I’m no expert and maybe I’ve just had luck…but I wanted to share with you what has helped me land two internships as an incoming junior in college.
I’ve interned as WTNH News 8 in New Haven, CT & currently, I’m interning at PIX 11 in NYC. Both internships have been very different from one another, but I know both will help me down the road and lead me to a job.
So how to get an internship? Well first off, I’ve tried really hard to apply myself in college. What I mean is that I’ve joind clubs & organizations on campus.
Being in a sorortiy can help someone network. Maybe your bigs, best friend’s cousin has the same major as you. So your big tells her best friend about you, who reaches out to her cousin. Now you’ve connected! All because you’re apart of a sorority on campus. Most internships you get are from connecting with people. The more you’re involved in, the better your chances of meeting someone with the same career interests as you are! So, that’s tip number one on getting an internship.
I’ve talked about my involvement with the schools television station, Q30, a lot. So this organization sort of mimics a television station and has a weekly newscast. For me, being in this organization has been super beneficial to my success. Not only have I connected with people, I’ve been able to get hands on experience in news. So when I have an interview with a potential employer, I walk them through what I do in Q30. They’re usually pretty impressed by a student run television station. I’d definitely say my involvment with this organization has helped me get an internship.
It’s a lot of work being involved in multiple organizations and clubs at school but it has enhanced my experience, my personal growth and has allowed me to connect with a number of different people. To balance all of this prioritize and try to do the most of what makes you the happiest. If you need to take a step back from something, take the step back. This is something I’ve struggled with and hope to get better at this year, I need to learn to sometimes take a breather. You only go to college once but you also want to make your college experience worth something, that’s why I sometimes over push myself (so bottom line, don’t over do it).
My next tip on how to get an internship is to go for things you wouldn’t expect yourself to get. WTNH said they’ll only take juniors and seniors in college, but I took a chance in applying and they took me! I didn’t think I’d get it, but I’m so happy I tried anyways…and look, I got it! That could happen to you too, so don’t doubt your abilities.
And, always treat everyone with kindness and compassion. A person you meet may be the one to help you when you’re looking for a job.
So these are my tips on how to get an internship:
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Involvement in clubs and organizations
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Getting first hand experience in an organization on campus related to your major
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Prioritize
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Apply and go for a position, even if your feel “unqualified”
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Set goals
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Lastly, treat everyone with kindness and compassion, they may be the help you need down the line
YOU GOT THIS.
Good things come to those who grind, I always tell myself how hard I work will pay off. Be a goal getter but a goal setter first. Figure out what you want and go get it.
WTNH
PIX11
