As the season of internship hunting has started, many of us find ourselves refreshing job boards and rewriting CVs, wondering how we are going to find an internship.
The internship search can feel overwhelming, but with a clear plan and a bit of strategy, you can move from anxious scrolling to confident applying. Here are a few steps I followed during my journey that eventually helped me secure an internship:
- Know your direction: [1]
Before you start applying, take a moment for on the field you want to explore and the kind of work that excites you. It is normal to not know what your dream job is, but having a sense of direction will help you make more meaningful choices.
- Focus on quality not quantity:
A common mistake is applying to everything that appears on your screen, believing it increases your chances of securing an internship. In reality, recruiters can easily differentiate between thoughtful applications and a quick click and send ones.
- Your CV and cover letter are your friends:[2]
CV and motivation letters were not made to make your life harder. Rather, they are meant to show how your values and skills can help an organization grow. Thus, take your time to personalize these documents while also enjoying how much you’ve learnt over the past few years.
- Look beyond LinkedIn:
While LinkedIn is the place of networks and opportunities, it is not the only platform where openings are placed. Many companies also share vacancies on their own websites or announce them on Instagram. Following and regularly checking the pages of the companies you would like to work for you can lead you to opportunities you might otherwise miss.
- Your network is your weapon: [3]
Forming relationships with your professors, classmates, and even co-workers can be crucial in possibly landing your dream job. Many job opportunities often come through personal recommendations or casual everyday interactions.
- Be yourself:[4]
The best approach is actually so simple: be yourself. Authenticity goes a long way. Be honest about your experiences and interests. Trying to be someone else to fit a position could be the reason you aren’t getting any call backs.
Everyone’s internship journey looks different. But as Mr. Jongert said at the end of the job training: ‘The best way to kickstart your career is to start doing something you enjoy doing. If you do this, you will grow naturally’.
[1] https://www.maeur.nl/students/blog/2021-05-17-a-guide-to-finding-an-internship
[2] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-find-internships
[3] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-find-internships
[4] https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/how-to-get-an-internship/ (interview tips for internship)