Getting a paid summer internship is no easy task. It pays to be early. Your chances at succeeding will be much greater if you do your search in the Fall. Most paid or prestigious internships require students to apply by the end of January.
The following suggested deadlines should be helpful:
October
Decide on a particular type of job experience that you want to pursue. Find people (alumni, friends of parents, professors, etc.) who can give you perspective on your field of interest and who can guide you in the steps below.
Tell them you are a student who is interested in pursuing a career in their field, and that you'd love to speak with them about their career experience. Mention that you are looking to work this summer in Boston as a way to learn more about that field to see if it is the right career path for you.
But don't lead with the stuff about looking for a job. Just throw it in to show that you are wisely looking for experience in a field to learn more about it. All you want to ask for is an “informational interview," or, in other words, a chance to pick their brain. Don't begin by asking for a summer internship. People are much more inclined to talk with a student about their experience as a way of helping a student learn than they are to talk to someone who simply wants to use them as a means to get a job. If the informational interview goes well the person may offer to try to help you get a summer position with his firm or put you in touch with other friends who can help you. But most people are not willing to refer someone until they have had a chance to size them up, because every time you refer someone you put your own credibility on the line.
October/November
Make a list of companies that provide the kind of experience you want in the Boston area.
- contact your career center
- contact the alumni office
- search in the internet
- contact us in case we can help.
November
Revise your resume and write a good cover letter. Ask for help from your school's career services office. The career center should have sample resumes or templates and sample cover letters or you can find good examples online.
A good cover letter should be crafted for the particular company and field that you are contemplating. The first paragraph should explain who you are, why you are writing, and why you are interested in working in that company or field. The second paragraph should explain why that company should hire you based on your education and prior work experience. You want to relate your education and experience to the job you are trying to get. The last paragraph should thank them for their consideration and indicate your next steps (e.g., "I will follow-up with your office to confirm that you receive my application").
December
Send out your cover letter and resume to a million companies but dedicate most of your attention on a few. If you spend a little time on the internet you should be able to find a list of Boston firms that provide the kind of experience you want. Then try to follow-up with particular people at firms you applied to in an effort to connect one-on-one with them.
Also, follow-up with the HR department or whoever you send your resume and cover letter to, in order to make sure they have received it and to reiterate your interest. That way you make sure your resume doesn't get lost in the pile. A call shows you are interested. Many places will tell you that they will get back to you or that they can't offer you an interview. Don't get discouraged. Just keep working the phones. And remember the old adage: nothing ventured, nothing gained.