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Finding an Internship
Career Services, BA 156Southwest Minnesota State University Southwestmsu.edu/CampusLife/careerservices
What will be covered…Internship Basics
◦ What is an internship◦ Why do an internship◦ When should you do an internship
Before you search◦ Learn about your interests and skills◦ Explore careers
The Internship Search◦ Researching Organizations◦ The Application Process
Resources
What is an Internship?
Career exploration toolApply your developing skillsValuable networking opportunity
Internships can be structured programs or individually tailored and can vary in length from a few weeks to a semester or whole year
Why do an Internship?Build your resumePractical work experience related
to your major or careerUnderstanding of how
organizations functionNetworking opportunitiesClarify career goals
Additional Things to ConsiderUnderstand your goals and
priorities:
What do you want to gain?◦ Credits from SMSU◦ Compensation
Geographical location◦ Are you willing to relocate
Housing Options◦ Where will you live? At home? With family
or friends? Find affordable apartment?
When to do an Internship?Summer is a popular timeFall or Spring semesters are options if
you are able to schedule the time or if your department offers credit
Remember—Nationally over 70% of students have at least one internship completed before graduation. 55% have two or more!
An Effective Internship SearchLearn What career fields interest you?
ResearchWhat organizations are in your field of interest?
ApplyChoose organizations & opportunities- Apply
What Career Fields Interest You?
What do you like to do? (Interests)What are you good at?
(Strengths/Skills)
Now choose internships that overlap
with your interests and your strengths.
Resources to Learn about CareersVisit the Career Services Library
BA 156Take a Career AssessmentResearch careers on:
◦Iseek.org◦Occupational Outlook Handbook◦Wetfeet.com
Attend a Career FairNetwork
Locating InternshipsAttend Job Fairs
◦ MN Job & Internship Fair in February◦ SMSU Job & Internship Fair in April◦ MN Government Fair in October
Visit internship posting sites◦ Mustangjobs◦ Intern Post
Network! Design your own internshipContact Chamber of Commerce of the
city where you would like to work
Research Organizations-Target Employers
Check out the company websiteRequest brochures, annual reports
and other company literatureRead trade journals and industry
news sites:◦Wall Street Journal (News Business and Finance)
◦AdAge.com (News for Marketing and Media)
◦OnPhilanthropy.com (News, Jobs for Non Profit)
Talk to other interns who have worked there previously
Application ProcessEach employer has its own applicationProcess. Find out:
What is the deadline?What will the employer need from you?
◦ Resume, cover letter, transcripts, etc.◦ Do you need to apply online?
Follow Up—Remember to call or email the employer after 2 weeks to check on your application
Be aware of early deadlines—especially for
accounting, finance or government
Internship Timeline
Three Semesters Before you Start:
NetworkDecide where to do an internshipResearch internship opportunitiesObtain information about the
company, internship programs, contact people and hiring deadlines
Internship Timeline
Two Semesters before you intern:Send out your resume and cover
letterPractice your interviewing skills
Check out resources on Career Services home
page at: www.southwestmsu.edu/campuslife/careerserivces
Online practice interview system Resume, Cover Letter, Interviewing Videos
Internship Timeline
One Semester before you intern:
Complete an applicationInterview with employersSend thank you lettersDecide on an internship that is
best for youAccept an internship offer
ResourcesSchedule an appointment BA 156
or call 507-537-6221Watch online workshops and career
videos: www.southwestmsu.edu/campuslife/careerservices
click on “Online Workshops” right hand side tab
Practice interviewing on Interview Stream
Research internships on Mustangjobs.com
Additional Internship ResourcesInternship Search EnginesIdealist.org
◦Internships in non profit organizationsOpportunities in Public Affairs
◦Internships in PR, government & public policy
Intern Post◦Internships post from MN employers
MonsterTrak
Internship Search ChecklistLearnIdentify career fields of interest through self reflection, research
and
talking with others
ResearchLocate organizations and employers offering internships within
your
field of interest
ApplyPrepare your resume and cover letters. Polish your interview
skills
and complete applications
Follow UpContact employers in a polite and timely manner to check on the
status of your application
Need Help
Contact Us!
Career Services, BA 156Southwest Minnesota State
University507-537-6221www.southwestmsu.edu/campuslife/careerservices