What you need to know before you search for an internship

Nowadays, most people search for an internship on the internet. What they don’t always realize is that what you type onto Google is crucial. It is important to be realistic about where you want to go, as well as what kind of experience you would like to have. Finding a position and a company that suits you and your needs can take quite some time if you are trying to do it all by yourself. That’s why contacting an agency such as Internship in Brighton might be your best bet in finding a placement that is just right for you. Either way – whether you are searching for something yourself or using an expert agency – to get the best results, our specialists suggest you first answer the following questions.

What are you interested in?

In your search for an internship, be specific in what area you would potentially like to work in. The more you know about the area you are interested in, the easier it is for you to articulate your needs when you are looking for an internship. Ideally, you want to find a placement that will benefit your strengths and improve your weaknesses.

Do you know anyone personally in that area?

A less stressful way of searching for an internship is by asking friends or family in any field if they have any opportunities that would suit you. This helps to reduce the formalities and can create a simpler process for yourself in how to apply for an internship. Many family members may be willing to help you out, but they may not know what you need. So, when you approach a family member for help, treat him or her just like any other business contact and make specific, reasonable requests. It’s great to network with people with whom you have a strong existing relationship but remember that this is just as much about business as it is about family. Don’t expect your cousin to put in a good word for you just because you are related – at the end of the day, if she’s a contact in your network, it’s still a professional relationship. And, keep in mind that even if they can’t get you an internship in their company, they might still be able to help you understand the field and have a better idea of what type of internships might be available to you.

Have you done some research?

When you start to search for an internship online, it might be a good idea to look through networks, such as LinkedIn. They can be incredibly helpful as they open a doorway of companies and internships that you may not even of thought of applying for. Take advantage of social media as well: for instance, IIB uses Instagram to showcase our wonderful current interns, give useful advice future and current interns can use, and show you a bit of what life in Brighton is like. Moreover, agencies such as IIB can help you find an internship with local companies that you might not have known before.

What do you want to get out of your internship?

Some common goals during an internship is learning more about a business you might be interested in working in, a career you might be studying for, or a company you might want to work for. However, our interns also think that it’s a great idea to use this time to also improve their English and gain an understanding of a competitive market in another country. If that sounds interesting to you, moving away for a little while can create a more professional mind set about what you are applying for and help to educate yourself further.

Are you ready to start applying?

Before you apply, make sure that your CV and Cover Letter are personalized to the internship you want. This attention to detail will make your application stand out. You want to show that you have paid attention to the company’s required sets of skills, and you can match your achievements to the post description. Taylor your CV and cover letter each and every time you send them out.

As one last tip, don’t forget that waiting is part of the game. You took a chance and you won’t lose anything if you don’t succeed – you can and will try again if necessary. You have learnt a lot during this process. Creating a more professional view on what you want to do for an internship will help you to think a little more closely about what future careers or degrees you would like to take in the future. And if you need a little extra help, you can always count on us.