“Got Experience?”

A step-by-step guide to securing an internship

By the end of this workshop you will:

• Know how to research industries and potential employers

• Know how to use HCL and other internship-related search engines to look for internships

• Understand how to conduct an informational interview as a way to network

• Feel better prepared to pursue your internship search

“Why do an internship?” • Test the waters

• Develop your skills

• Build your network

(employers love hiring from within!)

“How is an internship different from co-op?”

• Some paid / some not

• Flexible with a student’s schedule (generally)

• Internships can be part-time or full-time (8-40

hours per week)

• Lasts from 6 weeks to 4 months, and may take

place during the summer or academic semester

“Okay, so how do I get started?”

It’s important to ask yourself… Q: Where do I want to go? A: Boston? Another state? Q: What do I want to do? A: Programming? Web Design? Marketing? Q: What kind of setting/environment am I looking for? A: Business? High tech? Non-Profit?

Looking for Internships: Two Main Strategies

• Find existing internships through

postings and networking

• Create internships through

networking

Finding Existing Internships: Use your NU Resources first!

http://www.northeastern.edu/careerservices/

HuskyCareer Link

Going Global: USA Career Guides

Career Search

NEU Career Guides

Additional Resources

• Job Boards: Simply Hired, Indeed, Idealist, Google

• Craigslist

• Company Websites

• LinkedIn

Creating An Internship

• Network with individuals in targeted companies/industries

• Make sure you have a clear idea of what the internship will entail

• Ensure that the employer will benefit from your services (informational interviews help you do this!)

Ex. Ryan Scaife couldn't find an internship that fused his major in business administration with his passion for graphic design, so he created his own. Interested in sports management, Ryan emailed marketing directors for a few minor-league baseball teams near his hometown. He asked them if they would take him on as a graphic-design intern and expose him to the business and management side of running a team. A week later, he got an offer from the State College Spikes, a Single A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703460404575244903412880836.html

“Okay, I know where I want to work and what I want to do. Now what?”

You have to network! Whether you are finding or creating your own

internship!

• Over 85% of internships are found through networking!

• Networking can be the difference between you and another candidate landing the position!

Why you should want to network:

• Increase your knowledge of

your field, companies,

and/or types of jobs

• Find out about

opportunities

• Get referrals, in some cases

• You need somebody to vouch for you!

“Do I even have a network?”

• Family and friends

• University professors, advisors and staff

• Former co-op and internship supervisors and colleagues

• Alumni

• LinkedIn

Learn how to use with Career Services!

www.northeastern.edu/careerservices/jobs-internships/networking-informational-interviewing/linkedin-for-job-search/

The Informational Interview

The reason for contacting somebody is to ultimately schedule an “informational interview”. This is a meeting where you can gather information and advice from the

person, NOT ask for a job.

Why do an informational interview?

• Ask them questions regarding their occupation and industry. • An excellent way to research jobs and internships and get personal insight from

an industry expert. • Develop a relationship with somebody who could possibly help you in the future.

Step-by-Step

1. Email

2. Introduce yourself

3. Explain connection

4. Describe education/work history

5. Explain your reason for meeting

6. Request a 20-30 minute meeting to get information and advice about his/her career field and the company they work for

Schedule an Informational Interview

Follow up!

• Send a Thank You note! • Check in with the person

periodically, that’s how you maintain a relationship and a NETWORK.

• If you are trying to create your internship, this would be a good time to ask about it!

Full Networking Guide Here:

Full Internship Guide Here:

http://www.northeastern.edu/careerservies/

Ways to Enhance your Resume without an internship:

•Volunteer •Assist a professor • Part-time job •Research

Next Steps In Your Internship Search

http://www.northeastern.edu/careerservices/

• Walk-in hours for cover letter, personal statement and resume critique • Individual hour-long counseling appointments • Resume/Cover Letter Writing Workshops • LinkedIn Workshops • Small Group Job Search and International Student Small Group Job Search • Mock Interviews • Career Conversations • Career Fairs • Fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Check our Calendar for Upcoming Semester Events