Are You Ready for Your Internship Search?

Are You Ready for Your Internship Search? The following checklist is designed to introduce the steps in an effective internship search and identify the parts of YOUR search that require the most attention. Your response will help you develop an action plan for reaching your internship goal. Please answer each question ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’

Self-Assessment

Yes     No

I can clearly articulate the value of my major to a potential employer.

I can name the work activities I do well and most enjoy.

I can describe the type of work environment in which I feel most productive and fulfilled.

I can list 3 marketable skills and abilities I possess.

I can describe my greatest strengths and also my greatest weaknesses.

I am aware of my values when choosing organizations where I might like to intern.

I know my geographical preferences and my geographical limitations are clearly defined.

I am certain of my career field(s) or industry(ies) of interest.

I know what it is about this (these) field(s) or industry(ies) that attracts me.

I have identified the work sectors I will consider (e.g., business, government, and health care).

I have know how interning in this field(s) fits into my career plans.

I am able to clearly and confidently state my immediate career goals.

I can list the skills, education and credentials required for the internships I am considering.

If you answered ‘No’ to many of these questions, you may want to:

• Ask a CSC counselor about taking a career interest inventory to assist you in identifying your skills, interests, and abilities.
• Utilize the CSC Career Lab (i.e., career exploration resources and career planning books) to do more in-depth career exploration.
• Mark your calendar with dates of upcoming CSC career fairs, employer presentations, and career development workshops.
• Identify at least 3 employers that might have internships for a person with your qualifications.
• List at least 3 internships that might be appropriate for your interest and abilities.
• Name at least 3 sources of information that could help you discover potential employers in a particular geographical area.
• Talk to at least 3 people who are employed in your field(s) or industry(ies) of interest with the purpose of learning more about what they do.

Putting it on Paper: Writing Effective Internship Search Correspondence

Yes     No

I can summarize my relevant personal experience in terms of work, education, and extracurricular activities for the employers I have targeted.

I have selected a resume format that suits my background and target audience.

I have had my resume critiqued and I am confident about its content and format.

I know the key points to be included in a cover letter and thank you letter.

I know how to personalize my internship search correspondence.

I have 3-5 references from individuals who can comment on my proficiency in specific areas.

If you answered ‘No’ to many of these questions, you may want to:

• Make an appointment or drop by the CSC to have your resume, cover letter, or other internship search correspondence critiqued.
• Visit the CSC Career Lab to look at sample resumes and cover letters published in print resources and magazines.
• Attend a CSC workshop on resume or cover letter writing.
• For each of your most important career-related experiences list:

3 things you did

3 things you learned

3 contributions or accomplishments you made

Getting from Here to There: Internship Search Strategies & Resources

Yes     No

I know how to utilize relevant CSC internship search tools, including postings, career fairs and professional development conferences.

I can list at least 5 employers whom I plan to contact regarding internship opportunities.

I have researched the organization, services and programs of my employers of interest

I am able to clearly and concisely state why I am interested in these employers.

I have studied organizational structures, services, products, and programs of the employers I am planning to contact.

I am aware of how to develop internship leads outside of advertised postings.

I can conduct employment research utilizing directories and other reference materials.

I have identified 3 or more web sites for my internship search.

I have used informational interviewing and networking to develop internship leads.

I have identified a variety of resources for posted positions in my field(s) or industry(ies) of interest.

I know how to conduct an internship search that targets a particular geographical area.

If you answered ‘No’ to many of these questions, you may want to:

• Use these Internship Boot camp workshops as a means of getting organized for your search.
• Schedule an appointment with a CSC counselor to clarify your internship search goals and begin developing your own individual search plan.
• Brainstorm a list of organizations agencies where you might find internships. This list will form the basis of the organizations you will target in your upcoming search.
• Make a list of all the people you know who may be able to assist you in your internship search including former colleagues, internship employers, classmates, friends at colleges and universities, neighbors, alumni, and faculty. Map out a plan to contact them about what you are looking for in your upcoming search. Talking About It: Preparing for the Interview Yes No I know how to prepare for an interview. I have already chosen or purchased appropriate clothing to wear to my interviews. I have researched and studied important information about potential employers. I know the organizational structure of my organization(s) of interest. I can clearly articulate my background and skills as they relate to a specific position. I am familiar with my non-verbal behavior and how I may be perceived in an interview. I know how to appropriately follow up with employers after interviews. If you answered ‘No’ to many of these questions, you may want to:
• Practice your interviewing skills by attending a CSC interviewing workshop.
• Schedule an appointment for mock interview at the Career Services Center (662.254.3441)
• Locate print and web resources to assist you in researching employers.
• Visit the CSC Career Lab to review resources on interviewing. Connect with individuals who can highlight your skills, abilities, and character to potential employers and ask them if they would be willing to serve as a reference for your upcoming interview.