Assignment Title: A Complete Guide to Internships
Course: CHMN 699 - Internship
Student: Kristine Sage
2022
Professor: Dr. Mary Smith
Liberty University
A Complete Guide to Internships
We share five valuable tips to help you in your internship search including what to do after
you've interviewed for an internship position. Internships can be a beneficial experience for
people newly entering the professional world or even those seeking a career change.
Internships can help you gain industry experience, build your resume and give you an idea of
what it would be like to work in a certain position. Also typically providing professional
connections and compensation, internships are a smart way to begin your professional career.
What is an internship?
An internship is a temporary job position that is typically reserved for college students and
recent graduates. Interns tend to work in exchange for school credit or for base pay. Through
an internship, students can gain knowledge about the culture and day-to-day operations of the
company industry. Internships can last anywhere from several months to a year. Internships are
also helpful for students who haven’t settled on a career path. By working in an industry
temporarily, they can take some time to determine whether a career is right for them.
How to get an internship
Searching for an internship is similar to searching for a regular job. To secure an internship
position, you should prepare by taking the following steps:
1. Write an internship resume and cover letter
Most companies require a resume and a cover letter when you apply for an internship. If
you are seeking an internship, you likely have little to no professional experience, making your
cover letter important context for the employer.
On your internship resume, include an objective statement at the top listing your
professional career goals. Include any relevant experience you have that might be helpful for
the employer such as completed coursework
, volunteer work and leadership roles in clubs or organizations. Review the job description
for keywords that apply to your background and include them on your resume.
gives you a chance to express your reason for applying to the job. It’s also a great
opportunity to explain what you can do for the company. Write about your relevant
experiences that apply to the role, examples of your work ethic and key skills. If you need help
writing or perfecting your documents, most colleges and universities offer free resume and
cover letter review services.
2. Ask for a letter of recommendation
A letter of recommendation is a statement provided by a relevant professional that
explains why an applicant would be a great candidate for a position. Many students ask a
professor to write a letter of recommendation for them. It is a good idea to choose a person
who knows you and your work well. You should provide this individual with the internship job
description, your resume and plenty of notice.
3. Make a list of companies
Make a list of companies you feel it would be beneficial to work with based on their
products, core values, industry expertise or other factors that inspire you. Search their websites
to make sure they offer internships in the timeframe you require.
By finding an internship at a company you may want to work for in the future, you get a
chance to see if you enjoy the field and to create contacts within the business. Some companies
also offer interns full-time positions depending on their performance.
4. Volunteer to intern
If you are interested in working for a company that does not offer an internship program,
don’t give up right away. Consider contacting the company’s human resources department to
see if they would benefit from hiring an intern in the near future. They might also provide you
with other opportunities outside of internships such as part-time positions, workshops or other
career development offerings in the industry.
5. Prepare for your interview
If a company requests an interview, take time to prepare by reviewing the job description,
developing answers to common interview questions and researching the company.
Understanding the company’s core values, mission statement and history can communicate
your excitement about the role.
Finding an internship can feel daunting, but the goal of this video is to leave you feeling
much more confident in your internship search and interview.
Duration of internships
The length of an internship can vary based on the industry, employer and role. In many
cases, people look for an internship that allows them to balance their school workload with
their internship hours. Here are the typical lengths for various types of internships:
College internship: A college internship is usually found on the campus of your
university. These positions are usually reserved for science, health care and research students
as well as those intending to pursue a master’s degree or PhD.
Externship: Externships are shortened internships. Most externs work for their company
for a few days to a few weeks.
One-year internship: Think of a year-long internship as two semesters. The first half
usually lasts for one semester and is typically unpaid. The employer evaluates your potential
and may or may not invite you back for a second semester. If you are invited back, the second
semester of the internship is often paid.
Semester internship: In a semester-long internship, a student usually works 10 to 20
hours per week for a two- to three-month period in return for school credit or hourly pay.
Summer internship: Many students prefer a summer internship because it offers a
chance to focus exclusively on work rather than balancing the internship with classes. The
length of summer internships vary, but they tend to last between two and three months.
Prepare for interviews with practice questions and tips
Benefits of an internship
Internships provide several benefits to college graduates including:
Developing and refining your skills: Internships can help identify your strengths and
weaknesses from the perspective of your industry. You can use this information to set personal
career goals to improve over time.
Potential for a higher starting salary:
Having relevant experience can increase your earning potential at every level of your
career. Some companies might consider you an entry-level candidate with internship
experience in the industry. Because you already have a certain level of relevant knowledge,
the company could save money on training costs, which may be something to discuss when
negotiating your starting pay
Networking:
Some internships lead directly to jobs within the company. However, if the company
doesn’t offer a job after an internship, interns can still develop a professional network with
that business. This network and its extensions can lead to other jobs and opportunities.
An easier transition into the professional world:
The transition from college to a professional career can be difficult without knowing
what to expect. An internship can help you understand the basic inner workings of a
business and how you might contribute to an organization.
Exploring your future career path:
Internships offer you the chance to temporarily explore an industry or position. Even if
you don’t enjoy the internship, you will be able to use that knowledge when searching for
another position or making decisions about your major or career path.
Earning an income:
Much internship provide compensation for your work. You might also be provided with
school credit. If you’re unsure, ask the employer during the hiring process how you will be
compensated for your work. With all the benefits associated with an internship, it is a great
option for college students and other individuals entering an industry. The experience and
resources you receive can help build a rewarding career.
