Just because you’ve researched college internship opportunities and set an appointment for your interview doesn’t mean your work is done. You’ve got some preparation to do. Think of the internship interview as good practice for entering the workplace after you get your college degree. Hopefully you already know to dress appropriately for the situation, to arrive on time and to power down your cell phone before the very first hand shake. Also, take a resume along to leave behind and brush up on the following:
1. Research the company. Spend some time online to find out who they are, what they are up against in the marketplace and any recent developments in their business category. Not only will you feel more confident as you walk into the interview, you will show that you are truly interested in contributing.
2. Be a good listener. Although the purpose of the interview is to show the kind of person you are and what you are capable of, let the interviewer take the lead and be ready to respond when called upon. Questions will come your way and it’s perfectly fine to pause to collect your thoughts before you speak. Once you start, make sure that you stay on track and completely answer the question.
3. Interviews for internships are usually about what your capabilities are as opposed to your actual work experience. Be ready to reflect on you’ve learned thus far in college and pose some of those situations as examples of why you’d be the best candidate for the internship. Everything is relevant − from the extra-curricular activities you’ve become involved with to the choices you’ve made in roommates or housing.
4. Bring along a copy of a completed project or paper to use as reference. Engaging conversations are memorable, but if you add another element to the mix it tends to stand out. Use the project as an example of a team effort you felt good about or an outcome that confirmed your preliminary concept. You get the idea.
A firm handshake and you’ve done all you can do, right? Not yet. It’s always good form send a thank-you note. It shows that you appreciate the time they gave you and encourages them to further consider you over anyone else for the internship. If your initial mode of communication was an email, it’s suitable to send your note of appreciation via email as well. Otherwise, rely on snail mail for your follow-up. If it turns out that your hard work and dedication didn’t lead to the internship you wanted, you can at least chalk it up to good practice for next time, right?
Julie Clark Robinson writes for a wide variety of publications. Her many interests include online degree programs and online college graduate programs.
