Creating Internships
Applying to open positions isn’t the only way to find an internship. Many students create their own. Employers without structured internship programs (most often smaller companies and non-profits) aren’t necessarily closed off to the idea of having interns…they’re just waiting for curious, self-motivated students to reach out to them!
Reflect & Research
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Find an organization you’re genuinely passionate about…you love their products, care about the population they serve, believe in their mission, etc.
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Reflect on what you want out of an internship…to hone a skill you learned in class, develop a new skill, practice a new style of working, experience a new work setting, etc.
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Figure out a good-fit contact within the organization...somebody who works in a department of interest to you, somebody with whom you share something in common, or somebody who knows somebody you know.
Write & Refine
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Tailor your resume to showcase your most relevant skills and experiences.
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Write a one-page proposal letter (similar to a cover letter) that covers the following:
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How do you know about the employer and why are you interested in interning there?
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How can you contribute to their organization? Give brief ideas of projects you can work on, problems you can help solve, populations you can serve, etc.
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How are you qualified? What knowledge, skills, and experience would help you be successful there?
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What do you want to learn from them? Share some brief ideas; you’ll create actual learning goals later.
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Available start date, preferred end date, and approximate number of hours per week you’re available.
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Craft a professional email with a short, compelling summary of what’s in your attached resume and proposal.
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Have your documents reviewed and then polish them.
Reach Out
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Consider setting up a meeting with your contact to discuss your proposal or get advice.
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Prepare to give your resume and proposal letter to your contact or a hiring manager on a specific team when appropriate.
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Follow-up in a week or two…and then follow-up one more time if you don’t hear back.
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Send thank you notes to your contacts and the employers who engaged with you.
Note: These tasks do not have to be completed in the order presented. For example, you could set up a meeting with a contact first and then create a proposal that builds on what you discussed. Do what works for your situation!
What to do next
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Go to events where you’ll meet employers and other contacts
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Connect with potential employers at linkedin.com
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View sample resumes on our website
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Get 1:1 coaching on creating internships - make an appointment