How to apply for student internships

More and more companies are offering to student internships as a means to both provide valuable experience to potential hires and examine how well they handle the pressure cooker that is the world of business.

Student internships have always been readily available through programs with universities, some have very strict guidelines, others are very easy to attain depending on your field of study. Student internships can be full time, part time, unpaid and paid. It’s best to understand all the necessary criteria and keep your expectations clear. One would have to ask if gaining valuable industry experience is more important than money.

Multiple sources for student internships

After you evaluate your specific situation, such as whether you just want a summer bridge program, what type of experience your will gain, is the program graduate study related, do you want to work for a particular industry or company; you will need to narrow down your options, contact all your local universities and community colleges and investigate whatever programs they have in place already.

Research your local paper for company ads, go online at the various websites for student internships that connect the companies and prospective interns. Attend company seminars and industry workshops to make contacts and gather valuable information. Use all the social media sites available to connect with companies through their various blog sites. Talk to current interns at places you would like to work and ask them about the process. There are also student internships available with non-profits and government agencies.

Be creative

Consider attending networking events and establishing great contacts. Student internships can be competitive especially if you want to land a prestigious position, even companies such as Google are now heavily targeting student internships in several departments. Networking also allows you to tap into opportunities even before an organization makes the position public.

Companies admire those that take the initiative and think outside the box. The idea is to not to restrict yourself to the same positions online and via the respective institutional programs available as those will be open to a wide group of prospective candidates. The ability to be creative in landing your internship position will already put you ahead of the pack.