ISO March 2008 E–Newsletter
INTERNSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The spring semester has started and most of you are probably busy with classes.
But if you are interested in a summer internship, you will need to start applying
immediately – if you haven’t already done so. There are quite a few places that
international students can intern at, so don’t be discouraged if positions at some
of the larger companies are already filled. Some of the smaller organizations might
have job openings that you would be a better fit for you, and you will also get
the opportunity to develop more personal relationships with your supervisors here.
Regardless of where you intern, though, an internship will provide you with valuable
real-world experiences that will assist you in the future.
We know that the internship search for international students can be frustrating
at times, but with good planning, and by marketing your skills well, you will have
a better chance of obtaining the internship that you desire.
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WHERE TO LOOK
There are a lot of resources you can use as you plan your internship search. There
are numerous online databases that you can use, for example, and these can be particularly
helpful if you are looking for an internship with one of the larger organizations.
We would recommend, though, that you first think about applying for an internship
within the proximity of your school, since companies there would already have a
history of recruiting students from your school. Your application would be looked
at more favorably, and you might even be able to find someone from your school who
has worked there before, or knows someone who has worked there.
Although a lot of employers might not admit it, having connections with someone
in the company you would like to intern at is very important. They can provide recommendations
for you, inquire on the status of your application, and even get you an interview.
This is why it is extremely important that you talk to people – your family, friends,
and even professors – and let them know that you are looking for an internship.
Even if they do not work at a company with openings for interns, they might know
about one that is looking for someone with your qualifications. Remember, too, that
not all companies will advertise when they are looking for interns. A lot of them
will depend on their current workers to recommend family members and friends. So
ask around, and you might be lucky!
Most schools have a career center, and this is another place that you can find a
wealth of information on internships. The staff here will have special training
and can provide you with the most relevant information for your job search. Make
sure that you take advantage of all these opportunities so that you are as best
prepared as possible.
You can also use online databases, like those on www.monster.com or www.craigslist.org,
but remember that there will be a lot more students applying for these same internships
as well.
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COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES
Today, almost all companies will require that prospective interns submit a cover
letter along with a resume. It is important that you invest quality time into these
two documents, since they are given special attention by the recruiting officer
at almost all companies. In most cases, these will be the documents that give the
first and lasting impression of you. You want to impress from the beginning, so
invest the time and effort now, and reap the benefits later.
Here are some tips that will be helpful to you as you prepare:
Tell the truth on your cover letter and resume. Do not lie about your qualifications,
previous work history, etc. Employers have seen a lot of applications before, and
even if you do get the internship, they will probably expect you to use the skills
that you claim to have. Don’t forget that employers can find a lot of information
about you online. Proofread your cover letter and resume at least five times. Read
aloud, since your ear will be able to pick up any grammatical errors that your eye
might skip over. Then, show it to your friends and ask their opinion. You might
even consider getting some of your professors to review these for you. Make all
necessary changes before submitting these documents. Be specific. Your responsibility
in your cover letter and resume is to so impress your prospective employer that
they call you for an interview. If you only provide general information about yourself,
then you will not stand out from the field of applicant. Modify your resume and
cover letter to emphasize the skills that are needed for the internship that you
want to apply for. Do not fall into the trap of sending one cover letter to every
company that you apply to. Every internship position will require a set of skills,
and you should emphasize the relevant skills that you possess. This will demonstrate
that you are good match for the position. Send your resume and cover letter to the
right place. If you do not know the name of the person receiving applications, you
can simply call and ask. Employers will look more favorably on your application
if it is directed to the relevant official. Keep copies of everything you send.
You will avoid sending duplicate applications this way. You should also reread your
cover letter and resume before you go in for an interview, since the interviewer
will ask you questions about what you have written.
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INTERVIEW TIPS
When you get called for an interview, do not relax and think that you’ve completed
all the hard work. While this is usually the last step in securing an internship,
it is also the most important. You do not want to stumble here, or create a bad
impression. Instead, you should view this as a great opportunity to display your
professionalism, and prove that you deserve the internship that you have worked
hard for.
The following tips will assist you to ace the interview:
Prepare! Don’t assume that you will just be asked questions about yourself. You
will also need to show your knowledge about the company, the internship requirements,
etc. Employers frequently ask questions like: “What contributions can you make to
our company?” or “Why do you want this internship position?” You need to be prepared
for the unexpected questions as well. Practice with a friend to see how you respond.
Some career centers will have facilities to conduct a mock interview, where the
session is videotaped and you can review your strengths and weaknesses (if any)
with a professional counselor. Please take advantage of these resources, which are
free at most colleges. Arrive on time! If you cannot arrive on time for an interview,
how will you arrive on time when you start working? If you have never been to that
location before, call and verify the directions. You should aim to arrive at least
15 minutes early. Maintain eye contact. Even though it might be disrespectful in
other cultures to maintain eye contact with an interviewer, it is expected in America.
If you look down too much, the interviewer might think you are nervous, or scared.
Eye contact shows confidence and honesty. Be able to discuss your accomplishments,
goals, strengths, and skills with ease. You will be asked about all of these. Ask
questions if you do not understand something. It is always better to ask follow-up
questions and give a good answer, than to pretend to understand and give a response
completely off-topic. Finally, ensure that you are dressed properly. Most companies
will require that you come to the interview dressed formally, but it is always best
to ask. There are some fields where the rules might be a bit more relaxed.
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OPT
It is very important that you receive proper authorization so that you can work.
You will need to inform the international students’ office at your school about
your intentions to intern, and they will guide you through the process. It will
take a few weeks for all the paperwork to be completed, so make sure that you apply
early enough.
More information on the application process for OPT can be found on the following
website:
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/opt.htm
USEFUL LINKS/SOURCES:
BEST WISHES FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERNSHIP SEARCH FROM ISO!
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