Learning about a particular sector of the workplace; meeting others who are already working within this field and creating great connections; observing carefully office life; learning about the job at hand as well as other dimensions that come from working; and, learning as to how you work best and understanding yourself as a professional – are just some of the very valuable results come about from interning. Even if the work is disinteresting – you are still gaining valuable experience.
GETTING AN INTERNSHIP:
Apply to companies that are ‘relatively’ relevant to the field that you are interested in.
Send in your well compiled CV – with a focused covering letter attached. Any references from previous experiences are helpful and do follow up with an email or a call.
Whilst applying, think on these questions inorder to guide your research:
- Why are you interested in this internship?;
- What attracted you to this company / industry?;
- What skills can you bring to this workplace?;
- Why would you be a good person to be offered this opportunity?;
How would you answer the question ‘tell me about yourself’ in a way that is relevant to the organisation?
Ensure that the profile that you have on LinkedIn is looking professional and says what it needs to say.
WHILST YOU ARE WORKING AS AN INTERN:
- Make a good impression from the outset – be genuinely engaged and enthusiastic;
- Learn from those around you – be very observant;
- Work diligently and do a good job!;
- Ask relevant questions, getting to know those within the firm;
- Keep yourself busy;
- Look the part – put on your professional hat;
- Arrive fully prepared to do the job – and keep a notebook and pen on hand for jotting down notes;
- Contribute to the office – be cheerful and enthusiastic;
- Ensure that you have researched the company well before hand so that you arrive with good insights before hand;
- Always arrive on time and leave at the end of then working day when expected;
AFTER THE INTERNSHIP:
- Write a note of thanks to all of those who were teaching you and looking after you;
- Note down all the experiences that you have had – they are relevant for the future;
- Use LinkedIn to keep in touch with the company, as well as those who work there;
- If the internship was a success, do ask to be invited back for more work experience!
This company will be a first port of call when you are looking for permanent work. Even if they cannot offer you a post, if you have built a rapport with somebody, they might well open another door for you in the future.
ADVICE FROM AN INTERN – Sarah, 1st Year University Student, 20 years old:
When you write your covering letter, make sure that you know the company really well and find ways of linking yourself to that particular company;
Send them as much information as you can about yourself, when you send in your application. This includes references. “I spoke to my references before hand, told them the position that I was applying for and asked that their reference letter detailed all my qualities that would make me really suitable for the job. I thanked them also, once they had done this”. I wanted the companies to feel that they had all the information about me that they would need, making it really easy for them.
Every time I wrote to each company, I told them how excited I was about the prospect of working for them. I also ‘noticed’ recent work that they were talking about on LinkedIn inorder to show them that I was really keen.
I found out the names of people working there so I could call a person directly. This was really helpful when I followed up with letters.
Once I received offers, I responded to them immediately. I decided on a particular organisation but have kept a relationship going with the other companies for the future.
I am really excited to be working as an Intern in the summer, and I am following closely the work that the company are doing at the moment so that I am prepared and feel up to date with their work.
SEARCHING FOR INTERNSHIPS:
Some of you will be very definite about the kind of intern work that you are looking for (especially those studying accounting, law or medicine). Many of you are unsure. Internships are about getting to know the workplace better, getting to know yourself better and with this in mind, internships provide the opportunity for you to explore. Because the length of time is not long, there is nothing to loose and the internship does not need to be in the (perceived) perfect environment. So, apply to what looks interesting and stimulating without over analysing. Your placement will teach you something.
Speak to your university careers department. Reach out to any connections that you have, asking friends and your family for leads. Be curious as to what your peers are doing and find out from those who are a year or two ahead of you – ask them for ideas, tips and recommendations.
Google ‘internships’ and you will be amazed as to what comes up!
checkasalary.co.uk (blog advising as to who pays their interns!)
www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk
Grab A Grad
Some sites for you to get you started:
I hope that this time of searching is rewarding, stimulating and fruitful. Please help each other and if you see an opening within a company that would be ideal for a friend, please let them know about it. The more help you are to others, the greater the opportunities that will come your way!