How Important is a Business Internship?
Internships have never been so important. The job market is still flooded with people with years of experience, and businesses can hire whoever and at whatever price they want. There are still a lot of good opportunities for recent graduates, but it is vital to stand out from the many other graduates. The best way to do this is through relevant work experience.
You may ask, “How can I get a job out of college that requires experience, when its my first real job and therefore don’t have experience?” This is a question that frustrates many soon to be college grads when applying for jobs. The answer is through internships.
Most large businesses will have jobs and internships posted online. Search job websites like indeed.com for some of the more obscure ones. Talk to friends and find where you have connections. Simply knowing someone at a business is often the difference between having your resume thrown out and getting an interview.
If you’re not having luck with the large amount of competition flooding the big businesses’ job boards, and you’re running out of time during your spring semester, don’t worry. Take Spring Break and send out your resume to local businesses to see if they have any interest in you. Following up with a phone call is highly suggested, because it shows that you really want the internship and are willing to work hard to get it. Make sure you mention you are a student; everyone wants to help an ambitious student succeed.
Calling businesses should get you good leads on some non-advertised internships, but if you’re still having trouble by the end of the semester, go visit some businesses in person. Make a list of every local business, then go around with copies of your resume & cover letter, handing them out at each location. If possible, ask to speak with a person in charge of the department you’re interested in working in. (i.e. marketing majors ask for the marketing manager, etc.) Employers like it when prospective employees show initiative.
Never underestimate the power of experience on your resume, and good referrals from previous bosses. Summer internships often turn into full-time employment upon graduation. Start looking today for an internship on Postify’s job board.
