How to choose and prepare for an internship: complete guide

Choosing and preparing for an internship can be crucial steps in a student’s career. This article provides practical advice on how to choose the right internship and how to best prepare to take full advantage of this educational experience.

1. Why choose an internship

An internship provides an opportunity to gain practical experience, develop specific skills, and network in your field of interest. In addition, it can be a great way to see if a particular career is really a good fit for you. Choosing to do an internship can be motivated by several factors, such as a desire to integrate theory learned during your studies with work practice or the need to fulfill curricular requirements for completing your degree.

2. How to choose the right internship

Identify your goals

Before you begin your search, it is critical to think about what you want to get out of the internship. This will help you select opportunities that are in line with your aspirations and avoid investing time and energy in internships that do not match your interests.

• Gain specific skills: if your main goal is to develop technical or practical skills in a particular field, look for internships that offer hands-on training and real projects. For example, if you are an engineering student, you might look for an internship that allows you to work on development and research projects.
• Exploring a new industry: if you want, instead, to explore a new industry to see if it might be a good career choice, look for internships that allow you to work in various departments. This will give you a broader view of the industry and different business functions.
• Build a professional network: if your goal is to build a network of professional contacts, seek internships at reputable companies in your field of interest. Attend company events, networking meetings, and seek to establish meaningful relationships with colleagues and mentors.

Search for companies

Once you have defined your goals, the next step is to research companies that operate in your field of interest.

• Use online tools: platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed are good places to start. On LinkedIn, you can search for companies by industry, position, and see if they have open internship openings. Indeed offers reviews and feedback from former interns, giving you a clearer view of the work environment.
• University portals: many universities offer portals dedicated to job and internship listings for their students. These portals can be a valuable resource as they often include exclusive opportunities for students at the university.
• Company websites: visit company websites to better understand their mission, vision, and corporate culture. “Work with us” sections often list open positions and requirements.

Check the requirements

To increase your chances of being selected for an internship, it is essential to make sure you meet the company’s requirements.

• Specific skills: some internships require technical skills or specific knowledge. For example, a programming internship might require knowledge in a particular programming language such as Python or Java.
• Certifications: some fields may require specific certifications. For example, an internship in health care might require a first aid certification.
• Education level: check whether the internship requires a certain level of education, such as being enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program.

Assesses corporate culture

Company culture can significantly affect your internship experience and your overall well-being.

• Company values: look for companies whose values are in line with yours. This will help you feel more comfortable and motivated in your daily work.
• Work environment: attend company events, webinars or job fairs to interact directly with employees and better understand the work environment. It may also be helpful to talk to former interns to gain an inside perspective.

Consider the location

The location of the internship can have a significant impact on your overall experience.

• Cost of living: find out about the cost of living in the city where the company is located. If the internship is in a city with a high cost of living, make sure that the compensation offered is sufficient to cover your expenses.
• Housing: consider the housing options available. If the internship is far from your city of residence, you may need to find temporary housing. Student residences such as those offered by In-Domus can be an affordable and comfortable solution. In-Domus offers modern housing with all the amenities included, easing your transition and allowing you to focus on the internship without logistical worries.
• Company support: Check whether the company offers support for housing or reimbursements for transportation costs. Some companies offer additional benefits to help interns manage relocation-related costs.

3. How to Prepare for an Internship

Update your CV

Make sure your CV is up-to-date and well-structured. This is the first document recruiters will see, so it must be impressive and professional.

• Clear and professional format: use a simple, clean layout with a clear hierarchy of information. Avoid overly elaborate fonts and maintain a consistent structure.
• Highlight relevant experiences: highlight the experiences and skills most relevant to the internship for which you are applying. For example, if you are applying for a marketing internship, highlight experiences where you worked on communications projects, advertising campaigns, or social media management.
• Customize for each application: tailor your CV for each internship you apply for. Analyze the job description and be sure to include keywords and specific skills required by the role. This not only makes your CV more relevant, but also helps to overcome any automatic filtering systems (ATS) used by companies.

Prepare a motivation letter

The motivation letter is an opportunity to explain why you are interested in the position and how you can contribute to the company.

• Personalize each letter: write a unique motivation letter for each internship. Avoid generic templates and refer specifically to the position and company.
• Motivation and interest: clearly explain why you are interested in the role and the company. You can mention specific aspects of the company that attract you, such as the company culture, recent projects, or opportunities for professional growth.
• Relevant experiences: detail how your past experiences prepared you for the internship. For example, if you did a college project similar to the work you would do in the internship, describe how this experience provided you with relevant skills.
• Emphasis on enthusiasm: show enthusiasm and passion for the role and the company. This can make all the difference, showing that you are truly motivated to be part of the team.

Collect references

References can lend significant weight to your application, showing that you have already impressed positively in previous contexts.

• Ask in advance: ask for references early enough to allow your referrals to prepare detailed and thoughtful letters.
• Select relevant referrers: choose referrers who can speak directly to skills and experiences relevant to the internship. Professors who know you well, project supervisors, or former employers are good choices.
• Inform them about the position: provide your references with detailed information about the position you are applying for. This will help them write more targeted and relevant letters.

Prepare interview questions

The interview is your chance to prove that you are the ideal candidate. Preparing well can make a big difference.

• Structured answers: be prepared to answer common interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” or “Why do you want to work for this company?” Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to structure your answers and make it clear what you have contributed in past experiences.
• Company knowledge: do in-depth research on the company. Know their main projects, mission, values, and any recent news. This will allow you to respond with confidence and show that you have a genuine interest in the company.
• Recruiter questions: prepare questions to ask the recruiter. These can be about the company culture, expectations for the role, growth opportunities, and the company’s future plans. Well thought out questions show that you are interested not only in the role, but also in how you can contribute in the long run.
• Mock interviews: practice answers with friends, family members or through mock interview services. This will help you feel more confident and improve your communication.

4. Living in a student residence during the internship

If the internship is in a city other than your own, you may need to find temporary housing. Student residences such as those offered by In-Domus can be a great solution. In-Domus offers modern, comfortable student housing with included amenities that can make your internship experience even more enjoyable and stress-free. Living in a student residence allows you to focus on your internship, reducing the time and stress associated with housing management. In-Domus student residences also provide opportunities for socializing and networking with other students, creating a supportive environment during your internship.

Conclusion

Choosing and preparing for an internship takes time and commitment, but it can lead to great benefits for your career. By following these tips, you’ll be able to find the right internship for you and better prepare for this important experience. And remember, finding suitable accommodations like those offered by In-Domus can make all the difference in making your internship a positive and productive experience.