Internship This Summer? Start Applying Now!

Are you looking to snag an internship this summer? Good news, Nearly 97 percent of employers plan to hire interns and/or co-ops during 2014.

There are a lot of degrees that require internships in order to graduate. Some people might feel nervous applying for a summer internship especially if there is a lot of competition for the same one. You don’t want to wait around while everyone else gets the worm! Luckily for you, I have compiled a list of some great tips to help you get over being nervous and land that summer internship.

Tip #1: Persist

Being aggressive in your search for an internship will help you prepare for the future. You will use the same skills to land a job once you have graduated. When I say be aggressive I really mean be persistent and persuasive. You do not want to come across as overbearing or annoying.

Be aware that recruiters or hiring managers get busy and forget to send an email or pick up the phone. Just because your dream company doesn’t respond immediately doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t want to talk to you. Send an email about a week after you expected to hear back and  send another the following week if you still haven’t heard anything. This will show the recruiter or hiring manager you want the job and are willing to continue to pursue it (but don’t get creepy, two follow-ups is sufficient). If you do get an interview or a phone screen be sure to thank that person for taking the time to meet with you. @JobJenny says,“The bottom line is: Stay top of mind. It’s half the battle.” While, handwritten notes are unique they can often be too slow. Just send an email!

Tip #2: Network

Use the contacts you already have to look for an internship. Think about all your family members, your parents’ friends, professors and school acquaintances when pursuing an internship.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released a study showing that “recent graduates are increasingly working in low-wage jobs or working part-time,” so why not take the chance to get a better job? If you are worried that your parents got you the job, don’t. You want to know why? Only you can land the job through your professionalism and knowledge during the interview. Don’t be shy, use those contacts!

Tip #3 Get Personal

When you are networking do it in person. Only 27% of the respondents from a study conducted by Business Networking said that social networking has played a role in their success. This is proof that networking in person is ideal. We may all be connected through social media but taking the time to make a personal impression will really make you stand out. Yes, I just said to send an email but when you are attempting to meet someone be sure to ask them to lunch or coffee so you can leave a lasting impression (and don’t make them pay!) The odds of you making a greater impression over the phone rather than in person are very small. If you are setting a meeting up over the phone be sure to smile the whole time. Regardless of how you meet, be sure to look up their profession and company so you have a good idea of what they do before the meeting.

Tip #4 Broadcast

My final advice is to let everyone know that you are looking for an internship. The more people you tell the more likely you are going to find someone looking for your help. “The 45–54 year age bracket is the fastest growing demographic on both Facebook and Google+.” Don’t you think they will have some great networking options for you? If you aren’t telling people then you aren’t going to have a lot of options available before summer rolls around. Trust me, you will want options!

Maren Hogan

Maren Hogan is CEO of Red Branch and general Bad@$$

Maren Hogan is a seasoned marketer and community builder in the HR and Recruiting industry. Maren started Red Branch Media and, before she hired all the smiling faces you see below, she ran it on her own. In marketing for over 15 years, she has deep experience in strategic campaigns and a long-term, results-based operational approach.