Intern Intellect: Get In, Get Ahead
- Use the many career sites available online. Web sites like www.interweb.com , www.monstertrak.com and www.wetfeet.com offer highly specialized searches for internships.
- Career-specific organizations, such as the Landscape Architecture Foundation, often have their own internship databases.
- If you’re a student, many colleges have resources and counselors that can help you find opportunities in your area.
- If an organization doesn’t have an established position, find out if they could use any help. It takes more initiative, but you will reap the benefits when the company sees what an asset you were as an intern.
- Go to the source. Many companies and organizations keep internship information on their web sites.
- Go on a few internship interviews. Often you can’t really get a feel for an internship until you meet with your potential supervisor.
- Treat the interviews as you would for a potential job; come prepared with a list of things you would like to contribute, what you hope to learn form the experience, and a resume with any references you have.
- If you have to move to a new city, always ask if the company or organization provides any housing stipends. An organization might own housing they rent at a low rate to interns. If not, they will likely know where other interns have stayed.
- If you are commuting, ask if they would be willing to pay for transportation costs.
- Keep an eye out for internships that offer scholarships or grants to offset internship expenses.
- Also, keep in mind that you might have to work a part-time job to make ends meet while you are an intern. Otherwise, plan ahead and save enough to cover the length of your internship.
- Offer to collaborate with other interns. Suggest what you can contribute. Outside perspective and insight from a younger generation is a valuable asset.
- Show them you are willing to work for the team and can make things more efficient.
- Remember, internships are all about gaining experience in a filed you are interested in, and not about if you can get their coffee just the way they like it.
