Internship Prep Timeline
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Career Exploration and Development
261 Schwartz Center
330-672-2360
www.kent.edu/career
Three out of five graduating seniors have done one! How about you?
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Be one of the 60% of paid interns who receive at least one employment offer upon graduation (NACE, class of 2012)
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Develop professional skills including a personal set of values, ethics, and work standards
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Confirm (or re-evaluate) your major and career choices
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Experience the inner workings of a career field and gain experience to build your resume
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Increase marketability and skills valued by potential employers
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Gain networking opportunities and obtain professional references
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Meet degree requirements if enrolled for credit
What can keep you from obtaining an internship?
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Not being professional (online, on paper, and in person)
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Lack of career goals, motivation, and follow through
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Waiting too late to apply for opportunities
Plan ahead so you don’t fall behind!
Pre-Search Basics
Ask yourself these questions
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What do I want to do or accomplish in my internship?
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What skills do I currently possess?
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Have I completed preparatory coursework related to the field?
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If not “internship ready”, meet with a career advisor to get on track!
Know the facts about internships
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May occur year round and often last 10-15 weeks and range from 10-30 hours per week
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Pay, length and hours worked are negotiated between students and employers
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Academic credit for an internship is approved by your college’s faculty/staff
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Seek out an internship even if it’s not required by your major
Before you apply
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Create an outstanding resume that best highlights your skills. See a Career Advisor for help
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Gather a variety of references related to academics, work, student organization/leadership activity
Where to Search for Internships
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Determine your preferred work environment and use your network of contacts to find openings
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Use informational interviews to connect you with potential opportunities
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Register with Flash @ Work to view openings
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Attend our Fall and Spring Internship, Co-op & Career Fairs to meet with employers
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Use our Helpful Career Websites to locate popular search websites
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Connect with alumni through the Alumni Association
Prepare to “wow” employers!
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Polish your one-minute elevator pitch to make it work for you!
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Practice interviewing skills from the comfort of your home using Interview Stream
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Complete a mock interview with a Career Advisor in the Career Exploration and Development
"Beat" the Competition
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Investigate/apply one year ahead for some highly desirable internships
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Create business/networking cards and pass out to contacts, friends, and family
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Join and participate in LinkedIn industry related groups
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Fine-tune your professional image both online and in-person
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Join professional associations in your field
During Your Internship
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Dress appropriately, and if expectation are unclear, check with your supervisor
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Communicate professionally at all times
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Be aware of the office environment and adhere to office protocols
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Talk with everyone, not just immediate co-workers
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Check in often with your supervisor and ask for additional work, as appropriate
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Ask your supervisor if they will serve as a “positive” reference for you in the future
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Maximize the experience even if you are not interested in pursuing further employment
After Your Internship
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Use your supervisor’s feedback to assess strengths and areas for improvement
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Update your resume with the new experience
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Stay in touch with your supervisors and mentors