Questions for Thought

The interviewing process is always a stressful time for an intern. You have to impress your future boss, while sticking to the universal interview rules: speak highly of yourself, but do not boast; compliment the interviewer or company, but don’t seem like you are sucking up; and have a lot of questions, but not questions that can be easily answered on the company’s website.

In preparation for an interview, people are usually concerned about how you are going to be perceived. Don’t forget that this is an opportunity for you to question them too! The interviewer should also be ready to make a good impression on you. He/She must be able to demonstrate his/her company’s greatest qualities. You are there to make sure that you will be a good fit for them and vice versa.

Make sure to have a list of questions ready that will allow you to get a better feeling for the company and your future internship:

Here are some questions that I think are crucial to understanding the realities of the internship:

1.What skill(s) will I develop here?
While this is an internship and grunt work is sometimes inevitable, you have to expect and demand some sort of learning experience. Remember, you are not there to waste your time. There are always places with better internship programs.

2.Will I be able to sit in on important meetings?
Being allowed to sit in on meetings shows that they respect your desire to learn and absorb information. Whether or not you are able to voice your opinion in the meetings, it is a great way to understand the industry.

3.Do you often offer jobs to your interns?
This question is very important. It shows that you are serious and hopefully that they are serious too. If their answer is yes, you know that there is a greater potential of you being more involved in the company. If they are thinking about hiring, then they will probably assign you more important tasks in which you can demonstrate your abilities.

For more questions check out this article: http://www.networktwenty.com/work/unpaid_internships.html

--Lauren

Internship Resolutions for the New Year

As 2008 rapidly approaches, I reflect on the year that is almost over. 2007 was a busy year full of academic and work accomplishments, traveling, and adventures with close friends. I can excitedly say that I achieved all that I had hoped to. Creating a list of resolutions helped me attain all of the goals that I set for myself annually. Here are some internship related goals I set for myself that made me become a successful intern.

Here's to a happy, prosperous, internship filled new year!

Here is a list of resolutions for 2008:

• Thank bosses, mentors, teachers or individuals who positively influenced you in the workplace or who helped you find an internship
• Contact your fellow interns, mentors and bosses to say "Happy New Year" and update them on your whereabouts
• Update your resume (add new internships, personal interests, tailor the colors and font to match that of the employer you are sending it to)
• Modify your cover letter (mention new accomplishments, make it coincide with the industry and employer you are sending it to)
• Gather writing examples, recommendation letters, and examples of other accomplishments to send/bring to a potential employer
• Search for your next internship (check the web, talk to former employers, friends and professors, visit your school's career center)
• Practice  interviewing with a friend, professor or career counselor
• Read one blog that corresponds with your personal interests and another that is related to your industry
• Do something nice for someone everyday!

Life is too short to put up with a bad internship

In celebration of my new found freedom at the end of a stressful semester, I decided to do a little shopping. While I walked through the mall, I came across the store Barney's. As I approached the entrance, the first thing that popped into my mind was my summer internship.

Like I have said before, last summer I interned with an upscale designer in Manhattan. I was hired as a public relations intern. I was under the impression that I would help the designer with press kits and other related tasks, but did I do any PR? I wish the answer were yes! Unfortunately, I spent most of my days packing up inventory for Barney's and other upscale stores. Every day I came home frustrated. Packing inventory was definitely not in job description that I signed up for. I accept that grunt work is usually an inevitable part of an internship; however, this was much worse than doing menial tasks. Internships are for learning, not doing someone else’s entire job. The designer should have hired a person to fill the shipping position or clarified my duties during the interview.

Looking back, I wish I had listened to the people around me. My friends and family told me to quit and find a fair internship where I would be able to learn about my field of interest, but I didn't listen. I felt uncomfortable with my boss and didn't have the courage to say anything. Let me tell you, regret sucks!

My advice is to speak up if you are an intern who is doing tasks that are not part of the job description you agreed to. Talk to your immediate advisor or someone else who you feel comfortable approaching about your duties. Take initiative and suggest some projects or tasks you would like to do. Anticipate the company’s needs. The purpose of interning is to watch and learn. If you are neither doing anything meaningful nor learning, there is no reason to put up with your unfair internship. Take pride in your work, realize you strengths, and stand up for yourself!

--Lauren

Winter Break: The Perfect Time to Find a Spring Internship

Winter break has officially started. It is the perfect time to relax, meet up with old friends and catch up on TV shows. Most importantly, it is also a great to consider an internship for the spring. It is not too late to start searching for a great opportunity!

I read an article today from the Financial Post, a Toronto based newspaper that reminded me of my last internship quest. I wanted a public relations position at a small firm in the town I am from, but I could not find any leads. After speaking to some connections in the industry, I decided that it would be best to do some research on my own. I went to the local advertising federation website and created a list of firms that represented clients who I was interested in. Then, I sent emails to the contacts from the federation's website with my cover letter and resume. Surprisingly, I received an overwhelming response. Each firm articulated that they sought interns but were unsure of how to approach them. I ended up selecting an internship at an innovative agency.

My advice is to GO AFTER COMPANIES who interest you even if you are unsure whether or not they have an established program. Small businesses especially are starting to recognize the importance of interns; however, they tend to be more clueless about dispersing the message. Although the allure of a corporate environment and the company name on your resume are appealing, small businesses can offer more individualized attention and tailor the program to your needs. Either way, the point is to make use of your free time to find an internship that suits you.

--Stephanie

Below you will find links for a few internship openings and resources:

Fashion Internships

Entertainment Industry Internships

Unique Food and Agriculture Internship Opportunity in New York State

Government Related Internship in San Diego, CA

Science Related Internship at Boston Planetarium

Paid Journalism Internship for Travel Magazine in NYC