Michelle BergInternship Coordinator

University Career Center

Outline GCSU PaperworkApplication ProcessCommon QuestionsKnow Yourself/Clarify your goalsStrategize your searchFinding internship positionsYour professional personaNetworking Questions

GCSU Paperwork

Application Process & InterviewingOnline or paper applicationEssay/Statement of interestReferencesResume & Cover LetterInterview

Types of interviews:Phone InterviewIn person interview

GroupIndividual

Common Questions When should I start looking for an internship? Where should I do an internship?How do I start my search?Is there a long list of internships somewhere I

can look at? I’m interested in more than one area- Help!?!What semester should I do an internship?Is it possible to get paid during my

internship?

Search Secret #1:Know Yourself!Topics you like best in your majorInternship GoalsSkills you want to develop Organization values & missionSupervisor QualitiesCauses you are passionate about Brainstorm a list of places that fit the

description

Search Secret #2:Clarify your goalsAsk yourself a few questions during the early

stages of your search:Why do I want to complete an internship? When?What area(s) do I want to explore the most?What specific skills do I want to develop?What activities have I liked the best (and the least)? What are my expectations? Are they realistic?Do I need a paid internship?

What do I want to walk away with when my internship is completed?

Internship Search Scenario STUDENT #1:

Paul is a junior Biology major. He searches for his internship by looking at internship websites and talks to a few people about what is available. He’s not sure what type of internship he’s looking for and is open to suggestions.

STUDENT #2:

Mary is a junior Mass Communication major. She first develops a clear idea of what she’s looking for and searches by brainstorming, searching websites, and talking to people about what organizations that fit the description.

Which method is better?

Search Secret 3#:StrategizeClarify your internship goalsMake a timeline

Plan: People to contact (E.g., faculty, Career Center,

alumni)Organizations to contact Websites to browse Career fairs to attendNetworking events to attend Professional associations to join

Search Secret #4:Places to locate openings GCSU Career ConnectionBroad internship websitesSpecific Organization websitesProfessional association websitesWord of mouth/NetworkingInformational interviewPlaces you’ve volunteeredCareer FairsSuggestion Letter

Search Secret #5:Create your Professional PersonaDevelop internship goalsPolish resume & cover letterDevelop your professional networkResearch the organizationReview “Frequently Asked Interview

Questions”Participate in a mock interview sessionDress the partInterviewFollow-up

Visit the Career Center!

Search Secret #6:Display Qualities Employers Like

Search Secret #7:Networking What Networking IS NOT:

Asking people for an job/internshipUsing people to get ahead Meeting as many people as possibleAbout schmoozing with people

What Networking IS:Making contacts Learning new informationGood listening skillsMutual benefit

Believe it or not, you already HAVE

a network!

Networking ContactsFriendsFamily FacultyStudents AlumniProfessional AssociationsCoworkers SupervisorsCommunity Leaders

Networking

Search Secret #8:The Internship ProposalBelieve it or not, you CAN suggest an

internship to an organizationMake sure you they don’t have a programDo your research Brainstorm possible goals and responsibilitiesFind a specific person to be in contact with Send a letter & emailFollow-up Meet to discuss specifics

Using the internet to find internshipsLinkedInFacebookTwitter

StudentJobs InternQueenInternGCSU (GCSU Internship Coordinator Michelle Berg)

Career/Work blogsGCSU Career Connection

Look for agencies and organizations in your field, not just internship listings

Find contacts at companies that interest you

Things to Remember…Be Creative!Take risks- apply to everythingBe persistent Enjoy your internshipBe an active participant

Ask questionsTake initiativeMeet people and keep in touch

Think of it as a learning experienceAt the conclusion, evaluate what you’ve learned

ResourcesQuintcareers.com

-Internship articles and other search resources - Internship Handbook:

http://www.quintcareers.com/Quintessential_Careers_Press/Internship_Guide/

Business lists - Chamber of Commerce, phone book, online business directories

O*net (google onet)- Find job descriptions for multiple careers

Career Connection (myinterfase.gcsu/student)-To find employers, listings, and contact information

Internships-usa.com (username: interns, password: learn)Ga.gov

-Type “internship” into the search engine, several results appearGovernor’s Internship Program: intern.gov/georgiaExplorehealthcareers.org

Questions?