These Are the Key Tips to Keep in Mind When Applying for Summer Internships

By Meghen Jones

Summer is rapidly approaching, and you’re probably thinking about all the things you have planned, including taking on an internship that could be added to your resume.  Internships are very important for college students and can be the one thing that helps you secure a job post-graduation. Of course, you have the grades, some on-campus work experience, and a thoughtful cover letter, but you need that extra oomph to give you solid grounding in the highly competitive job market.

When applying for internships, it is important that you make yourself standout, and I’m sure you’re probably wondering how you can do so. Well, it’s actually possible with a few simple pointers: showcase your skills, know what you’re applying for, and most importantly, be passionate. With these key factors in mind, uCribs has put together a blog on how each of these tips make your internship application process a bit easier.

Showcase Your Skills

It’s usually easy to point out how skilled someone else is, yet we tend to bypass our own skillset from time to time. You know, the skills we’ve acquired from different class lectures, group projects, or previous work experience that set us apart from the crowd. Do you have leadership skills? Note it. Are you organized? Let them know. If you’re applying for an internship it’s always helpful to make a list of any skill that you possess that is necessary to the employer’s workflow.

Showing off these skills can increase your chances of getting an internship because potential employers want to see what you can contribute to their company. Just think of it this way: your experiences are what make you stand out! For example, if you have talent in videography, you could showcase your skills through an online portfolio on YouTube. If your talent lies with writing, then it might be a good idea to keep a constant, updated portfolio on WordPress. Even if you haven’t had a job in your desired career field, stick to your soft skills such as time management, creativity, decision making, and the ever-so-popular, ability to work under pressure. So, embrace your skills, make them known, and let your resume truly shine.

Know What You’re Applying For

Have you ever applied to a job, or taken a class, that was not exactly what you were intending? It can become a sticky situation for many different reasons. To avoid this when applying for internships, you should spend time researching what you are actually applying for. It’s always helpful to learn what the company does (product, service, etc.), in addition to evaluating their values and/or mission statement, assessing the customer feedback on their online social channels, and determining how this position will help you achieve your future goals.

Keep in mind some internships require relocation or supplement little to no pay. Make sure you are aware of the internship location and the payment and/or benefits available before you apply. These deciding factors are vital to consider before you even submit your resume. Most importantly, determine whether the internship counts towards your degree program if you are interning for credit. All in all, awareness of each and every detail is key when deciding on where to intern and what type of internship to apply for.

Be Passionate

Whenever we’re passionate about something, we tend to work our hardest to get it. So, ask yourself the following questions: Are you enthusiastic about the career filed you’re wanting to devote your time towards? Will the position help increase your skills and understanding of said field? Can you use the work you create at the internship in your portfolio for future pursuits?

Once you answer all of these questions and decide to delve head first into an interview for the internship of your choice, make your passion known to the hiring managers at the firm. If you’re applying to a tech company like Apple, inform them of your knowledge of their product through your personal use, or if it’s a local non-profit, familiarize the organization of your past volunteer efforts that might be relevant to the position available. Companies and organizations enjoy seeing someone who supports their product or service! Something this simple highlights your dedication and drive.

Sure, internships can be competitive, but sometimes we serve as our biggest road block. The best advice we can give? Know yourself: your passion, your skill set, and your goals for a future career trajectory. By using these three tips, you are one step closer to landing the summer internship that you’ve always dreamed of.

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