Internship ignition: Snag one first!

Jordan Bolker
Staff Writer

It’s hard to realize that after the first few years of football house parties and late night study sessions at EDGE that the hunt for internships is on. As a great opportunity to add onto your resume, internships involve a lot of preparation before you reach your interviewing process. Whether you’re a freshman or an upperclassman, it’s never too early or too late to look for a ticket to experiencing the real world.

As a student at North Central College, you are automatically sent emails by professors about the “Top Five Internships” picked out by Career Development. Sent out every few months, the five internships listed will immediately tell you what kind of students the businesses are looking for based on your discipline, as well as a brief description of the business itself. Once you find one you’re interested in, take some time to check out the business’ website and dig more deep into the projects and assignments they do as well as reviews of working or interning there. After doing a bit of research, contact Career Development for help on building your resume and the requirements to apply for your potential internship.

Once you have perfected your resume, it’s time to officially apply to be an intern. Go on Birdboard and create a student account if you have not done so. By creating an account, you can search through hundreds of jobs and internships until you found the one you’re looking for. You can upload you resume, fill out an application and create a cover letter; which most employers may ask for when applying. When creating a cover letter, make sure it’s only one page in which you list why you are qualified for the position and skills you have perfected through other jobs. When you have created your cover letter, uploaded your resume, and filled out the basic information on the application. Then click ‘Submit’ and you’ll have officially applied to your first internship.

Now the time comes for interviewing, which involves preparation of choosing professional attire and mastering your speaking skills. When choosing an outfit to interview, you’re obviously not going to want to wear jeans and an old concert T-shirt. This is the big leagues, so a suit for the men and black pants and a blazer for the women are more appealing for employers. When interviewing, always be yourself. This is your chance to not only show employers who you are as a career-seeker but also who you are as a person. Your personality may bring a positive influence in the work place whether it’s your wit, your humor, your generosity and kindness, or your ability to be a leader. Answer their questions honestly and confidently and walk away at the end of the interview with your head held high.