Internship Prep

Internships are a great way to build skills, gain experience and a first-hand look at occupations, and solidify career plans.

Employers value interns who bring new ideas to the workplace and are now the number one way in which employers identify future hires.

"This was a great organization to intern with. They were dedicated to making the experience valuable for all." - KSU Intern

   

Steps to Prepare for and Get the Most Out of an Internship

1.  Assess Your Readiness for an Internship

• Are you confident about your career goals?
• Do you know when you wish to complete an internship (often junior/senior year) and if it is required of your program?
• Do you know the basics?
  
  » Internships can occur year round, typically last about 10 - 15 weeks, and often range from 10-30 work hours per week.
  » Details about the number of hours worked, length of internship, rate of pay, and other specifics are negotiated between employers and interns. 
  » If registering for academic credit, you will also need to meet academic program requirements and should contact the appropriate Faculty Internship Coordinator for prior approval.

2.  Create a Professional Image on Paper and Online

• Prepare your resume and cover letter.
• Brush up on etiquette for a professioinal image.
• Establish a strategic social media presence.
• Meet with a career expert to have your resume/LinkedIn account reviewed.

3.  Locate and Apply for Internships

• Develop a network of contacts, especially in your fields of interest.
• Create your one-minute self-marketing pitch.
• Places to search for openings and research potential employers:
  
  

  Experience Job & Internship Board	OhioMeansInternships.com
  Fall and Spring Job & Internship Fairs	NEOintern.net
  Faculty Internship Coordinators	Third Frontier Internships
  Internship Search Sites	Department/College Information

  
  
• Follow up within a couple weeks after applying for a position to ask:
  
  » What is the status of my application?
  » What is your timeline for hiring?
  » Can I provide any additional materials or information?

4.  Practice Interviewing

• Conduct a mock interview with a career counselor or via Interview Stream.
• Dress for success..
• Understand interview basics and etiquette.

5.  Convey Professionalism at All Times

• Arrive on time, dress in business attire, and display a strong work ethic.
• Respect office protocals and learn all you can about the organization, industry, and profession. 
• Network by speaking to people in all positions and seek out a mentor.
• Communicate regularly with your supervisor. Listen, ask questions, complete assigned projects, and ask for new tasks, as appropriate.
• Show initiative by being willing to learn new skills.

6.  Reflect on What you Learned and Leave a Positive Impression

• Request references from your supervisor and/or other colleagues.
• Update your resume to include the internship experience.
• Reflect on your experience and feedback from your supervisor. 
• Affirm or redefine your career aspirations and next-steps with a career counselor.

Experience Job & Internship Board

• Student / Alumni Login
• Employer / KSU Dept Login
• Steps for On-Campus Jobs

• Prepare for Annual Events

Internships Around the World! Access Going Global via our Experience Job & Internship Board. Find H1B employers, work permit/visa regulations,  cultural advice, and more.