What’s the Best Way to Search For and Apply to an Internship?

Internships provide students with valuable, real-world experience they can’t get in a classroom or in a traditional part-time job. Most high-achieving students know the importance of an internship, but when it comes time to find one, many people have questions. Finding and landing an internship can be a daunting exercise, so follow this advice if you’re thinking about an internship this year.

“Your future job offer will come from an internship that is really just a very long interview! The competition in the market place is strong and having a few internships will set you up for greater success. Treat the internship seriously!” Says Sharon Tsao, CMO, Contemporary Staffing Solutions.

Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you can’t land an internship last-minute. It requires a great deal of advanced planning. First, find out when your school’s deadline for credits falls. Schools typically will not give you credit if you do not register in advance. Next, make sure to pay attention to the application deadlines for any internship you are considering. Research internships months before you’re ready to apply, so you can be sure you don’t miss a deadline.

Some insider tips to remember:

  • Large corporations and national nonprofits often have lengthy application processes.
  • Internships with smaller companies tend to have shorter processes.
  • Skilled internships often happen during the fall semester.
  • Creative internships or internships for less-skilled roles tend to happen during the spring.
  • For fall internships, reach out during the spring semester.
  • For spring internships, start looking in September and October.
  • Competitive summer internships often begin their application process in the fall.

Where To Find An Internship

You don’t want to conduct an internship search on your own. The process is long, overwhelming, and often confusing. You will set yourself up for success if you have a professional on your side. Your college career or internship center may seem like a great place to start but remember, unless you attend a very small school, that staff could be helping dozens, if not hundreds of other students. You aren’t likely to get the personalized support you deserve.

You can get that personalized support by working with a professional recruiter to find an internship or other experience in your field.  A recruiter can help you lay the foundation for a solid career by connecting you with opportunities you may not find out about on your own. They will help you build your resume and work on your interviewing skills, as well.

“Contemporary Staffing Solutions needs ambassadors and will pay you a referral fee if you send us the leads of some of your best talent that you are in class with and or socialize with! $100 after we place them in any of our niches! We also have select internship programs available in our offices for real relationship builders! Call me directly if you’re interested!” Says Jeff Boyle, Corporate Recruiter, Contemporary Staffing Solutions.

Recruiters can also help you land paid, temporary jobs in your field to help boost your resume and your professional profile. Contemporary Staffing Solutions is a recruiting firm that specializes in helping college students and recent graduates get their careers off the ground. We can connect you to interesting opportunities where you can both learn and earn money. Contact us to hear more about the ways we can help you achieve your goals.

Read More helpful & inspiring tips here.

Contemporary Staffing connects job seekers to hiring managers nationally in the following professions: Accounting & FinanceCall Center & OfficeHuman ResourcesITSalesforce, and Sales & Marketing.