For all of our student readers, whether you like it or not, it’s time to start applying for summer internships. We recently connected with the Intern Queen, Lauren Berger, to ask a few questions that might help those of you looking for summer internships particularly in New York City.
For those of you who don’t know, InternQueen.com is a popular online resource for finding internships (I know I definitely used it when I was searching!) and learning how to get the most of your experience. Lauren also recently released a book in January, “All Work, No Pay” about building your resume, finding the right internship and making connections. Be sure to connect with her on @InternQueen, Facebook and Pinterest.com.
When’s the best time to start searching and applying for summer internships?
NOW is the time to start applying for summer internships. Block out some time this week and let’s get started!
Where are the best places to look for summer internships?
InternQueen.com is of course my top choice but your first stop should really be your career center on campus.
How many internships do you suggest having during college?
I suggest having 2 internships under your belt before graduating college. I would say 15, but that would be crazy.
What are your thoughts on interning after graduating?
Interning after graduation is recommended on a case by case basis. If you’ve had no prior internship experience then I would suggest considering a post-graduation internship. If you’ve had internship experience, go after a job!
What’s your advice for standing out during an internship?
Walk in every day and ask yourself, “How can I make the most out of this opportunity?”
Coming from a small town, what’s your advice for landing an internship in NYC?
Baby steps. In my book I talk about my first internship at an advertising and PR firm in Tallahassee, Florida. We all have to start somewhere. Read my book, put together your Intern Queen Dream List, and let’s get started!
How can you make your resume stand out when applying for internships if you don’t have a lot of experience?
Make your resume stand out by tailoring everything to the positions you are applying for. Always think, “if I were the employer, what experience would I want to see on this resume?”
Have you started applying for summer internships? Hitting any roadblocks?
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Comments
Great post! I’m already getting ready to start applying.
Best of luck! Xx
This post is super helpful, thanks for sharing!! I live in Jersey and am applying for internships in NYC. My problem is that I’m a freshman in college, and have little “real-world” experience. Do you have any tips for getting your foot in the door? Thank you
Don’t be afraid to reach out! Set up informational interviews just to learn more about the places you are applying for. Your eagerness to learn about the companies internship opportunity will make you stand out.
I was in your shoes last year, and I found a few tips really helped me:
1. Make sure your resume is really solid. My career center helped me polish mine a lot.
2. Submit really specific, energetic, passionate cover letters (again, career center!)
3. Apply to as many internships as it takes. Last year I applied to over 50 (including emailing my resume and cover letter blindly to HR departments), heard back from about 12, interviewed with like 7, and got a few job offers!
4. Make sure your social media and personal branding is top notch. Having a really strong and clean social media persona is important. Actually, the internship I did last summer, I found through twitter! So don’t write anything off.
I hope this helps! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me! http://staceyalevine.com/contact/
Great post! How about students from Europe? What chances do I have landing an internship in NYC and are there any useful tips?
Your chances are great! Use the fact that you are coming from another country as an advantage. Many companies will be impressed by your global experience elsewhere.
Yes, that’s true, but many are not up for the whole paperwork and Visa issues, so I’m trying with big companies, but no success so far.
Agree and disagree with this. It should be noted that if you want to work at an agency, you need a PR agency internship before landing a job. A standard PR internship vs. an agency internship are two very different things.
Lauren offers great advice, I will be graduating in the Spring and her tips have definitely helped me in my internships throughout college.