What Is The Process?
Just like a job search, a lot of preparation goes into getting ready for an internship. Here are some steps that should prove useful to you.
- Prepare a resume geared toward seeking the experience you desire. Career Services is available to provide feedback and offer recommendations on how to best present yourself in a resume. Click on links to the right for information about resume preparation, cover letters, and references.
- Make an appointment with Career Services to talk about internship opportunities and to learn what the requirements are to earn academic credit (if needed). Not all degree programs require an internship; however, many students pursue internships anyway in order to acquire relevant experience to add to their resume. Click on links to the right to determine requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College of Science and Technology.
- Don't forget to check out the resources available at the Bellevue University Library.
- Create a search strategy (this is very much like searching for a job).
- Maintain a spreadsheet documenting the companies you contact or apply to and the status of your application.
- Research employers and do keyword searches through the Internet.
- Identify target organizations and contact them directly to make them aware of your interests and enthusiasm by providing the information they require.
- Click on the link to the right for frequently used job boards and web sites that list internships.
- Network with family, friends, teachers, and previous employers to learn about opportunities.
- Career Services is available to give you advice on your internship search strategy.
- Prepare thoroughly for your interview. Most organizations select interns through a competitive process very similar to what is used in hiring. That means:
- Brush up on your interview skills by completing practice interviews. Click on the Interview Preparation Strategies to the right. Many employers are conducting behavioral interviews so check out the behavioral interview questions (link to the right). You can also do a Google search for questions.
- Also, for a very realistic practice interview, log in to New Bruin, click on Career Resources, and then click on InterviewStream.
- Career Services is available to provide feedback on practice interviews.
- Once you have secured an internship offer letter, notify Career Services for assistance to ensure applications for academic credit are processed as required.
