Searching for Internships: “Where Do I Even Begin?”

Monika Kaczorowska & Emily Morris

Looking for an internship, especially during a global pandemic, is definitely a stressful experience. However, there are certain things that you can do to lead you to the right internship and make the search process more pleasant.


LinkedIn

A good starting point is creating your personal brand (see our other newsletter article: “Personal Branding: Tips from a Micro-Influencer”). If you are looking for a creative internship, make sure you can show your work to the employer. This can be done through creating posts and articles on LinkedIn or creating a website to supplement your resume. Most job applications ask you for your LinkedIn URL or your personal website. Including one can definitely make you stand apart from other candidates and make your application more memorable.


Exploration & Networking

Knowing what is it that you like and what are some qualities in an internship that you wish for is another crucial aspect in the process of searching and narrowing down your internship search. Try taking advantage of the different resources on-campus that allow you to get to know yourself, and figure out what is important to you in a future position. Something as simple as taking the Clifton Strengths Test or Career Leader Assessment can give you a better idea of what qualities you should look for in a position or a company.

When it comes to actually finding an internship online, utilize websites like LinkedIn and Handshake. On LinkedIn, try looking up your niches as well as areas of interest (ex. content creation, marketing and advertising, social media, etc.). These websites are easy to navigate, and they can help you compile a list of possible positions. It’s also a good idea to follow all the accounts and companies that you end up applying to. Don’t be scared to reach out and start a conversation with a professional you admire! By increasing engagement with them (commenting or liking their posts, staying in touch, sharing articles, etc.) your profile may have a higher chance of being recognized. Lastly, keep in mind that today many internships are remote and allow you to work at home.

Something you might be tired of hearing is networking. Yes, networking can be dreadful. Yes, networking can get you a job. Networking can help you figure out what it is that you’re looking for in an internship or future career. Meeting with people who may have studied what you are studying or networking with people who have similar interests can give you insight into what career paths are out there. Hearing about people’s day-to-day roles can definitely help you clarify exactly what it is that you’re looking for in a job. 


Resources

Another great way to get internship help is to use GW’s amazing resources! GW has some amazing career resources and services. Here is a short list of links with helpful services and tools provided by our university:


Written by Monika Kaczorowska & Emily Morris


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