Aaron Walker
MC301/Staff
With summer fast approaching, many college students are looking for something to do, whether it is going to summer school, getting a summer job, or doing a summer internships to gain experience in their chosen profession.
If you are planning to do a summer internship, here are some of the things you need to know to land the best position.
According to internships.com, summer internships provide extremely valuable experience in a students chosen field. If you are too busy to commit as an intern during the school year, the summer is a great option for completing an internship to get ahead of the curve.
Joann White, assistant professor in the Department of Management and Marketing at Jackson State University, gives this advice on landing an internship.
“Students who want internships have to start the process early. A good time to start would be around the end of August in the fall semester, just after classes start. The local interns are probably the ones that are more attractive to students. Students should visit the University Placement Office and find out what companies offer internships. Once you secure a listing of companies offering internships, narrow it down to the ones that fit your major,” said White.
While added, “Students should prepare their resume and cover letter and mail it to as many companies as possible. Always follow-up with a call to check to see if your resume and letter have been received. After the initial contact, you should check to see if you can come in for an interview. Keep an accurate log of who you talk to and date of contact,” said White.
Jacqueline Triplett-Spires, internship coordinator in the College of Business at JSU, offered tips to help secure your summer internship.
“Students should prepare an error free resume, and before the interview researched the company, know as much about the organization as possible. Practice and master interviewing skills, and know what skills you bring to the table and be able to demonstrate these skills in the interview process. Also, be confident and but not arrogant, be attentive in the interview, and be prepared to ask questions during the interview,” said Spires.
Most of all, never wait until the last minute to apply for a summer internship.
Maggie Jean Walker, director of Enrollment Management, Career Placement and Alumni Relations in the College of Business at JSU said, “Always ask you might think it’s too late but it might not be so just always ask, but if you can don’t wait till to the last minute to apply for summer internships.”
