Johnson State College: Advising & Career Center

Landing an Internship

Talk with faculty, alumni, an Advising & Career Center advisor, friends and family to generate some ideas for potential internships.
Obtain permission from your faculty advisor to apply and receive credit for the internship. Be sure to have a clear understanding of the responsibilities required of you.
Reflect on your interests, skills, and talents as you consider the kind of experience that "fits" you — the Advising & Career Center has a variety of assessment tools to help.
Talk with people in the field(s) you are considering — visit the Advising & Career Center for tips on informational interviewing.
Explore the Advising & Career Center links to your left for additional resources.

Check out current internship postings on JSC Connections.
Arrange an informational interview with a professional in the field(s) you are considering.
Let professional organizations, your advisor, employers, instructors, family and friends know you are seeking an internship-they may have some ideas.
Research regional and national job search web sites and career exploration sites.
Attend local career fairs.
Learn more about career possibilities for your major and what recent graduates are doing: What Can I Do with a Major In. . .?

Pick up the Resume Writing Guide in the Advising & Career Center Resource Library or online.
Attend Resume Walk-in hours on Mondays from 2 - 4 p.m. and Thursdays 1 -3 p.m. If you are not on campus, e-mail your resume for review.
Review your resume draft with advisors, employers, family and friends. Ask for feedback.
Upload your resume to JSC Connections — many companies now accept online applications for jobs and internships.

Research the organizations to which you are applying.
Revise your resume as necessary to target it to the organization and the position you are seeking.
Review the Cover Letter Guide in the Resource Library or online.
Complete all application materials requested by employer and send in at least four days before deadline.
Pick up a copy of the internship contract from your faculty supervisor or from the Academic Dean's office.

Know your skills and learning objectives and be sure you are able to verbalize why you are interested in the position.
Research the organization as much as possible prior to the interview.
Review the Interviewing Guide in the Resource Library or online.
Practice answering potential questions — out loud, in the car, with a friend or arrange a mock interview with a career advisor.

Review the cover letter guide available in the Resource Library or online for information on writing a thank you letter and send a thank you letter within 48 hours of your interview.
Once the internship is granted, refine the objectives with your site and faculty supervisor and acquaint yourself with what will be expected of you.
Complete an internship contract with your faculty and site supervisors. The contract will ask you to clarify the job description specifics, learning objectives, and start and finish dates.
Register for the internship at the Registrar's Office to receive academic credit.
Start your internship, gain job experience and have fun!