how to optimize your internship experience. the iicap internship process finding the right...
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How to optimize your internship experience
The IICAP Internship Process
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Finding the right internship
Turning the internship into a job
Finding the right internship1
Internships can translate to full-time positions
What Career Are You Leaning On?
It is important that your employer likes you, but more importantly … that YOU like the work
Finding the right internship1
Make sure to:• Know what environment best fits with you:
– Chances are, the happier you are at work, the better the quality of the work you produce
• Build realistic expectations:– Grunt work is inescapable regardless of the job!– However, make sure to set out what you expect to be doing
and learning over the course of your internship
What Career Are You Leaning On?
Finding the right internship1
Finding the ideal company:• Research industries
– Learn all about the industries that you would be interested in
• Research companies – Learn about them through their webpages, research sites
(i.e. Vault, Hoover’s Online, etc.) and University resources (counsellors and online databases)
• Make contacts– Develop your network by attending information sessions,
reaching out to companies of interest for more information
Where Would You Like To Work?
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Once you’ve identified a company of interest:• Research the organization thoroughly
– What is the company currently doing? Find out new trends, challenges, recent successes, and workplace history
• Complete your application as clearly and professionally as possible– Your resume and cover letter must outline your skills, experience,
education, volunteer work, accomplishments, and interests
• Prepare for the interview– Practice mock interviews with your friends beforehand– On the day of your interview, dress professionally and bring a copy of your
resume
How Do You Get The Internship?
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Acing The Interview
After researching the company and, when possible, the people who are interviewing
you …
Practice your responses with a friend or an academic advisor
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Acing The Interview
Be prepared for two kinds of interview questions:
• Behavioral:– Set out to test your behavior
in an employment context
• Technical:– Purposed to assess whether you
have the necessary subject-specific knowledge for the job
Finding the right internship1
Behavioral Questions
Sample of behavioral questions:
• Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure
• Have you ever made a mistake? How did you handle it?
• Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you achieved it.
• Give an example of how you worked on team.
• What do you do if you disagree with someone at work?
• Share an example of how you were able to motivate employees or co-workers.
• Have you handled a difficult situation? How?
Finding the right internship1
BE CONFIDENTComposure is key. An interview is a good measure to show how you
handle pressure so you do not want to appear too nervous.
ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY
Late attendance is never excusable
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Learn as much as you can about the company and the people that
are interviewing you.
DRESS AND ACT PROFESSIONALLY
It is not what you say, but how you present yourself. Shake hands
firmly, maintain eye contact, sit up and stay focused.
DOASK QUESTIONS
Asking questions is the best way to show enthusiasm for the job. Show you did your homework
and you are genuinely interested.
SELL YOURSELFSpeak confidently about your
experiences and how they distinguish you from the other
candidates.
GET CLARIFICATIONThe better you understand the
question, the better the answers you give.
FOLLOW UPSend a follow up email thanking the interviewers for their time
and reaffirm your interest in the position.
Interview Dos And Don’ts
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Interview Dos And Don’ts
BE VAGUE Get the employer to be more
specific and then respond.
INTERRUPT If you don't have time to listen,
neither does the employer.
CHEW GUM or place your phone on the
employer's desk.
ACT OVERLY FAMILIAR
even if the employer is acting in this way.
DON’T RAMBLELong answers often make the speaker sound apologetic or
indecisive.
SIMPLY ANSWER "YES" OR "NO“
Explain whenever possible.
LIEAnswer questions as truthfully as
possible.
BADMOUTH your present or former employers
or companies.
The IICAP Internship Process
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Finding the right internship
Turning the internship into a job
Turning internship into job2
Be alert to the corporate culture• Get along with your boss and your
coworkers– Your coworkers always have a say as to whether you get the
full-time position!
• Ask for feedback– Understanding how they
perceive your work in their workplace can be very insightful for improvement
Fit in
Turning internship into job2
Things to keep in mind• Adhere to the start and finish hours
– It doesn’t look good to start late and leave earlier
• Respect the dress code
Fit in
Turning internship into job2
• Show initiative– Showing enthusiasm for your work is the best way to prove
you belong there
• Go above and beyond the bare minimum– When you exceed expectations, you gain your colleagues’
trust
Set Personal Goals
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Write emails carefully Be on time Be respectful of others Demonstrate professional
integrity Praise much more frequently
than you criticize Include as many coworkers
that would be relevant to your activities
Your Image Matters
Everything you do creates an impression on your employer and coworkers
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If you don’t know how to do something, ASK! Employers do not expect you to know everything the
from the first day on the job.
Ask Questions
At the same time, this demonstrates eagerness to learn and motivation
Turning internship into job2
Ask for a reference letter that recognizes the contribution you have made
At the end of the internship
And don’t forget …
Have fun!