The Ways to Get a Summer Internship

Want to do more than hang at the local pool or scoop ice cream this summer? Then a summer internship is a great way to go! Not quite sure how to get going? Here are some tips:

1. Make a list.
Figure out what you want to do – what interests you, what do you want to learn how to do, or what do you think you want to be in 10 years? Write down a few places or lines of work that come to mind. While you’re at it, scribble down a few basic things to narrow your search – what town or area, paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, for school credit or not.

2. Research.
Look into big companies in your area; most big corporations have internship programs. Stumped? Talk to your school counselor or parents’ friends who have jobs you think are interesting

3. Get creative.
Don’t want to work in a stuffy office while your buds are hitting the beach? No problem. Look into museums, art galleries, publishing houses, nature centers, eco-research centers, whatever.

4. Hit the pavement.
Online research for big companies and orgs is a great starting point, but walk around your city or town to see if any other places spark your interest. Be bold, if something looks interesting, walk in, ask for an application, or leave your info (including a resume) with them. Don’t forget to smile!

5. Don’t give up.
So your dream workplace doesn’t have an internship program? The search isn’t over yet! Look up who you can contact in Human Resources or who the managing director of a certain department might be, and contact him! Let him know that you’re interested in interning and ask if the company has a program or a way for you to help and learn a few things.

6. Make sure you can do it!
Once you have a few places, ask yourself: Got a ride? OK’d it with your parents? Is it realistic for you to get to the internship during the summer? Make sure you can get a ride (or map out your bus/train route), and if you can walk or bike, even better! You don’t want to commit to something and have to pull out at the last minute, so cover your bases.

7. Get that resume in shape.
What’s a resume and how do you make one? Check out Do Something’s How to create a resume and 11 tips for a great resume!

8. Make contact.
If your internship has a formal application program, write out your application and apply, AND do a little digging to find out who might be getting that app. Give HR a call and ask who handles hiring. Send her a written note or an email explaining why you’d like the job and what makes you good at it. A little extra goes a long way.

9. Spread your net.
It’s tempting to put all your efforts into that dream job, but there are ton of people vying for internships, so make sure you look into at least five options and make contact with them so you have plenty of choices!

10. Snagged an interview?
It’s important to dress appropriately and remember a few simple things. Check out Do Something’s 11 ways to ace an interview and 11 Common Interview Questions!

11. Follow-up.
If you talked to someone at a company or had an interview, make sure to thank them and remind them you’re out there and would still love to intern with them.

Common Interview Questions

By rehearsing interview questions, you'll become more familiar with your own qualifications and will be well prepared to demonstrate how you can benefit an employer.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Make a short, organized statement of your education, achievements and goals. Then, briefly describe your qualifications and the contributions you could make to the organization.
2. What is your greatest weakness?
Be honest but also be sure to stress that you've taking steps to correct the problem. For example, say you're a perfectionist who can get bogged down by the details, mention how you've corrected that problem. For example, you now have a list of to-do items ranked by importance.
3. What is your greatest strength?
Discuss skills and experience that make you a qualified applicant for the job. For example: I manage my time well and follow through on all my projects.
4. What motivates you?
Consider in advance what inspires you and come up with some specific examples to share.
5. Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it.
Remember to give concrete examples of difficult situations you've dealt with and discuss how you resolved the conflict..
6. What interests you about this job?
Think about what was listed in the job posting and connect these to your skills. This shows the employer that you know about the job and are qualified.
7. Why are you the best person for the job?
Or they may ask you "Why should we hire you?" or " Why are you the best person for the job?" Give specific examples of why your skills and accomplishments make you the best candidate.
8. What can you do for this company?
This is why you should research the company prior to the interview. Respond by giving examples how the company would benefit from your skills, accomplishments and experience.
9. Why do you want this job?
Be sure to say what you can contribute to the company as well as how it will help you.
10. What are your goals for the next five years / ten years?
Don't discuss irrelevant goals like having a family. You want to connect your answer to the job you are applying for. For example, if the internship is in the field you intend on pursuing, say that.
11. How do you plan to achieve those goals?
Be clear and specific about what you're aiming to accomplish and how. For example, if you intend on continuing your education, interning in the field, etc., mention this!

Resume Writing Tips

Building a resume takes some effort, but with our tips, you should be able to build the perfect resume in no time.
1. Keep it short - one page.
2. Be neat; make sure that you use bullet points when necessary.
3. Be honest about your skills and work experience.
4. Be concise and use action words (developed, handled, organized, created, etc) and phrases when describing your experience.
5. Ask someone you trust to check over your resume and make sure that they really critique your work.
6. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, education, and work experience.
7. Employers understand that at you may not have extensive work experience so don’t be afraid to include volunteer experience and babysitting as experience. Emphasize the skills you learned while baby-sitting and/or volunteering, the challenges you overcame, and so on.
8. Be sure to list awards and honors you've received.
9. Don’t forget your interests and activities. Letting a potential employer know your interests will make you stick in their minds and create a character that exists beyond the sheet of paper.
10. Depending on the position, you might need to include a cover letter that states how you found out about the position, the reasons you are interested in the job, why your qualifications fit the position and why you want to work with the company.
11. Follow up by phone a few days after the employer has your resume to make sure everything is in order. Just remember, if the job posting says “No calls please,” don’t call!