How to Get an Internship

Don’t know where to start? Here are some tips on how you can begin looking for available internship opportunities.

With the job market as competitive ith as it is, internships have become a popular avenue for students and graduates to get the work experience and skills needed for that extra edge in their applications.

Although finding (and landing) your dream internship can be stressful and competitive, preparing early is always a smart move. Here are some ways to make the process easier for yourself!

Before starting the search

Identify your goals and interests

Before you even start looking for an internship, it’s important that you have a clear idea of what you want to get out of it. So instead of applying for one just to meet your course’s requirements, think about the long-term and apply for a position that’s relevant to the industry you want to pursue a career in. Additionally, you should consider particular areas within your chosen field that you would like to focus on.

For example, a mechanical engineering student interested in pursuing a career in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry in the future can look for an internship in the manufacturing department of a cosmetic company. By having a clear understanding of your interests and aspirations, you can narrow down your search and hone in on the perfect role that’ll meet your needs.

Prepare your resume

Along with an application, you’ll need a resume. But being a student, you likely have limited experience to list down on it. Don’t worry – that’s expected!

You can include some modules or areas of study that make up your current qualification. A full list of subjects or modules isn’t advisable, as it won’t say much about you. Instead, come up with a carefully curated list of subjects or modules that you excel in and are relevant to the role.

Starting the search

Visit your campus career centre

If you haven’t booked an appointment with your campus’s careers services centre, now’s the time to do so. When it comes to looking for internships and career advice, there are few people better placed to provide assistance than the experts you’ll find there.

Because careers advisors on campus can tell you what internships and placements are on offer, as well as how they operate, take the time to book a consultation session to start prepping and planning ahead for your internship and career.

Network

Networking will not only be helpful in your search for an internship opportunity, but for a graduate job in the future as well.

With that in mind, participate in networking events during your time in school, whether they’re organised by the career centre or by clubs and societies; through these events, you may be able to find out about potential internships or placement opportunities.

You should also establish connections with seniors and alumni who’ve gone on to work in fields relevant to your areas of interest. If you’re unsure about how to start, you can join networking events that include alumni from your school.

Alternatively, you can also attend career fairs to meet recruiters face-to-face, and take the chance to get to know potential employers and vice versa. It’s a good way to make a positive impression, and may even lead to employment opportunities in the future, possibly for both an internship or a full-time position.

But keep in mind that networking doesn’t immediately lead to employment opportunities! Follow up with the contacts you’ve made by dropping them wellcrafted emails to ask if they can connect you with any opportunities.

Apply speculatively

You may not realise it, but not all internships and opportunities are advertised – many smaller or local employers may not have the budget to post internship openings on job portals.

That said, you won’t actually know if these employers are looking for interns unless you submit a speculative application.

If you already have your eyes fixed on a specific industry, create a list of employers there that interest you. Search engines and LinkedIn are your best bet to getting the information you need in this process.

Once you have a shortlist of employers, send them your cover letter and resume over email, or drop off your application in person. Don’t be afraid to give them a call if you don’t hear from them a week or so after submitting your application too.

Remember – following up is imperative!

There is no substitute really for learning about the world of work and being in the world of work.