Introduction
To survive in any industry, it is essential that you have sound knowledge about the practical application of theoretical knowledge.
So, how do we do it? One of the most popular and easy ways to do it is by gaining work experience through Internships.
Since every organization hiring candidates for jobs look for their previous work experience, there is a high demand for internships and other skill-based learning.
According to a report published by Internshala in India alone was a 35% hike in the number of students seeking internships in 2020.
Since last year, approximately 76,000 candidates have applied for internships every day.
Therefore you should make sure that you grab the right internship opportunity at the right time. For doing this, you should have clarity on how to land an internship?
Key Takeaways
- There is a high demand for internships. Since 2020, approximately 76,000 candidates have applied for internships every day.
- LinkedIn is one of the most trusted professional sites, which caters to over 740 million members and 55 million registered companies.
- Apart from internship opportunities, the placement cell plays an essential role in shaping your career, at least in a well-recognized University, by conducting workshops, career counselling, mock interviews, and campus placement.
8 strategic ways to land an internship
1. Internship Portals
Using internship portals is one of the most commonly used ways to land an internship.
There are plenty of internship portals available, namely — Internshala, Glassdoor, Hellointern, and Letsintern.
Internships portals present a systematic way to apply for the internship opportunity based on your interests, preferences, and previous experience.
Even though internship portals are a widely used platform, the internships listed here are not that useful.
There are still a handful of opportunities that would be worth applying for.
If you are looking for an internship opportunity in the following domains — NGOs and Campus Ambassador program, you should definitely try out internship portals.
2. Placement Cell
College placement cells are a great way to land an internship.
When you apply for internships using portals, there are chances that the firm might not even check out your application as they receive 1000’s similar resumes on a daily basis.
On the other hand, when you get an internship opportunity through your college placement cell, the companies would give your profile a higher consideration.
One thing you can be sure of is when an internship opportunity comes from your placement cell. Then it would be coming from a well-recognized firm/organization.
Apart from internship opportunities, the placement cell plays an essential role in shaping your career, at least in a well-recognized University, by conducting workshops, career counseling, mock interviews, and campus placement.
3. Utilizing internships fairs hosted by other colleges
One more way to get an internship is by utilizing the other college’s placement cell.
Keep track of the placement cell of other well-recognized universities by following them on social media.
Many times they host internship fairs that are open to all. This way, you can diversify your options and expand your possibilities of landing an internship.
You will also get an idea of what kind of firms are coming for recruitment.
Even if the opportunity is not open for all, you can always go to the company’s official website and apply for the internship on your own.
4. Applying directly through the company’s website
You can directly apply for the internship opportunities through the official website of the company.
Many organizations/firms have a dedicated section for internship/job openings.
If you keep track of it, you will be able to find the right opportunity for yourself.
I would suggest you make an excel sheet and list down the firms you would like to apply for, their official websites, and their official e-mail address.
Now, keep in mind to check these websites regularly to keep track of the openings.
5. How to apply for internships through LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is one of the most trusted professional sites, which caters to over 740 million members and 55 million registered companies.
This means there are high chances that targeting the right companies at the right time with enough patience may land you with plenty of opportunities.
You can use LinkedIn to network with the HR managers of the firms you would like to apply for and send them a crisp invite with a brief about your interest, your goals, along with a copy of your resume.
Do not expect a quick reply from them. It’s essential that you follow up with them as there is a chance that they might have missed your profile as they are bombarded with hundreds of applications every day.
6. Personal Contacts
Last but not least, ‘Personal Contacts.’ By now, you might have understood that landing an internship opportunity is not a cakewalk.
So, if you have tried all the options mentioned above and feel that all doors seem closed.
Then, you can utilize your contacts to get an internship opportunity.
I would recommend this option if you have a contact who can help you arrange an interview with a good firm.
It is far better than you pursuing a below-average internship through other options.
7. Keep an eye out for Social Media posts
Organizations and firms actively use social media platforms to reach out to you to keep you updated about internships and job opportunities.
There are many verified, well-recognized brands and social media pages such as HeadsUpForTails, OfficialHumansOfBombay, TVF, and FilterCopy, among others who use their Instagram pages to reach out to you regarding hiring updates.
Especially this method can come in handy if you are looking for internship opportunities in domains like — Content Writing, Digital Marketing, Graphic Designing, Digital Illustrations, Motion Graphics, Photography, and Animations.
So, make sure to follow the firms you are interested in on all social media platforms.
8. Online Courses
Online courses have a lot of advantages.
- It can help you upskill yourself.
- You will get a certificate on successful completion of the course
- You will get to do live projects
- Most importantly, if you perform exceptionally well, a few online courses even provide you with internship and placement assistance.
Therefore, if you plan to pursue an online course in the same domain that you are interested in getting an internship opportunity. I would recommend taking up courses that come with an offer of internship assistance.
Wrapping Up: How to land an internship?
Internships play a crucial role in giving you industry exposure and a practical understanding of academic knowledge.
But, landing an internship is very difficult given the number of students applying for internship opportunities daily.
Therefore, I would recommend you follow the steps mentioned above to increase your chances of getting an internship.
Don’t be disheartened if you do not get a response from them very soon.
Keep trying and have patience. Your hard work will not go in vain.
Meanwhile, focus on networking and keep in touch with people already working for that particular firm or similar domains.
This would help you get an idea about the next steps you can take to reach your goals.
If you want to land an internship in the field of Computer Science and are wondering about what next? Then you must read Effective TIPS to apply for an Internship in Computer Science.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is pursuing an internship important?
Yes, nowadays pursuing an internship is very important. Internship reflects your learning, skills and industry exposure which is what organizations are looking for when they hire a candidate.
2. How can I apply for an internship through LinkedIn?
You can use LinkedIn to network with the HR managers of the firms you would like to apply for and send them a crisp invite with a brief about your interest, your goals, along with a copy of your resume.
If they find your profile suitable for any of the job openings, they will definitely get in touch with you.
3. Will internship fairs help me in landing an internship?
Often internships fairs that are hosted by colleges are open to all. This way, you can diversify your options and expand your possibilities of landing an internship.
You will also get an idea of what kind of firms are coming for recruitment.
