Strategies for Finding an Internship Conducting an internship search provides a valuable opportunity to explore various industries, to become familiar with career resources, and to practice skills, such as networking and interviewing. In general, your internship search is comprised of three steps:
Assessing Your Interests
Exploring Your Options
Strategizing
HIGHLIGHT: Check out what your classmate said about his internship experience in BusinessWeek! Click here & go to #9 (Tom Anderson, B'06)
STEP 1: Assess Your Interests
Your first task is to assess your interests. You will need to spend some time reflecting on your experiences, interests, and values. This will also help you to identify your likes/dislikes and strengths/weaknesses. Things to consider: - What skills do you want to refine/develop?
- What experiences do you want to acquire?
- Do you want an international or domestic experience?
- What are your short and long term goals?
You may find it helpful to begin to draft your resume at this time as documenting your experiences on paper can also help you to articulate your skills and abilities.
STEP 2: Explore Your Options
Your next step is exploration. Several resources are available to help you learn about industries and companies, which in turn can help you to solidify your preferences. Resources include the following:
Through research, you will discover what opportunities are available and the qualifications that are needed for particular positions.
As you conduct your research, it may be helpful to develop a target list of companies. A target list will allow you to be intentional in your search, creating a plan, and focusing your attention. You may already be familiar with companies for whom you would like to work. You can include these in your target list.
In addition, you may use a variety of Internet resources (see resources above) to research industry trends and company profiles. Based on this information, you can create a list of companies that are doing well financially and/or resonate with your preferences and priorities.
STEP 3: Strategize
After you have determined your preferences and explored what’s out there, you are ready for the next step. Your strategy should include the following tasks: Creating your marketing tools. If you have not already done so, you will need to create and polish your resume and cover letters. Be sure to meet with a career advisor in CCD for a resume/cover letter critique.
Networking. Think of personal contacts (e.g. family, friends, professors, and former supervisors) that are employed in fields that interest you or can provide you with the names of individuals who work in industries that appeal to you. Compile this list of names, including business and personal (if available) contact information. Expand your network to include Babson alumni –refer to the Babson Alumni Directory.
Contact these individuals to schedule informational interviews. Informational interviews can provide you with insights about trends in particular fields, expand your professional network, and lead to internship/job opportunities.
Apply to postings at companies on your target list.
