Learning Objective

Prioritize key internship features based on personal goals, preferences, and needs.

Now that you have a better idea of what you want out of an internship, let's look at the steps you should take to get that internship. You can use this Template Internship Search Tracking Sheet to help you keep track of different internship opportunities and where you are in the application process for each.

Click on each step to reveal the details:

Step 1: Determine what you are looking for in an internship.

What are your most critical needs and desires? These usually vary among individuals and may include things such as personal values, interests, required skills, location, salary, benefits, and skill or competency development needs.

Reflect back on the internship qualities discussed in 4.1.B Internship Qualities. You can also review 3.2.A Developing Internship Goals to create internship goals.

Step 2: Research internship opportunities.

There are several ways to begin looking for internship opportunities. Start researching 6–8 months before your desired start date, utilizing as many resources as possible to optimize your search.

Contact your career center or advisor to see what resources are available to you in searching for an internship.
Attend career fairs and employer information sessions to network with representatives of organizations that interest you and find out if they have internship opportunities.
Visit employer websites to access information about internship programs.
Let members of your professional network, including alumni, know you are looking for internship opportunities and solicit their assistance.
Search online job and internship boards.

Step 3: Narrow down the results and apply for internships.

Once you have found several opportunities that interest you, start the application process with each organization. To apply for internships, you may need to consider some of the following:

Review intern position postings and job descriptions to align your resume and application materials with the required and preferred qualifications of the employer.
Develop a tracking method, possibly in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, to assist you in keeping information in one place. Key information will include process stages and deadlines, key personnel, application requirements, timelines, etc.
Some organizations, especially those with large internship programs, will have you fill out a formal application for the position.
Most positions will require a resume and cover letter specific to each organization. See what institutional resources are available to you for help with the creation of a resume and cover letter. Have an advisor review both documents and seek their advice on improvements.
Many organizations will ask you for references, so before beginning the application process, seek out people such as professors and previous employers who are willing to serve as positive references for you. Never assume someone will serve as a reference for you without asking.
Some positions may require an unofficial or official transcript.
Certain internship programs may require you to submit a writing sample. Find examples from past or current assignments, papers, or projects that demonstrate your writing abilities.

Step 4: Wait for interview invitations.

This step is often the most difficult one. It may take up to a month to receive responses about your applications or resumes, especially if you’ve applied to a larger organization, as things tend to move more slowly there. If it has been over a month, you may want to reach out to see if your application is still under consideration. Make sure you are polite and professional in your follow-up. For example:

Dear Mr. Trout,

I wanted to check in to make sure you had received my resume and cover letter. I'm very excited about the potential to work as an Electrical Engineering Intern at Appliance Company ABC. Thank you so much for taking the time to consider my application.

Best,

Sandra

Due to the way the hiring process works, you'll likely find yourself waiting after each application and each interview.

Step 5: Interview for positions.

Apply to as many positions as you can. You can also find events where employers are actively recruiting, such as job or career fairs and employer open house events. At these events, some organizations offer on-the-spot interviews, which may allow you to skip a few steps in the process. These interviews may be at the employer location or the event site.

Research what resources and support are available at your institution for interview preparation and effective completion.
If mock interviews (in-person or virtual) are offered, take full advantage to critique yourself and practice answering interview questions.

Step 6: Wait for hiring decisions.

After your first interview, you will once again need to spend some time waiting as the organization makes their decisions. You will also likely go through multiple stages of interviews, with wait time in between each. You should send a thank you note after each interview to show your appreciation of their time.

To learn more about writing thank you notes, visit 4.4.D Thank You Notes.

Pay attention to deadlines that your interviewers provide (e.g., “We’ll get back to you by the end of the week to discuss next steps”). When a deadline has passed, you may contact the organization again to see if they need additional information or if they need more time. For example:

Dear Mr. Trout,

Thank you again for taking the time to consider my application for the Electrical Engineering Internship at Appliance Company ABC. You had previously mentioned that you would be able to schedule an interview this week, and I wanted to check in to see if you had any updates on the process. Please let me know if you need any additional information or materials from me.

Best,

Sandra

If you weren't given any dates, wait one to two weeks before reaching out to give the hiring committee the time they need to process applications.

Step 7: Accept a position.

Compare every internship offer with the guidelines that you set for yourself in the first section.

Before you accept a position, be sure to get key details, such as compensation, start date, position description, and department, in writing.
Once you accept a position, do not keep looking for additional internships, as your acceptance starts the process for the employer to prepare for your arrival. You shouldn't renege on an accepted offer, barring extenuating circumstances (e.g., a personal loss, a change in living situation).
If you do not receive offers from preferred organizations, use it as a learning experience and try to find out if there was anything that would have made your candidacy stronger.

Practice: Tracking and Prioritizing Applications

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Attributions

Image: Writing a List by Glen Carstens-Peters is licensed under a Unsplash License.