Internships

What is an internship?

An internship is a partnership between a student and an organization that provides a relationship, hands-on training, and career awareness. Characteristics of internships include the following:

• 3-6 months duration
• Part-time internships are typically available during the year
• Full-time internships are typically available during the summer
• Paid or unpaid
• A balance between the interns’ learning goals and the specific work an organization needs done

What should I put into an internship?

It is widely accepted that an internship is your first “real” employment situation. Therefore, you should approach an internship with the attention, diligence, and professionalism you would a full-time job. The following are important characteristics of a successful intern:

• Arrive on time and dress appropriately
• Work hard to accomplish tasks that you and your supervisor choose
• Abide by the internship sponsor’s company rules
• Ask questions and be inquisitive about the job and company
• Honor the terms which you and your supervisor agreed upon

What can I expect to get out of an internship?

“You get out of it, what you put into it!” Keep in mind that for you this internship represents exploration, exposure, ability to practice your skills, and perhaps most importantly potential employment. It will shape you now, and it may also shape your future. The following are a few benefits of an internship:

• An exposure to the industry/function of the internship
• An understanding of the industry and organization
• The opportunity to “test-drive” a field to see if it is a good fit for you
• The opportunity to apply your classroom and extra-curricular learning to real world situations
• Work experience that will help build your resume
• The opportunity to network with key individuals that may lead to future employment and/or references

How CCD can help with your internship search:

Attend CCD Workshops, especially Employer Resume Critique Night, Internship Connection, Experience the Industry Visits and Mock Interviews

• Attend the Internship Fair in February
• Schedule a counseling appointment or plan to Drop-in during Office Hours (link to 2.8.6.1)
• CCD Web site– Internship Search Resources & Online Workshops: Strategies for Finding an Internship

The Summer Intership Search Timeline

Attend Career Expo in late September

• Start industry and company research to narrow your interests
• Compile a list of target companies and potential contacts to reach out for informational interviews
• Attend career development workshops to learn the mechanics of acquiring an iinternship, visit Babson Career Connections and update your personal and academic profile
• Begin searching for internships on Babson Career Connections and other Web sites and resources
• Build a resume and outline of a cover letter
• Meet with a counselor in CCD for feedback on your resume and cover letter. Upload to Career Connections
• Create an account on www.internships.com
• Check company Web sites & CCD’s Industry Timeline to determine application deadlines; many firms hire summer interns as early as December

Winter Break...Get Set! 

Network with alumni and potential employers while on break. Conduct informational interviews. If looking for opportunities outside of Boston, plan a trip or set up phone appointments that are in that location over your winter break. Refer to the CCD Web site to access helpful internship Web sites and resources.Visit CCD’s Online Skills-Based Workshops to finalize your internship search marketing tools.

Spring...Go!

• Attend the Internship Fair in February
• Attend Career Development Workshops (check CCD Calendar of Events for dates and times); check Babson Career Connections daily to find new internship listings and events. Apply for positions!
• Prepare for the interview; meet with a counselor for a MOCK INTERVIEW