The fall semester has just begun and classes are in full swing. Technically speaking, summer hasn’t even ended yet on the calendar and won’t for a few more weeks. It’s hard to imagine thinking about next summer already, but the hunt for internships actually begins in the fall. All students, but particularly sophomores and juniors, should begin the process of research and planning for summer 2017 internships in the fall over the next few months.
Many internship programs have application deadlines in the fall
Longwood students interested in an internship at the FBI, CIA or other government agencies need to get moving quickly. These internships are often highly competitive and require a lengthy background check. As such, application deadlines are typically mid-October - November. Check agency websites for specific dates and timelines.
Ever dreamed of an internship at the New York Times or major media outlet? Many, including the Times have fall deadlines as well. Many internships at Fortune 500 companies also follow fall selection processes. If you have a specific company in mind for an internship, get started researching deadlines now so you won’t miss out.
Even if the application isn’t due until after the holiday break, it helps to hone-in on a strategy
There are fundamental questions that must get answered during the fall semester to help students prepare for seeking out and applying for internships. A strategy to find an internship in San Francisco is different than one that is Virginia-based. Internships can be paid or unpaid, and students need to consider these scenarios and inquire with their families how their experiences will be supported.
Career Coaches at University Career Services can help students select companies or organizations to target for internship opportunities and assist in making connections and working through the application process.
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Career Coaches at University Career Services can help students select companies or organizations to target for internship opportunities and assist in making connections and working through the application process.
Ask former interns about their internships and get a referral
The best person to ask about internships, aside from the hiring manager selecting candidates, are interns from previous years. If you’re interested in interning at a company like Facebook or Amazon, use Linkedin to research and find recent interns that might be willing to chat about their experiences. Coaches at UCS can help students prepare for these conversations, called “informational interviews,” by outlining great questions that show passion, drive and commitment.
With any luck, conversations with interns from previous years can lead to a future referral for a dream internship. Remember, it’s not all about who you know, it’s who knows you!
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