adding anything else to your plate, but internships could be a beneficial part of your college experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Internship experience can make a huge difference when you apply to jobs after graduation\u2014you know, \u201creal jobs.\u201d Once you know how to get an internship, you’ll better understand how to navigate the job search and hiring process too. You won’t get everything you apply for, but it’s an important learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are you ready to land your dream internship? \ud83e\udd84<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get started by searching the Goodwall Opportunities<\/a> board for internships near you. Then, download our app (links below) and spruce up your web profile<\/a> to make sure it\u2019s ready to be seen by your future employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n