Finding an Internship

Career Services, BA 156Southwest Minnesota State University Southwestmsu.edu/CampusLife/careerservices

What will be covered…Internship Basics

◦ What is an internship◦ Why do an internship◦ When should you do an internship

Before you search◦ Learn about your interests and skills◦ Explore careers

The Internship Search◦ Researching Organizations◦ The Application Process

Resources

What is an Internship?

Career exploration toolApply your developing skillsValuable networking opportunity

Internships can be structured programs or individually tailored and can vary in length from a few weeks to a semester or whole year

Why do an Internship?Build your resumePractical work experience related

to your major or careerUnderstanding of how

organizations functionNetworking opportunitiesClarify career goals

Additional Things to ConsiderUnderstand your goals and

priorities:

What do you want to gain?◦ Credits from SMSU◦ Compensation

Geographical location◦ Are you willing to relocate

Housing Options◦ Where will you live? At home? With family

or friends? Find affordable apartment?

When to do an Internship?Summer is a popular timeFall or Spring semesters are options if

you are able to schedule the time or if your department offers credit

Remember—Nationally over 70% of students have at least one internship completed before graduation. 55% have two or more!

An Effective Internship SearchLearn What career fields interest you?

ResearchWhat organizations are in your field of interest?

ApplyChoose organizations & opportunities- Apply

What Career Fields Interest You?

What do you like to do? (Interests)What are you good at?

(Strengths/Skills)

Now choose internships that overlap

with your interests and your strengths.

Resources to Learn about CareersVisit the Career Services Library

BA 156Take a Career AssessmentResearch careers on:

◦Iseek.org◦Occupational Outlook Handbook◦Wetfeet.com

Attend a Career FairNetwork

Locating InternshipsAttend Job Fairs

◦ MN Job & Internship Fair in February◦ SMSU Job & Internship Fair in April◦ MN Government Fair in October

Visit internship posting sites◦ Mustangjobs◦ Intern Post

Network! Design your own internshipContact Chamber of Commerce of the

city where you would like to work

Research Organizations-Target Employers

Check out the company websiteRequest brochures, annual reports

and other company literatureRead trade journals and industry

news sites:◦Wall Street Journal (News Business and Finance)

◦AdAge.com (News for Marketing and Media)

◦OnPhilanthropy.com (News, Jobs for Non Profit)

Talk to other interns who have worked there previously

Application ProcessEach employer has its own applicationProcess. Find out:

What is the deadline?What will the employer need from you?

◦ Resume, cover letter, transcripts, etc.◦ Do you need to apply online?

Follow Up—Remember to call or email the employer after 2 weeks to check on your application

Be aware of early deadlines—especially for

accounting, finance or government

Internship Timeline

Three Semesters Before you Start:

NetworkDecide where to do an internshipResearch internship opportunitiesObtain information about the

company, internship programs, contact people and hiring deadlines

Internship Timeline

Two Semesters before you intern:Send out your resume and cover

letterPractice your interviewing skills

Check out resources on Career Services home

page at: www.southwestmsu.edu/campuslife/careerserivces

Online practice interview system Resume, Cover Letter, Interviewing Videos

Internship Timeline

One Semester before you intern:

Complete an applicationInterview with employersSend thank you lettersDecide on an internship that is

best for youAccept an internship offer

ResourcesSchedule an appointment BA 156

or call 507-537-6221Watch online workshops and career

videos: www.southwestmsu.edu/campuslife/careerservices

click on “Online Workshops” right hand side tab

Practice interviewing on Interview Stream

Research internships on Mustangjobs.com

Additional Internship ResourcesInternship Search EnginesIdealist.org

◦Internships in non profit organizationsOpportunities in Public Affairs

◦Internships in PR, government & public policy

Intern Post◦Internships post from MN employers

MonsterTrak

Internship Search ChecklistLearnIdentify career fields of interest through self reflection, research

and

talking with others

ResearchLocate organizations and employers offering internships within

your

field of interest

ApplyPrepare your resume and cover letters. Polish your interview

skills

and complete applications

Follow UpContact employers in a polite and timely manner to check on the

status of your application

Need Help

Contact Us!

Career Services, BA 156Southwest Minnesota State

University507-537-6221www.southwestmsu.edu/campuslife/careerservices