... on Internships

Finally, there's light at the end of the tunnel; and, for once it doesn't appear to be an oncoming subway train. You've ground it out at university for three or so years and now you're at the point of realistically considering your first corporate internship in preparation for the real working world. In advance, you've spent the summer assembling your thoughts and you're now ready to work on your applications in earnest. Considering you haven't undertaken a route such as this before, you feel a bit like a rookie sailor on the open seas - you see numerous points of land on the horizon, however, they all look different and you have no idea how to reach them.

Never fear Captain Edward John Smith, a few considered dos and don'ts can help you reach your chosen destination: a good internship match.

DO'S

Do try at obtain at least one internship during your school years. And do try to get several internships;

Do set definite goals for both yourself and each internship. Know what you want to achieve with each;

Do be sure you have a quality cover letter, a superior resume, and polished interviewing techniques;

Do send thank-you letters to people who interview you and all people who help you find an internship;

Do expect to be treated professionally, and do conduct yourself professionally at all times;

Do make the most of your system of family and friends to the fullest to get leads on internships;

Do try and arrange ongoing meetings with your internship manager;

Do secure as much exposure within the internship firm as possible;

Do find a mentor in the organisation, either your internship supervisor or some other manager;

Do ensure you leave your internship with new skills, a better appreciation of your chosen field, and concrete achievements.

DON'T'S

Don't forget to take advantage of the career services office at your college or university - they typically have leads to numerous internship opportunities;

Don't expect all internships to be paid. Consider accepting both paid and non-paid internships; some of the best internships are non-paying;

Don't expect internships to be simply handed to you; as with any job, an internship must be earned;

Don't pass up opportunities to gain experiences outside the regular scope of the internship that lead to chances to learn more about the organisation or the industry;

Don't ever give up in your internship quest. And don'€™t pass on any internship leads - regardless of how slight they may appear;

Don't be afraid to ask questions. And be open to learning new skills, processes and methodologies; and

Don't burn any bridges - even if your internship was not the best.