Hi! I am Victoria, a former Global Strategy Intern and Digital Trends Research Analyst at DEPT® – a technology and media agency. My company creates end-to-end digital experiences for multi-industry and they have been a true pioneer in the industry for many years. My internship experience at DEPT stands out as one of the best 6 months during my entire bachelor year, and I would like to share with you the lesson I learnt during my internship seeking phase.
The process of looking for an internship might sound scary at first and many of you probably wonder “what internship is suitable for me?” and “how do I land my dream internship?.” Please rest assured that this disoriented feeling is a common experience that many of your peers, including myself have experienced. But I am here to be your buddy! In this blog post, I will share with you my list of do and dont which will help your internship finding experience more pleasant and effectively.
- Ask yourself the correct questions
Personally, I find that asking yourself the correct questions when finding a suitable internship is extremely important but it is rarely mentioned. These are the questions you should ask yourself before finding the first ever internship
“What are the tasks you love to do during school or extra curricular activities?”
This question is very important to help you understand where your interests are aligned. Identifying tasks you genuinely enjoy doing will help you find an internship that aligns with your passions and interests. When you are passionate about the work you do, you are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and perform at your best.
“What are my career goals and objectives for this internship?”
Define what you want to achieve through this internship. Consider the skills you want to develop, industries you want to explore, or the specific role you aim to experience. Understanding your goals will help you target suitable opportunities.
“What are my preferred location and time commitment for the internship?”
Determine the geographical location where you’d like to intern. Also, be clear about your availability in terms of part-time, full-time, or remote internships. This will help you narrow down your search to opportunities that fit your preferences.
- Evaluate your networking resources and opportunities
The more familiar I am with the internship application process, the more I realize the power of networking. Take stock of your existing network, including family, friends, professors, and previous employers. They might be aware of internship opportunities or can connect you with relevant contacts! Additionally, consider how you can expand your network through career fairs, professional organizations, or online platforms like LinkedIn.
- Really think about why do you want to work at that company
Think about the company culture, values, and mission that resonate with you. Consider the industries or fields that genuinely interest you. Interning at a place that aligns with your passions will make the experience more fulfilling and rewarding.
Those are all of the big lessons I have condensed for myself and I hope it will become valuable to you too. Good luck with internship applications!
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