You may be over the moon with your last semester’s results, but, that’s not going to be enough to get you that dream job. When was the last time an employer hired someone for his grades?
While grades can definitely make a difference to your resume, it’s the transferable and relatable skills that employers will be looking for.
What are some easy ways to get an internship during your early years on campus?
Today, internships are thankfully not limited only to a handful of elite colleges. Neither are internships reserved only for final-year students. Use these tips to find a meaningful internship for yourself:
Evaluate yourself: You can get a job even during the first year of college if you look hard enough. Of course, that means competing with senior students who are way more qualified and experienced than you. So, how can you make your mark in this cutthroat competition? For starters, evaluate yourself before you start looking for an internship. Consider your own values, personality traits, and interests before you dive into a job search. This will help you figure out your career goals better.
Focus on networking: This is the best way to get a great internship in college. And there’s no better time to start networking than on your first day on campus. However, what nobody is going to tell you is how to be successful in networking. For this, you need to have a ready speech in your head that you can start rattling off when you meet a prospective employer for the first time. If you are impressive enough, it’s only a matter of time before they get in touch with you.
Write a solid resume: Just because you are in your early college years doesn’t mean you have a blank resume. You can always build an impressive CV highlighting your skills and qualifications so far. Start by working on independent projects related to your coursework, improve your soft skills, get freelance work experience, and acquire skill-based training online. Show your employer why you are a great candidate and that you have what is needed to make a difference.
Double-check the resume: Make sure to proofread your resume multiple times to check for errors. If possible, get someone else to look at it. A fresh pair of eyes can detect mistakes and loopholes in the resume much faster. Avoid inserting facts that appear too far-fetched or can instill doubts in the employer’s mind.
Show flexibility: As an intern, you may be given set duties. The job could be as boring as entering data and making “cold calls”. It’s quite possible you are given tasks that nobody else in the office wants to do. Show your willingness to work, even if it’s doing grunt work. It gives the impression that you are flexible and don’t mind doing different kinds of jobs, as and when needed.
Inquire about full-time roles: An internship with a company doesn’t guarantee you a full-time job there. So, it doesn’t hurt to inquire about full-time opportunities either during the interview or after you have started working there. This gesture can be interpreted as a keen interest on your part to join the company, for which the employer may even be open to creating a position for you if he is convinced enough.
Apply for multiple job positions: There’s no harm in applying for many internships while you are in your first year on campus. This boosts your chances of getting something faster than you thought.
Add an impressive cover letter: Besides a strong CV, you need a cover letter to improve your chances of landing an internship. This cover letter is to tell your prospective employers why you are a good fit for the company. So, even if you haven’t had any previous work experience, you can always highlight freelancing or volunteering work that you may have done earlier.
Attend career fairs on campus: Make sure to attend campus career fairs and keep a bunch of resume printouts handy. Employers always visit campuses to hunt for talented candidates. Be dressed properly to appear for on-spot interviews!
Prepare for interviews: Now that you have applied for internships, get yourself ready to face interviews. Prepare the standard answers and work on boosting your self-confidence. Once interviews are over, don’t forget to follow up; it shows that you are sincere and keen to get a chance to work with your prospective employer.
Landing an internship in college isn’t easy, but at the same time, it doesn’t have to be a stressful and disheartening experience. Use these easy tips and tricks to find a good internship that can be the perfect launch pad for your future job.
