How to Find Internships
Finding an internship is crucial for gaining practical experience, developing professional skills, and building a network in your chosen field. Internships provide a hands-on learning environment where you can apply theoretical knowledge, explore different career paths, and gain insights into the workplace culture. They enhance your resume, making you a more competitive candidate for future job opportunities. Moreover, internships often serve as a stepping stone to full-time employment, allowing you to make valuable connections and potentially secure a job offer from the host company. In essence, internships are an invaluable component of career development and professional growth.
Internship Search Tools
Utilizing various reputable sites can increase your chances of finding the right opportunity. Here's a detailed guide on how to use LinkedIn, Workday, Glassdoor, Indeed, Handshake, and university-specific job boards to find internships:
1. LinkedIn:
How it works: LinkedIn is a professional networking site that also serves as a powerful job search engine. Employers post internship opportunities, and users can apply directly through the platform.
Steps to find internships:
Profile Optimization: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and professional. Include relevant skills, experiences, and a strong summary.
Job Search: Use the search bar to find internships by entering keywords like "internship" along with your field of interest (e.g., "marketing internship").
Filters: Apply filters such as location, industry, and company to narrow down your search.
Networking: Connect with professionals in your desired field and join relevant groups to stay informed about opportunities.
2. Workday:
How it works: Workday is a cloud-based software for human capital management that many companies use for recruiting. It allows you to search and apply for internships directly on company career pages.
Steps to find internships:
Company Career Pages: Visit the career pages of companies you’re interested in. Many companies use Workday to list job and internship openings.
Search and Apply: Use the search function on the company’s career page to find internships. Apply directly through the portal.
3. Glassdoor:
How it works: Glassdoor provides company reviews, salary reports, and job listings. It’s a great tool for finding internships and gaining insights into company cultures.
Steps to find internships:
Job Search: Enter "internship" and your field of interest in the search bar.
Filters: Apply filters like location, company size, and industry.
Company Research: Read reviews and ratings to learn about the company's work environment and internship experience.
Apply: Follow the application instructions provided in the job listing.
4. Indeed:
How it works: Indeed is a comprehensive job search engine that aggregates listings from company websites, job boards, and other sources.
Steps to find internships:
Job Search: Enter "internship" and your desired field into the search bar.
Filters: Use filters for location, salary, company, and more to narrow your search.
Job Alerts: Set up email alerts to receive notifications about new internship listings.
Apply: Apply directly through Indeed or be redirected to the company’s application portal.
5. Handshake:
How it works: Handshake is a platform specifically designed for college students and recent graduates. It connects users with employers who are actively recruiting entry-level talent.
Steps to find internships:
Create a Profile: Complete your Handshake profile with your resume, skills, and experiences.
Job Search: Use the search function to find internships. Handshake often features listings from employers targeting students from your university.
Career Events: Attend virtual and in-person career fairs and events hosted on Handshake.
Apply: Apply for internships directly through the platform.
6. University-Specific Job Boards:
How it works: Many universities have their own job boards tailored to their students and alumni. These platforms often feature internships and job postings from employers who are specifically interested in hiring from that university.
Steps to find internships:
Access the Job Board: Log in to your university’s job board using your student credentials.
Job Search: Search for internships using relevant keywords and filters.
Career Services: Utilize additional resources offered by your university’s career services, such as resume reviews and interview prep.
Apply: Follow the application instructions provided in the job listing.
7. Networking:
How it works:
Networking involves building relationships with professionals in your field to learn about potential internship opportunities. Many internships are never formally posted online but are filled through connections. Networking can happen through social media platforms, career fairs, professional organizations, or even informational interviews.
Steps to network for internships:
Professors: Reach out to professors whose classes you've taken or who are experts in a subject that is related to your field of choice. Oftentimes they have various connections within the workforce and can provide advice on how to land internship roles.
LinkedIn Connections: Reach out to professionals in your field of interest, especially alumni from your college or university. Sending a polite and personalized connection request, along with a brief introduction, can help you grow your network.
Join Professional Groups: Many industries have LinkedIn groups, forums, or online communities. Joining these spaces can keep you informed about industry trends and open opportunities, as well as help you build connections with potential mentors or employers.
Attend Career Fairs & Networking Events: Career fairs, both virtual and in-person, are excellent opportunities to meet recruiters and professionals. Many colleges host these events, and it’s a great way to get firsthand advice on entering your desired field and even securing an internship.
Informational Interviews: An informational interview is a casual conversation where you ask a professional about their career and industry. This is a great way to learn about hidden internships, build your professional network, and get advice.
Follow-up & Maintain Connections: Networking isn’t a one-time action. After making a connection, follow up by sending a thank-you message or keeping in touch with occasional updates. Building a meaningful relationship over time can lead to future opportunities.
Why networking matters:
Networking allows you to learn about internships that may not be advertised, get insider tips on landing roles, and receive advice on your career path. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who come with personal recommendations, making networking a valuable tool for finding internships.
Summary:
Using a combination of these platforms can significantly enhance your internship search. LinkedIn offers extensive networking opportunities, Workday and Glassdoor provide company-specific insights, Indeed aggregates a wide range of listings, Handshake connects students with targeted opportunities, and university-specific job boards offer tailored listings for your institution. By leveraging these resources, you can find and secure valuable internships that align with your career goals.