MIT Internship Search Strategies

Monday, April 28, 2014Angel Seto, Career Assistant

Agenda

• Overview of Internships•The Internship Search Process

• Explore• Prepare• Apply & Network• Interview & Choose

What is an Internship?

• Work experiences with a training component: • “You help us carry out our work, we help you develop skills,

and learn about our field.”• Gain workplace skills - technical and interpersonal• Gain work experience• Some companies hire interns as full-time employees

• Internships may be with companies, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, other universities, research organizations, advocacy groups, etc.• Is available to students at all levels, from freshmen to graduate

students as well as for degreed professionals. • A chance to “test drive” a career!

10 Reasons Why You Should Do an Internship

1. Internships provide a link between academic learning & professional employment

2. Test the field: find out what it’s like to work in certain occupations and industries

3. Transition into a job 4. Employers look to hire from their internship pools5. Develop a resume: you need relevant experience6. Increase essential knowledge & skills7. Networking opportunities and relationship building 8. Obtain references9. You become a proven commodity10. Gain self confidence

GECD Website

Stages in Searching for an Internship

1. Explore*

2. Prepare

3. Apply & Network*

4. Interview & Choose

STEP ONE:EXPLORE

Questions to Consider

• What do you want to get out of the internship?• What knowledge/skills do you have and would like to develop? • What skills do you most enjoy using?• What industry would you like to learn more about?• Where do you want to be geographically?• What type of working conditions/environment appeal to you?

– Degree of structure– Pace and culture– Formal vs. casual – Individual vs. team work

• Would you like a structured or unstructured program? • What kind of people would you like to work with?• What kind of work schedule do you want?

Activity 1: MyPlan Skills Assessment• Create a MyPlan account

–http://www.myplan.com/• Use License #: SBJ3J6GJ

–Click on “Assessment”–Click on “Career Skills Profiler”–Click on “Start Test”–Click on “Student Version”

Two Approaches:Company vs. Role

You may be primarily interested in working at a particular company• Your move: develop a list of interesting

companies/organizations & identify internship opportunities in those organizations

You might be sure you want to work in a particular role

• Your move: search for that role in your preferred geographic area & company size, then research company

How to Find an Internship

Traditional:• CareerBridge• Company websites• Internet jobsites

– indeed.com– iNet– internships.com– idealist.org

• Department listserve • Classmates

Non-Traditional:• Map your network (college,

parents, relatives, friends) • LinkedIn • Referrals from faculty and

graduate students• Alumni Association• Informational interviews• Professional associations

(national, local) • Newspapers, journals• Facebook advertisement• Social media • Open house

Using CareerBridge

Go to “Job Search” to find available internships

When searching for internships, specify the position type to narrow

your search

Search for a

particular company or for companies within

an industry

Accessing iNet

Create an iNet Account

7 Tips to Finding an Internship

1. Much like finding a full-time job – requires effort

2. Think about what you want 3. Explore all options4. Create an effective resume and written

materials5. Attend the events on campus 6. Create your own internship with a company7. Investigate experiential learning programs at

MIT

Activity 2: Finding an Internship

•Search for 2-3 possible internships based on the skills from the assessment•Use the following websites:

–http://www.internmatch.com/ –http://www.internships.com/

•Find the company’s website to learn more about what they do

Strategies

1. Network with faculty, students, family, friends, community members, service professionals (doctors, dentists, etc.) alumni (ICAN), etc.

2. Check online and bulletin board listings at the Student Employment Office (11-120).

3. Write to companies that recruit for full-time positions here at MIT.

4. Cold call a company that interests you – propose an internship.

5. Don’t limit yourself to your hometown or the Boston area.

Company Research

• Google & Google News• Company website• Glassdoor • Follow on social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)• Mergent Intellect (formerly known as Hoovers)• Friends• Family• Classmates• MIT alumni

Step Two: Prepare

Written Materials

• Resumes• Targeted to specific companies or industries• Reviewed by a counselor, other professionals

• Cover letters• Why you are a good candidate for a particular position• Why they should hire you – make the connection

• “Thank You” letters• Whenever you meet/interview with someone regarding career

path or a job• Other possibilities

• Transcript• Portfolio items • Letters of Recommendation

The Job Description

• Job Description = your road map• Tailor your resume & cover letter and how you strategize to market

yourself to the employer

What Should These Documents Contain?

YOU

Experiences

Interests

Knowledge/ Skills

Achievements

Step Three:Apply & Network

Applying to Internships

• Tailor your application to the specific opportunity• Proofread, proofread, proofread!• No, really, PROOFREAD! • Come to GECD drop-in hours or make an appointment

to have your resume and cover letter reviewed• Read directions carefully – some companies want you

to apply both through CareerBridge AND their applicant tracking portal• If possible, mention a connection in your cover letter

Importance of NetworkingAsking for advice – not a internshipLearning through others experiences, decisions and

career paths How did you get to your internship or job?

Developing relationshipsGathering information & advicePeople like to talk about themselves

Who Do You Network With?

•Family•Friends•Classmates/housemates•Co-workers•Faculty•Staff•Professional organizations•Service professionals•Infinite Connection (MIT alumni)

Activity 3: Using LinkedIn to Network•Go to http://www.linkedin.com/ and log on/create an account•Using the company information you found in your internship search, find someone who works at that company–See what they do

Creating an Infinite Connection Account

Questions?

Global Education and Career Development

Room 12-170617-253-4733

http://gecd.mit.edu

• Appointments with staff made with CareerBridge• Online workshops, tip sheets & resources • Drop-ins (15 minute sessions – no appointment

needed)• Monday – Friday 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.