How to Get an Internship

It's not actually a job but it counts as experience. It can be paid or unpaid and in a wide variety of areas from journalism to the nonprofit sector, to media. What is it? It's an internship, something that most college students thrive for during the course of their college career to enhance their post-graduation results, build their resume and tack on real-world experience to the knowledge and theory they learn in the classroom. But internships aren't just for students whose typical age range is 18-25 that hold the internships. College students older than 25 are also seeking internships, it may have to do with many reasons such as this is the first time they're in college so they would like to apply experience to the subject their studying. The student may be in graduate school and want to keep in tune with the necessary real world skills that relate to their degree or many other reasons. Another segment of internship seekers are high school students as a way to gain experience and build their resumes and college admissions applications. Whether you're a high school student, older or younger college student here are a few tips for finding paid and unpaid internships. Paid internships usually go fast but so do unpaid internships so you want to make sure begin a search for an internship in the subject you're interested in early. Preferably five months before the time in which, you want the internship. For example if you want an internship in the fall in August begin searching in March. The next step is to apply for the internship early and correctly. Don't wait until the last minute when you almost miss the deadline or are rushing to fill out the application and gather the necessary materials to send in and you leave something out. Don't wait to late also because you never know if the person in charge of the internship selection process receives more applications than he or she wants and closes the application submissions. Next step is to use references and referrals if you have them. When you go to an internship interview if someone referred you that the interviewer knows express it to the interviewer or if one of your references is someone the interviewer knows express it to them. Express a reference, referral or both but in a subtle way. Next after you apply if there's phone number to call or email address send an email or call once a week beginning a month and a half before the internship is suppose to start mention your name every time and just let them know you're calling because you're wondering if they've filled the position. Your persistence in calling or emailing will help them remember you and double your chances of getting the internship. Next when it comes to the interview for the internship be prepared practice with a friend or family member what you're going to say, bring two copies of your resume, references and letters of recommendations to the interview. If the interview is one that requires a portfolio make, sure you have it with you and that it displays only your best work. An internship is a rewarding learning experience and there are loads of them to go around but to make sure you get one and the one you want follow these simple steps for greater success.