It’s never too early to start planning for your internship. The total process—finding an internship and applying and interviewing for it—can take several weeks or even months. Here is a general timeline to assist you with the planning process:
(Complete approximately three semesters before you want to start your internship.)
- Talk with your academic adviser and a career services counselor to find out what internship resources are available to you on campus.
- Write your resume and cover letter.
- Decide what you would like from your internship. Responsibilities? Compensation? Experience?
- Attend job fairs to find out about internship opportunities.
- Start networking with everyone you know.
- Define where you would like to do your internship. City? Corporation? Industry?
- Start researching internship opportunities. Obtain general information about the company, internship programs, contact people and deadlines.
(Complete at least two semesters before you intern.)
- Send out your resume and cover letter.
- Practice your interviewing skills. Schedule a mock interview with your career services office.
(Complete at least one semester before your internship.)
- Make sure your application is complete for each company where you would like to intern.
- Interview with employers.
- Send thank-you letters to employers who gave you an opportunity to interview.
- Decide on an internship that is best for you, and accept an internship offer.
Good luck!