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Developing an Internship Search Strategy

Planning your internship search in advance will help you to locate an opportunity in line with your qualifications and career goals.

Use this schedule as a guide to the steps you should take during the six months prior to your internship.

Six Months before Your Internship

Assess the coursework you have taken, along with class projects and lectures that have piqued your interest.
Reflect on careers and employers that draw your attention.
Develop a resume. Consider past work experience and the skills that are now necessary to show potential employers you possess qualities they are seeking.

Four Months before Your Internship

Define your internship goals and outline your search strategy.
Determine which sector (public, private, nonprofit) most interests you and where your skills are desired and marketable.
Identify and then connect your prospective internship experience to your career goals after you graduate.

Two Months before Your Internship

Put your search plans in motion. Keep an organized file of contacts and referrals.
Follow-up on leads. Provide plenty of time for interviewing and decisions, for both yourself and the internship sponsor.
Complete the required Internship Contract online.

At any point in the process, you are advised to take advantage of the Office of Career Services many resources, which include:

internship postings
alumni directories
resume and interview workshops
professional journals
current career resource library materials