Want a Summer Internship? Start Looking Now

Summer Internship’s can fill the skills column on your resume.

You may not be too keen to give up your summer for no money. We get it. But remember this, an internship is your ticket to your first big job and what will hopefully fill the skills column on your resume. So start looking for one now. There are others who started looking long ago, so you’re behind them. But you’re way ahead of the stupid people who will start looking in the spring.

So let’s get cracking. Where should you start?

Check Job Boards

Be on the lookout for internships disguised as entry level jobs. Companies will post their internship opportunities online, but not always call them by that name. Be sure to scan all entry level jobs in your field.

Be Specific

Look for job boards for your specific industry. For example, if you’re a journalism student, www.jeffgaulin.com will show you where broadcasting jobs and internships are. Once you find your industry’s site, bookmark it and check it daily.

Talk to People

Talk to people who have graduated from your program, or your industry. Find out where they did their internships. You might find a major company who are “always looking for help” or stumble across a smaller org that helped someone launch their career.

Be Persistent, Not Annoying

When you find a quality lead, don’t be afraid to follow up in a week if you don’t hear back from them. From there, stick to any timelines they set. For example, if they say “Try me in 3 weeks, I’ll know more then,” listen to them.

If they don’t set any timelines, a call or email every two weeks is enough to show you’re interested, without bombarding them.