Almost everyone knows the benefits that can come with landing a paid internship, but the prospect of actually finding that position can be very intimidating. Luckily, as the thousands of paid interns currently working for companies (from the biggest to the small ones) can attest, it is certainly possible. In fact, motivation and determination can overcome many obstacles and put you ahead of a good number of competitors.
Preparation will determine whether you ever see the inside of the company building you want to work in. First of all, you have to be crystal-clear about what you want to do, and how it will help with your education or career after the internship is over. Being uncertain about either can decrease your own motivation, as well as the likelihood of interviewers asking you back for a follow-up interview.
Once you know what you want to achieve, write a resume that targets the company you wish to work for. Look at the paid internship description and use keywords in your resume that target the position description if possible.
If you’re in university or college, take advantage of the campus employment services and ask them for advice on finding a paid internship. If the company you want to intern for is coming to campus to interview, find out exactly when, where, and how you can participate.
Once you have an idea where you want to work, try cold-calling the hiring or campus recruiting managers at the companies you are targeting. Explain that you are looking into paid internships at a number of companies that interest you, and you want to know a few things about the program. Asking them questions will show your interest and initiative, and clarify for you whether the internship is a good fit for your abilities and interests. In particular, make sure to ask what entry-level job the internship most resembles: this will tell you the value of the experience you will gain from it, as well as the job you have the best chance of landing later (companies often hire past interns).
Internship applications online are fine, but making yourself known (in a good way!) to a hiring manager will make more of an impression than electronic text.
Finally, you’ve gotten the interview for a paid internship at the company of your dreams. Now maximize your chances of getting the internship! Make sure you look up advice about interviewing well, practice interviewing in front of a mirror or video camera, or with a friend. Come up with the toughest questions and answers you can, and practice until you feel confident and unstressed about the interview.
The day of the interview, leave plenty of extra time so you will arrive on time, and do your best to appear as a confident, enthusiastic prospect who will contribute a lot to the company if hired.
Finding a paid internship might seem impossible, but it really isn’t an insurmountable task. The most important thing to do is get a start as early as possible and keep up momentum — do something every week towards getting that internship. Don’t give up on the search, and you’ll eventually get the paid internship you want!