Internship Search Strategies Checklist /
Timeline
This timeline will help you land a summer internship.
Please adjust for a fall or spring opportunity.
READY?
1. Self Discovery (Early Fall)
- What interests, skills, and talents do you want to use or learn
in your internship
- What career paths do you want to explore
2. Exploration (Fall)
- Read internship listings on CareerLink and on the
University Career Services website
- Schedule informational interviews to learn about your field of
interest
- Utilize the University Career Services Library to help complete
steps one and two, above
- Find out when the hiring season is for your chosen industry and
adjust your plans accordingly
3. Sharpen Your Tools (Early-Mid
Fall)
- Have your resume and cover letter reviewed at the University
Career Services
- Attend an internship search workshop
- Attend an interviewing workshop
- Sign up for a mock interview
4. Focus Your Search (Mid Fall)
- Identify geographical areas (e.g., Northeast)
- Identify employment sector (e.g., private industry, government,
education, nonprofit)
- Identify types of employers (e.g., public relations within
private industry)
- Identify specific organizations or businesses to target
- Consider financial and housing situations
SET.
5. Internship Search Strategies at Work
(Fall & Spring)
- Meet with a Career Advisor to develop your search plan
- Begin networking and access COACH
- Access CareerLink; review it weekly to search for new
listings
- Create a target list of 10 to 20 organizations or companies
that fit your interests;
- Apply for internship positions
GO!
6. Maximize Your Internship Experience -
Summer & Ongoing
- Set learning objectives at the beginning of your
internship
- Focus on job priorities and take initiative
- Seek feedback and support; find a mentor
- Maintain your network