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All internships are not created equal. Since a great internship can lead to a promising full-time career, it's important not to squander the opportunity. But how do you ensure that you select an internship that advances your career instead of your coffee-making skills?
Richard Bottner, founder and president of staffing and research group Intern Bridge, says there can be gaps between what a student expects to achieve in an internship and what a company is offering. "There is a general disconnect between employers and students," he said.
To make that connection, keep these points in mind:
Where to Look?
Some first steps include a visit to your college's career or internship center, according to Peter Vogt of Career Planning Resources in Minneapolis, and author of several books for college students including Career Wisdom for College Students.
"There's no reason to try to go it alone where pursuing an internship is concerned," he says.
Dr. Randall Hansen, founder of career site Quintessential Careers and author of the Career Doctor advice column, believes that networking is the best method for students on the internship hunt - especially younger students without many college courses under their belt. Students should seek out family, friends, professors, fellow students and alumni. If you're a marketing major and your friend's mother is the VP of Marketing at Sea World, contact her and see if she can help, he says.
Do Your Homework:
Legwork can help students avoid problems. First, know what you want to get out of an internship. Then, ask probing questions at the interview. Keep in mind that you are interviewing the company to see if this is the best fit for you.
"Sit down and think about what is important to you and don't just accept anyone," Bottner says.
Learn what you can about corporate culture, Hansen recommends. Read the company's Web site. If you interview at the company, observe how people interact around you. Ask directly about the corporate culture and how interns are treated.
Some good questions to ask, according to Vogt, include:
What sorts of activities will I be working on during the internship? What does a "day in the life" of this company look like?
What are the most important skills and abilities needed in this internship?
Who supervises the internship, and what is his/her supervisory style?
How can I best prepare to succeed and contribute something substantive to the organization?
Seek out best-in-class opportunities:
Vogt says the best internships share the following characteristics:
-Job duties that go beyond photocopying and answering phones, "although students should be prepared to do some of these activities - and do them with a smile." Find internships that offer substantive activities that will give you new skills and a real-world understanding of the field you want to get into someday.
-Pay. "I say this because some students today still believe that all internships are unpaid," Vogt says. "Not true."
-Opportunities for strong supervision and mentorship. "You want to be able to tap the wisdom of your boss, your colleagues, and others throughout your internship - instead of feeling like you're basically on your own the whole time."
-Organization: Seek out an internship that is well organized and taken seriously by the company, he says.
-The possibility for leading to a full-time, permanent job. Many firms use internship programs as recruiting pipelines for future entry-level employees. Look for evidence that the company ends up hiring a lot of its own interns.
Take initiative:
"I think students miss opportunities to create their own internship," Bottner says. Students shouldn't be afraid to approach a company they're interested in and propose an internship.
"Get over the intimidation factor and get over there and do it," he says, adding that companies appreciate such go-getters.
Joining an industry association is an avenue often overlooked by students. Bottner says these groups often have discounted rates for students and are an ideal networking resource. For example, the National Society of Professional Engineers typically requires $220 in dues, but a student member only has to pay $20 to join.
Hansen agrees: "I don't think students realize they can forge their own way." Identify a handful of companies and conduct your own direct marketing campaign by contacting the internship coordinator or hiring manager.
Plus, start early, especially for some of the big companies, like NIKE, says Hansen. Some close applications or make hiring decisions about their summer internships as early as late December or January.
