You can gain valuable experience through an internship. It will allow you to learn about the working world and what it is like. Your resume will also stand out from the sea of other student resumes.
But getting internships isn't easy. It takes some research, effort, and time. How to be a winner?
The first step in deciding on an internship is to decide the type you need. Whether you're looking for a short-term project or a long-term job, this decision will help narrow your search and keep you focused on what will actually matter to you in the future.
When you know what you must do, check with the career service office or local internship board of your college for specific information about internships. You can check out the job descriptions of employers to find out what skills they are looking for and what experience they want from interns.
Create a collection of your best works to include with your resume. This extra bit of documentation shows that you're serious about the company and the position, and can help your chances of landing an interview.
Your portfolio should contain a selection from your best work and should be relevant to the internship for which you are applying. If the internship you're applying for requires that you manage social media, then a collection your past work managing this channel would be helpful to your employer.
You should personalize your cover letter and resume for every internship that you apply for. The Career Services department at your school or the Internet can provide you with templates and information on how to create these documents.
You can make the best first impression by submitting your application early. You should not submit your application at the last second. Some employers will not accept applications until they are ready for hiring.
Don't re-use the same resume and cover letter for all your internships -- it'll make you look lazy. Each one should be tailored to the role for which you are applying, with a resume highlighting your relevant experience and achievements.
You can ask your mentors and classmates for advice. They may have firsthand experience of the internship that you are looking to secure. They can point you in the right direction, offer advice about the interview process, and maybe even connect you with an alumni at the company who can offer additional support.
Visit the Career Center at your school or attend a Job Fair for more advice. These are good places to get a jump on the job hunting process, but you can also look for internships on your own using online job boards and regular job sites.
Calling cold to companies that you're interested in is not the most effective way, but can be successful in certain cases. You don't need to appear desperate, but you should be direct.