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How To Find An Internship

How to find an internship? This is a question many college students ask themselves, as they try to prepare for a rewarding career by gaining experience and knowledge. An internship can offer training for a career you are definitely pursuing, or it can help you make a decision about which direction you want to go with your career. Either way, you need to understand how to find an internship and this article will help you do just that.

1. Determine your specific career interests. There are many courses you may take that can lead to different careers. For example, a major in marketing will allow you to pursue a career in sales, advertising or public relations. Figure out exactly which direction you want to go before you try to find an internship.

2. Understand exactly what an internship is. You may know exactly what you want to do when you graduate, or you may still be undecided. An internship is work experience and training that provides you with a chance to work in the actual industry so that you can determine if the path you are taking is the right one for you. This way, you can get a "hands-on" feeling of what a particular career would involve without committing yourself permanently.

3. Learn how to search for jobs. Once you know the direction you want to go in, look for internships online. Internweb.com is a good place to start, and you will be able to specify the area in which you are looking for an internship. Most businesses that offer internships list information on their website, including an application and other documents they will need. Learn how to write an effective cover letter and resume, and how to prepare for an interview.

4. Visit the on-campus Career Service office. Most colleges and universities have a Career Services office where you can see what is available. They can often direct you to internships that are geared toward your career goals.

5. Ask for an internship. If you find many businesses that hold your interest but cannot find any information on their website regarding an internship, call and ask. If they do have an internship available, ask who you need to talk to, send a letter or resume to that person, and follow up with a phone call. Businesses tend to lean toward those individuals with a keen interest; those who are persistent will often be chosen for the internship.

6. Check with friends, family members, teachers and acquaintances. Often, the best way to find an internship is by networking with others. Those you know can give you contact names for businesses in your area, so that you can make certain you are talking to someone in a position of authority. Just tell them what type of career field you are interested in, then contact the businesses and tell them you are looking for an internship. If they don't have one, they may lead you to a business that does.

The tips above help make it easier for you to understand how to find an internship. Use these guidelines, and your search will be much less difficult.