Tailor the experience outlined on your resume to the job opportunity. For example, if you’re applying for an internship at a nonprofit, you’d want to mention any volunteer experience you might have. This experience could be education, work experience, skills, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your capabilities.
Close
- Home: Externship and Internship Advantage Guide
- Chapter 1: The Value of Experiential Learning
- Chapter 2: Externships vs. Internships
- Chapter 3: Things to Consider When Applying for Internships
- Chapter 4: Hands-on Learning at the Brooks School of Public Policy
- Chapter 5: Beyond Your MPA Internship or Externship: Career Support for Brooks School Students
Chapter 3:
Things to Consider When Applying for Internships
In many ways, applying for an internship (and some externships) can be a lot like applying for a job. You’ll want to ensure that your resume is in good shape, have references/people to write letters of recommendation, and be prepared for an interview. In this chapter, we provide strategies for success in each of these areas.
How to Prepare for an Internship Interview
Going through the internship (or externship) application and interview process is an excellent experience for future job searches. For example, you’ll want to prepare a resume that is polished and reflects your experience, and you’ll want to have references ready to provide recommendations for you. Read on for some of our strategies for success as you move through the process.
Writing a Resume
First, you’ll need an updated resume. Here are some tips for creating one that will work for your application:
-
-
This is a brief, focused statement at the beginning of your resume that highlights your career goals, skills, and the value you can bring to the internship role. You want to capture the attention of the person reading the resume and set the tone for the rest of the document.
-
Incorporating industry-specific keywords relevant to the internship opportunity is vital, as many employers use applicant tracking systems to filter and rank resumes. By using keywords specific to the role and industry, you can increase the likelihood of your resume being recognized and selected for further review.
-
Instead of using passive language, such as “responsible for,” opt for powerful action verbs like “managed,” “led,” “created,” or “spearheaded” to convey your active involvement in previous roles.
-
Reviewing your resume for any errors in grammar, punctuation, formatting, or content is crucial. Typos or inconsistencies can detract from the professionalism of your resume and may convey a lack of attention to detail. Read through your resume multiple times, ideally with the assistance of a second pair of eyes, to ensure it is polished and error-free.
Finding the Engaged Learning Opportunity That’s Right for You
Note that these hands-on learning opportunities aren’t one size fits all. So you want to select an option that aligns with your professional goals. As you research externships and internships, here are some questions to ask:
-
Asking for letters well in advance gives your recommenders ample time to craft a thoughtful and detailed letter on your behalf. By providing them with sufficient notice, you’re showing you respect their time and other commitments. This timeframe also provides a buffer to address any delays or revisions that may be necessary before your submission deadline.
-
Providing this information helps them align their endorsements with the requirements and expectations of the opportunity, which enhances the relevance and effectiveness of their letters.
-
A polite follow-up message serves as a gentle reminder without being overbearing, allowing you to confirm whether the recommender has any questions or needs further information to complete the letter.
-
A personalized message acknowledging the time and effort your recommender invested in supporting your application shows your appreciation for their assistance. This shows you are professional and can go a long way in your recommender's willingness to support you with future references or opportunities.
Gathering Letters of Recommendation
Some internships/externships may also require you to provide letters of recommendation. The first step is to choose the right recommenders. These people might include professors, advisors, or previous employers who know you well and can speak to your skills and qualifications for the specific opportunity.
Here are a few additional tips when it comes to requesting letters of recommendation and managing the process:
Request Recommendations at Least a Month Out
Asking for letters well in advance gives your recommenders ample time to craft a thoughtful and detailed letter on your behalf. By providing them with sufficient notice, you’re showing you respect their time and other commitments. This timeframe also provides a buffer to address any delays or revisions that may be necessary before your submission deadline.
Provide Your Resume and Any Relevant Information
Providing this information helps them align their endorsements with the requirements and expectations of the opportunity, which enhances the relevance and effectiveness of their letters.
Follow Up Politely
A polite follow-up message serves as a gentle reminder without being overbearing, allowing you to confirm whether the recommender has any questions or needs further information to complete the letter.
Send a Thank You Note
A personalized message acknowledging the time and effort your recommender invested in supporting your application shows your appreciation for their assistance. This shows you are professional and can go a long way in your recommender being willing to support you with future references or opportunities.
Responding to Internship Interview Questions
If an interview is part of the application process, take the time to consider how you’ll answer questions in advance. This is a list of some common questions you might be asked (which are also good to keep in mind when you need to prepare for a job interview):
- Can you tell us about yourself and why you’re interested in this internship?
- What skills and experiences make you a good fit for this internship position?
- How do you handle challenges or conflicts in the workplace?
- Can you provide an example of a project or task you completed successfully and what you learned from it?
- How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively?
- What do you know about our company, and why do you want to intern here?
- How do you work in a team setting and collaborate with others?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?
- What are your career goals, and how do you see this internship fitting into your long-term plans?
Strategies to Make the Most of Your Externship or Internship Experience
Once you’ve landed the perfect internship or externship, you want to ensure that you get the most you can out of the experience. First, you want to establish clear goals at the beginning of work, so you have a roadmap for success. By outlining what you intend to achieve, whether in terms of skills development, projects completed, or professional connections made, you can track your progress and stay motivated.
Next, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from supervisors, mentors, and colleagues. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth, and find ways to incorporate the feedback into your work. Regular check-ins and open communication with stakeholders can help you refine your skills, address any challenges, and demonstrate your dedication to continuous learning and development.
You also want to take advantage of opportunities to build your network. Engage with colleagues, attend networking events, and seek mentorship to broaden your connections and gain industry insights.
Here are a few additional tips to try:
-
Strive to exceed expectations and demonstrate your initiative by going above and beyond the assigned tasks. Taking on additional projects, volunteering for challenging assignments, and showcasing your creativity and resourcefulness can set you apart as a proactive and reliable team member.
-
Embrace the opportunity to learn from your colleagues, supervisors, and industry experts. Observing their work practices and asking thoughtful questions can provide you with valuable insights and perspectives that contribute to your professional growth.
-
Keeping a record of your accomplishments, projects completed, skills acquired, and positive feedback received during your internship or externship is essential for reflecting on your progress and showcasing your achievements to future employers. Maintain a portfolio of your work, and gather testimonials or recommendations.
