The Internship "To Do" List

Want to land your dream internship but don’t know the next step in the process? You are in the right place. Before applying for an internship, here are a few steps to take.

Do your research- Tailor your résumé and cover letter to fit the ideas of the company or organization you are applying to. Find out what they are all about and apply some of it in your application materials. Also, complete some extensive research on the organization before going in for your interview. They love hearing what you learned about their company.

Dust up your résumé- We all have one, but are they really good? Future employers don’t want to see previous jobs you’ve had that are irrelevant to your field of study.  Be sure to have balance to your résumé. If you have had three internships, list the same amount of accomplishments each. And be creative with it.

Personalize your cover letter - If you find out that the company you are applying to looks for candidates that are able to work in a fast-paced environment then explain that in your cover letter. It shows that you researched the company and that you have the qualities the employers are looking for.

Have a blog - So you’re a good writer? Your future employers hear that all the time. Prove to them that you actually are by showing them your own writing from your blog.  If you don’t have a blog, become a guest blogger for a few different organizations. It will help to get your name out there.

Find out what you’re good at - Social Media? Digital? Whichever topic you think you are good at, stick with it and get really good at it. However, employers also like when you know how to do it all.  Don’t know what you are good at? Try a little bit of everything.

Bring a kind and positive attitude to your interview - Employers hire attitude over everything.  They can train interns on different tasks and programs but they can’t train them how to change negative or unwanted attitudes. The first impression is everything so make it a good one.

The intern “to do” list can go on and on but this list provides the bare minimum. The bottom line is to be prepared and do your research before going in for an interview. Be sure to follow these precautionary steps. They can make you stand out amongst the others.

Kristina Graefen is a senior with a major in Advertising and Public Relations. She is a Chicagoan who loves Portillo’s, Michigan Ave., and the Water Tower Place. Being obsessed with dogs, she hopes to get her first one after she graduates in the spring. Coffee and chocolate get her through the week.