Recruitment of highly qualified and outstanding candidates has become critical in today’s competitive environment. One way to “test drive” a candidate is to offer an internship program. The programs create a highly effective avenue for evaluating an individual’s skills, knowledge, personality and overall fit for a permanent position before they even apply!
Internships may be paid or unpaid – but either way, they give the employer and you a competitive advantage. You have an opportunity to work with professionals in your field of work and learn through on-the-job training. Many companies have begun to rely on internship programs as one of the most effective ways to recruit and assess candidates for full-time positions. You and the employer are better able to evaluate your fit for the job through an internship program.
One of the best places to begin your job search is on the job boards on the internet. They provide a broad range of internship program offerings. There are more internships available on the internet than imaginable. Government, private-sector, international, foreign, and corporate internships can be located in multiple industries around the globe. A simple on-line search will produce literally hundreds of these opportunities.
Networking is also an effective method of searching for an internship. Contact people you know or schedule “informational interviews” with companies to discuss job opportunities. You can even create your own opportunity! Many employers who may not already employ interns may be intrigued by your proposal to create such a position. Offering to do this as an unpaid job to prove your value enhances your ability to facilitate this discussion and peaks the interest of any wise employer. After all, what do they have to lose?
Career events, open houses, and temporary agencies are productive places to check. Trade publications often post internship program information. And don’t under-estimate the value of corporate websites where you’ll find a plethora of information about a company’s job offerings, including internships.
A polished, professional resume is the place to start in your job search. Including relevant experience, education, and key strengths will help to set the stage for the interview. Don’t forget to include information about leadership jobs you’ve held in non-profit organizations or clubs if you’re just out of school or new to the job market. It doesn’t matter if you were actually paid to do the job or not – if the position offered challenge, responsibility, and leadership, then it’s considered “experience”!
Having your resume and supporting documents professionally prepared gets you in front of the potential employer faster. It’s at this point that you really begin to sell yourself. Think about the value you can add to the organization by participating in their internship program, and showcase those strengths and talents.
Internships are just out there for the taking - so begin your search and find the one that’s right for you.
