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Internship Mistakes that Students Make
Watch out for these internship mistakes that students make.
By Kathryn Knight
March 12, 2009
For many, an internship is the first real job experience—don’t screw it up. Avoid making these mistakes as you apply and interview for internship opportunities.
Not caring. You live in the here and now. It’s hard enough to think ahead four months to final exams let alone to a future career. Internships should be regarded as the cornerstone to the job you will eventually have.
Procrastinating. Summer internships are filling up NOW. Don’t think that in April, you’ll be able to land one just as easy.
Bad grades. Employers aren’t just looking for a warm body to fill in at the “intern desk.” During the interview, they’re evaluating your performance abilities. The greatest indicator of performance for college students is their GPA.
Racing through applications. A summer internship may not be the most important thing on your mind at the moment, but give it the attention it deserves. Check spelling, punctuation, and be sure you have all names or locations correct.
Irrelevant references. Though Grandma can surely vouch for your hard-working and attitude, it’s best that references come from people other than family. There are plenty of “references” in your life: high school teachers, youth group leaders, program directors.
Awkward interviews. You’re applying for a job. Dress like it. Wear slacks and a nice shirt or sweater. Show up on time, bring copies of your resume, speak articulately, and look your interviewer in the eye. And don’t forget to give a good, firm handshake. Maybe your dad can show you the ropes.
Not following up. It’s ok to contact the interviewer after the interview. In fact, it’s best. Send a “thank you” note and call or e-mail the next week to check your status. Avoid badgering the poor woman though—there are other things on her plate.
donie1983
over 1 year ago
These are just common stuff that I have been told all my life.
CStu
about 2 years ago
You can send thank-you notes via email the day after the interview. 2-3 short paragraphs should be fine.
MissDChatman
about 2 years ago
What is the appropriate way to send a Thank You note? Via mail, in person, are electronic ones okay?
AbdulquadriO
about 2 years ago
Nice ones. Thank You for the tips!
VeniceH
about 2 years ago
kikisoul01@yahoo.com, have you tried talking to your local authorities about internship with them or the town next to you. You really have to do some research of what city or state has the internships. I looked for over 6 months before I found my internship. Most internship are not paid and you have to understand that, but it still requires allot of hours in order to maintain the poistion in the internship. Keep looking and ask questions....
AdamD364
about 2 years ago
National Man Day
June 15 at 12:00am || Be there or be square!!
SachinH
about 2 years ago
@jammoo5 & others: Look at it this way, at least they're getting a head start on next year! :D
jammoo5
about 2 years ago
If they can't write a good article about internships, and getting one for the summer (on time!), then I sure as heck don't want them giving me tips about how to handle my student loans.
KeandraC4
about 2 years ago
@MichaelB932... LOL that's true.
@CStu... say, can you help me with this whole internship process? I am a Jr in college majoring in Criminal Justice/Cy-ber Security, and I have been putting in for internships FOREVER it seems, and I'm trying not to get discouraged, but it's hard not to when nothing seems to be working. My email is kikisoul01@yahoo.com, maybe you know of some intern sites or something that I do not know. Thanks in advance for your help!
CStu
about 2 years ago
Everytime I read a Fastweb article, I am more often than not, disappointed by the lack of useful advice in them. This article is useless; any high school student with an ounce of logic will already know this.
Want to know how to truly land an internship? 1) Have a solid resume, ask your friends to double- and triple-check for mistakes 2) Talk to EVERYONE you know, including any super well-connected uncles (or aunts); building relationships is key 3) Research the company/firm -- read about their history, work culture, mission statement and your position description -- the company's website is a good place to start 4) Come up with good reasons why you want to work for them 5) Wear a business suit to the interview (business casual is not going to cut it); 6) Bring resumes (preferably printed on resume paper); 7) Ask questions -- have at least 5 questions ready before going in; good questions are what ususally nails the interview because it shows you are interested and can think critically e.g. what's the culture like? what are some projects I will work on? is training provide? in short, if the interviewer asks if you have any question, NEVER say no 8) Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview, not next week!; and 9) APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!! don't get discouraged by rejections, you must keep on applying to internships to maximize your chances, especially in this difficult economy.
By the way, I am a junior in college (Accounting/Finance major), who has held an internship for every semester and summer. I know this.
Best of Luck!
MichaelT1673
about 2 years ago
If all you got out of the article was the person might be sexist, go re-read the article. There are some good pointers in there.
kjones90
about 2 years ago
I don't think the, "Maybe your dad.." comment was sexist. But, personally, as a girl who doesn't have a father in her life, it was a bit of a punch in the gut. Otherwise, great points! I've been trying to find some really good internships and this will definitely come in handy *bookmarks*
MichelleZ14
about 2 years ago
Wow. Some people are taking this whole "sexist" thing way too seriously. As a woman, i am not at all offended by the firm handshake reference. The important thing is that is focuses on the little things you should do to prepare for internships.
burwells4071
about 2 years ago
My daughter interviewed for her summer internship in November or December of last year. She dressed professionally and carried a portfolio (notebook) with extra copies of her resume, references and a list of questions about the company. Also, she made a special effort to send a thank you note; just to put her name in front of the interviewer, one more time.
Oh yeah, she got the job which will not start until July!
Account Removed
about 2 years ago
Get real people....the author of this article makes a male shovinist pig like myself happy by referencing one's father for a firm handshake hahaha. On the other hand...look at the last sentence in the article.....the interviewer is assumed to be female(waahhwah why cant the interviewer be a guy.) Great!!!!!! Now male supremists and feminists can both unite and read this article since it was just shown to actually be politically correct.