How To Apply for an Internship: A Guide to Launching Your Career
An internship is an excellent way to learn about a new profession immediately after graduation or while pursuing your degree, providing an opportunity to start your professional journey in your chosen field. But before you can reap the rewards of an internship, you must first figure out how you can apply for an internship. This blog is a compilation of all the necessary information needed for you to secure an internship.
Why Should You Do an Internship?
Doing an internship in your field of interest is the best way to build confidence and develop yourself professionally. Here are a few reasons why you should do an internship.
- Opens a World of Possibilities: An internship offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in your desired career, working at an organization that aligns with your passions and interests.
- Provides Exposure to New Skills and Knowledge: Pursuing an internship will help you learn new technical skills and knowledge in areas of your interest.
- Enhances Soft Skills: It allows you to develop soft skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, which can be beneficial for your future career.
- Prepares for Future Career Opportunities: An internship prepares you for full-time employment, helping you learn to conduct yourself professionally.
- Offers Networking Opportunities: Internships also provide you with an opportunity to network and create connections with professionals in your industry.
Note: As a student, you can also apply for part-time jobs that are equivalent to internships. If you are a fresher, you can apply for jobs for freshers too.
How to Apply for an Internship?
To apply for an internship, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of some necessary information.
1. Internship Applications: Knowing the Right Platforms to Apply
It’s important to research the different internship platforms and determine which will best meet your needs. Many organizations (ISRO, Google, Microsoft, NGOs, etc.) have their internship programs where you can apply directly.
Some platforms where you can find internships are:
- Internshala is one of the best platforms to apply for internships and fresher jobs.
- The careers page of a company’s website where you are interested in pursuing an internship.
- Many organizations post internship opportunities on their social media handles.
- Attending job fairs is also another option.
The best way to find a desired internship is through an ‘internet’ search. Just type the keywords on your preferred search engine and apply for an internship online.
2. Read the Internship Description Carefully
Before you begin the application process, carefully read the details of the internship. You need to check all the roles and responsibilities, duration, basic skills, mode of work, etc.
This will help you determine if the internship is right for you and make an informed decision. You can also use this information to prepare your resume and cover letter.
3. Take Note of the Application Deadlines
Be an early applicant and apply well before the deadline. Many early applicants are successful in catching the attention of the recruiters. However, don’t rush your application.
Take your time to make sure that you are submitting a quality application that accurately reflects your qualifications.
4. Apply to Internships That Match Your Qualifications
A role that matches your interests may be challenging for you if you lack the necessary qualifications. To get an internship, make sure that your qualifications match the stated requirements. It increases your chances of getting the opportunity you desire.
5. Brace Up for the Interview Process
The moment you decide on a particular internship, search for reviews, blogs, or videos of ex-interns to gain an idea of how the interview process works for that organization. Research the company and try to understand its work culture and values. Practice your answers to common questions.
6. Follow Up With the Companies
The employer might offer you the internship right after the interview or might ask you to wait. If the interviewer offers the internship, ask for the time of joining, work timings, and other details. If you hear, “Please wait for our revert”, it is necessary to follow up with the interviewer for an update. Following up with the employers conveys your interest, sincerity, and enthusiasm for work.
Things to Consider Before Applying for an Internship
Just knowing ‘how to apply for an internship’ is not enough. You must know what to consider before applying. To enhance your chances of selection, consider taking an online course on internship and job preparation.
For now, here are some key considerations you need to take note of before applying for an internship.
1. Know Your Career Interests to Grab the Right Opportunity
An internship is meant to foster your professional development. Therefore, you must do a self-assessment in terms of what your interests are, what you desire to become, and what your career goals are. Write down your career objective. Check out this blog on how to write career objectives for reference. Based on these factors, try to find and apply for opportunities that match your long-term career goals.
2. Find Organizations That Offer Internships of Your Interest
You will need to make additional efforts to find organizations that offer internships in the fields you are interested in. Not all organizations post current internship opportunities on popular online job portals.
For example, if you want to work at a UN organization, you will need to visit their official careers site to find an available position. You can also write to organizations to offer an internship position by expressing your interest.
3. Prepare Your Application Materials: Resume & Cover Letter
Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills, qualifications, and experience. Your cover letter should include the following:
- A short introduction about yourself.
- A brief overview of your academic background.
- Any relevant past experiences or skills that make you a great fit for the role.
- Explanation of why you want to work with an organization.
Keep your resume and cover letter updated and tailor them for each application. You may follow this guide to learn how to write a cover letter.
4. Get a Recommendation Letter to Strengthen Your Application
Some organizations may ask for a recommendation letter. It is a plus when you add a recommendation letter from your professor along with your resume. It gives strength to your application and makes you stand out from the rest. Make sure the letter is relevant and written by someone who knows you well.
Conclusion
To apply for an internship, you need to know your area of interest and long-term career goals and write a strong resume and cover letter to begin the application process. As much as you research the organization you are applying to, you should also consider learning about the interview process through online sources. Above all, it is important to remain confident in your abilities and trust the process to find the right opportunity for you to grow and develop.
Are you ready to find the best internship opportunity for yourself? Let us know in the comment section below if this blog has given you the motivation to begin your journey of applying for internships. Also, check out this blog on how to answer interview questions confidently.
