Internships as Part of a Good Education

To find your specific internship, start by choosing a field. The best way to find something it so network with someone who works in that field, so ask friends and family for help. If you don't know anyone, seek out alumni from your college or university - many are glad to hire interns from their alma mater.

If none of these paths prove fruitful, pay a visit to your campus career center. They often have listings for open internships, and can also provide you with a password for an online internship database like Interncenter (http://www.interncenter.com). Also, scan websites of organizations you would be interested in working for. Many post-internship announcements online under headings like "jobs" or "careers." For journalism, try a local newspaper. For politics, law, and research, try the city or country government. Students of the natural and social sciences can check out universities, thinktanks, and companies who research in their area. Future educators can look at summer schools, and those interested in social services may be interested in Not For Profit agencies and Everett Public Service Fellowships (http://www.everettinternships.org). Finally, business and technology students should look at large companies nearby.

Apply for more than one internship at a time, and treat the application process as rigorously and professionally as you would for a permanent job. Expect to submit a well-done resume and cover letter and have an interview (either in-person or over the phone). Once you have the internship, work hard and try to learn all that you can. As long as you act maturely and professionally, your supervisors and co-workers will not mind if you don't know everything. They want you to learn from the experience. If you conduct yourself well, you may even be offered a permanent job at the end of your internship.

So...good luck in your search. Remember that as an intern, you are at the bottom of the heap. You can demand to be treated with respect, but do expect to be set to drudge work. And also remember that this internship is your first step in the road to career success, and thus a valuable part of your education!

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