Steps to Finding & Securing an Internship

STEP 1: Decide what field you are interested in.

From medicine to public policy, deciding what you are interested in is the most important task when it comes to applying for an internship. The place you select for an internship will not only enhance your resume, but will provide essential skills for your future career. Choose an internship that aligns with your career ambitions and is relevant to your interests. To check out more information on internships by fields, go to the internships page!

STEP 2: Decide where you want to apply.

Do your research on the organizations and companies first. Here are a few factors to take into consideration when selecting where you want to apply:

A) See what type of internships they offer and if they are paid or unpaid.

B) Do the companies'/organizations' ideologies and beliefs resonate with yours.

C) Are you more comfortable with a large organization or a smaller one?

D) Internship hours

E) Make sure your choices are within a field for which you are qualified.

STEP 3: Have your documents ready.

Standard internship applications require a resume and cover letter. Make sure these documents are proofread and spell-checked. Employers take 10-15 seconds reviewing each resume, so your materials need to stand out.

A) Cover letter: Make sure you write a cover letter for each internship application, whether they ask for one or not. Tailor each cover letter to the position you are applying for. If they do not require one, you can also use your cover letter as the body of the email when you attach your materials. Your cover letter needs to enhance what you have listed in your resume, but in more detail. Decide which experiences you want to further elaborate on and explain how they would benefit the organization/company. Understand what they are looking for is the first step. When sending out your cover letter, always send it out as a PDF.

B) Resume: Your resume should be formatted in the appropriate resume format. Resumes are intended to summarize the experience and skills that you posses and should stress relevant skills to the organization/company you are submitting an application. Resumes should be no longer than one page and should be easy to read. Always send your resume as a PDF.

C) References: Some organizations/ companies may require a list of references. Your references should be a list of individuals (preferably professors or supervisors) who can attest to your skills/ abilities and would be willing to speak to a potential employer. Make sure you contact your references ahead of time.

STEP 4: Send out applications.

Expect to apply for 8-10 internships in order to secure an offer from one that you like. Having a a variety of options is always recommended when deciding which internship to secure.

STEP 5: Follow up 1-2 weeks after you send out application.

STEP 6: Prepare for the interview.

Some organizations/ companies require either an in person or phone interview. Prepare for the interview by practicing answers to questions you anticipate they will ask you. Once they contact you for an interview, make sure to respond quickly. Bring an extra copy of your resume with you to the interview. Prepare a list of questions that you would like to ask the interviewer.

STEP 7: Send a thank you email to interviewer after the interview.

In the email express gratitude for them taking the time to interview you. Tell them how excited you are about the internship and remind them of what you can bring. Hand written notes are always preffered, however, if the time does not allow it then email is fine.

STEP 8: Securing and committing to an internship.

Once they have extended you an offer, try to make a decision in a timely manner. If you want to take some time before you make your decision, ask when they would like to hear back from you. Do not take more than two weeks.