If you are looking for an internship, you will go through a number of phases. You will start with thinking about what you really want. What are you looking for, and what can you offer an organisation? You find out what your strong suits are, and what you want to develop. After that, you start looking exploring the job market, and in the end, you apply for a job. This process might take a lot of time, so you should start early. You can start with the first two steps up to a year in advance.
Step 1: Know yourself
When you are looking for an internship, it is important to start with you. Who are you, what are your skills, what do you want? These questions are the basis for a good preparation of your applications. Personality tests might help with this. The results will help you to better articulate your talents and interests.
Step 2: Orientation
First of all; be sure that You are allowed to apply by Yourself or You will be matched/ placed by Your study. Make sure that you are aware of the requirements that your study programme sets for an organisation where you intern or graduate. After that, you start looking. But where do you start? What kinds of organisations are there? The easiest way to look around is by doing this online. For example, by browsing through the job openings at different organisations. That way, you get a feeling for the job openings that are available, and for what suits you. The HU has its own job bank that allows organisations to actively promote their vacancies there. You can also find these in OnStage. There are also external job banks.
It is a great idea to visit the internship market of your study programme, or a national career day. And please, do not forget to use your own network.
Step 3: Applying
The most important step is sending in the application. You can respond to a job opening or send an open application. In case of an open application, it helps to call the organisation in advance, to see if they are looking for interns. After that, you send them an e-mail with a motivation and your resume. If you haven’t heard anything after ten days, you call to see if your e-mail was received, and if they might have any news on your application.
Step 4: Reflection
Persistence pays off! Do not get discouraged if you cannot find an internship right away. Applying for a job is a skill, and the more often you write a letter or have an interview, the better you will get at it. You are not the only one looking for a spot, and sometimes you need a bit of luck, and be at the right time, at the right organisation. If you haven’t been hired, you should always ask for feedback. This will help you learn more about yourself, which is useful for the next application.