Tips & Advice on Getting Your First Internship

Internships can be a great way to gain real-world experience and jumpstart your career. However, the process of getting your first internship can be daunting.

Here are some tips and advice to help you land that first internship:

1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the internship

One of the most important things to remember when applying for internships is to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific internship. This means highlighting the skills and experience that you have that align with the responsibilities of the internship. It’s also important to use the same language that the job posting uses, as this shows that you’ve done your research and are a good fit for the role.

2. Network

Networking is key when it comes to getting an internship. Attend career fairs, connect with alumni and professionals in your field, and reach out to individuals in companies that you are interested in interning for. Building relationships with people in your industry can open doors for you and give you a better chance of landing an internship.

3. Use online resources

There are many online resources available to help you find internships. Websites like Rise, LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are great places to start your search. Additionally, many universities have online databases of internships that are specific to their students. Utilizing these resources can help you find internships that you may not have otherwise known about.

4. Be proactive

Don’t be afraid to reach out to companies directly, even if they don’t have an internship posted. Many companies are open to hiring interns, even if they don’t have a specific internship program in place. Be sure to share why they should hire you, what made you interested in the company, and how an internship would benefit both you and the company. One way that can you stand out is to use modern tools like Heyo, which can help you get an internship by allowing you to create video introductions. This video can be a great way to showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and passion for the field you’re applying for. Additionally, you can use the video to highlight your skills and experience in a more engaging way than a traditional resume.

5. Make a good impression

Once you land an interview, it’s important to make a good impression. Dress professionally, be punctual, and come prepared with a few questions to ask the interviewer. Showing that you’re enthusiastic, hardworking, and eager to learn can make a big difference in whether or not you get the internship.

6. Be open-minded

Keep an open mind when applying for internships. You may not land your dream internship right away, but an internship in a related field can still provide valuable experience and skills. Additionally, even if an internship is unpaid, the experience and connections you gain may be worth it in the long run.

7. Show enthusiasm 

Showing enthusiasm for the company and the opportunity can go a long way. Expressing your interest in the company, its mission, and the work it does can make a big impression. Do your research, is there a campaign or launch that the company has done that you’re excited about? It shows that you’re invested in the internship and that you’re the right fit for the role.

8. Follow up 

After the interview, be sure to send a thank-you note to the interviewer. This shows that you’re still interested in the role and that you’re grateful for the opportunity. Additionally, if you haven’t heard back from the company within a week or two, it’s okay to reach out and inquire about the status of your application.

9. Be prepared for rejection

Unfortunately, not everyone will get the internship they apply for. It’s important to be prepared for rejection and to not take it personally. Use the experience as an opportunity to learn and grow, and use the feedback you receive to improve your application for future internships.

10. Make the most of your internship

Once you land an internship, it’s important to make the most of the opportunity. Ask questions, take on additional responsibilities, and seek out opportunities to learn and grow. Show your value to the company and demonstrate that you’re a hard worker. Building relationships with your colleagues and supervisors is also important. They can serve as valuable references and connections for future job opportunities.

11. Don’t forget to document your experience

Keep a portfolio of the projects you worked on and the skills you gained during your internship. This will be useful in the future when you’re applying for jobs or internships. Heyo also allows you to share audio recordings of yourself discussing your work experience, skills, and interests. This can be a great way to showcase your growth and everything you’ve learned in your internship. It’s a great way to build a portfolio and give potential employers a sense of your skills and experience.

12. BONUS POINTS

Get recommendations from your mentors and bosses during and after your internships through Heyo shout-outs! These shout-outs are like endorsements, and they can be a great way to showcase your skills and experience. They can also be a great way to demonstrate your professional network and your ability to work well with others.

Landing your first internship can be a challenging process, but with the right approach and persistence, you can find the perfect opportunity to jumpstart your career. Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter, network, use online resources, be proactive, make a good impression, be open-minded, show enthusiasm, follow up, be prepared for rejection, and make the most of your internship once you land it. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a successful internship experience.