It’s officially second semester and you know what that means: it’s time to build that résumé of yours and start applying for summer internships.
Internships are a great way to get a feel for the type of job you want in the future. You might, for example, think you want to be an astronaut until you start interning at NASA and realize you’re afraid of heights. But whether your dream is to fly through space, crunch numbers or break out as an artist, an internship can lead you to discover what you’re truly passionate about.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when applying this year:
DO start working on a résumé early in the year. The Hegi Family Career Development Center is a great resource that can help you perfect your résumé and format it to meet the standards for any internship application. Be mindful of what’s important. That tenth grade science fair award, while impressive, is probably not worth mentioning.
DON’T skip the cover letter. Most internship applications will say that submitting a cover letter is optional, but it is definitely highly recommended. A cover letter is your one chance to make a lasting impression on employers and stand out among a stack of applications.
DO clean up your social media. Most hiring agencies will look you up on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, so make sure you present yourself well online and remove any posts that could paint you or the company you are applying for in a bad light.
DON’T wait until the last minute to apply. Internships during the summer are extremely competitive and many companies begin the hiring process early on in the year. Be smart and get your name noticed early on.
DO be proactive and follow up. Call and ask for the human resource department and ask if they received your application. It shows employers that you’re a go-getter and really passionate about the position.
DON’T lose faith. There are endless internship opportunities for students during the summer, especially in Dallas. So if you don’t land the one you really want, there’s probably dozens out there just like it. Sites like internmatch.com can help students choose from hundreds of internships across the globe and find the one that’s right for you.
