 In This Issue AAUW Resources
| Top 10 Tips For Finding Your Dream Internship By Jessica Gale and Ashley Jennings 10. Network, network, network! Every new contact is another potential connection to a great internship. Speak actively about your career interests and goals to anyone who can clue you in to opportunities or introduce you to potential internship sponsors. 9. Start early. The sooner you launch your internship search, the more opportunities you will discover and the more time you will have to prepare. Initiating contact with an organization several months before you'd like to intern demonstrates that you are a serious, responsible candidate. Some programs (especially summer research opportunities) have deadlines more than six months prior to the internship's starting date. 8. Market yourself. Customize your resume, highlighting specific experience and skills relevant to a particular internship. Practice describing your accomplishments and skills with a friend or in a practice interview with a career counselor. 7. Clarify your goals and expectations. Think about what you want out of your internship. For instance, would you rather work for a large company or develop independent projects for a smaller organization? 6. Don't discount unpaid internships. We all like money, but unpaid internships often provide invaluable experiences and networking opportunities. If you need funding, look into grant programs, scholarships, or programs like the Everett Public Service Internship Program to subsidize your experienceor consider working a part-time job into your schedule. 5. Ask questions. Talking with former and current interns and coming to interviews with thoughtful questions about the organization and the internship will help you explore your options and make an informed decision. 4. Follow up. If you submit an application or resume, follow up with a phone call. A simple thank-you note after an interview will make you a more memorable candidate. 3. Be proactive. Don't limit yourself to advertised internships. Often organizations are open to creating new opportunities for the right intern. If there is an organization or cause you really want to work for, go for it! You have nothing to lose by asking. 2. Use all your resources. Take advantage of your college's career counselors and research tools for your internship search. Some websites, such as www.feminist.org, allow you to sign up for weekly e-mail notifications of positions that match your search criteria. Also inquire at local college women's resource centers, whose directors often send out regular internship announcement emails. 1. Be open-minded. Internships are all about discovering new interests and developing new skills. Don't be afraid to explore options outside your major or in an area where you have no previous experience. Internships on the Internet www.aauw.org - An up-to-date listing of available internships with AAUW. |
