To begin the internship process:

1. You need to ask yourself the following questions:

• Is an internship required for my degree?
• When do I want to do an internship?
• Would an internship enhance my education and possible future job search?
• Can I afford to participate in an unpaid opportunity?
• Where do I want to do my internship geographically?

2. Make an appointment with your advisor. Discuss your career and internship goals and determine the appropriate number of internship credits based upon the program requirements.

 

3. Students are responsible for finding a sponsoring organization for an internship. Identify possible intern sites or employers that interest you.

• Make an appointment with the Coordinator of Cooperative Programs to discuss your specific search and previous internships.
• Search the PSC Career Service internship websites for internship opportunities.
• Register with JobZone (PSC online job and internship site) to search for posted internships.
• Interview your friends (and friends of friends) about internships they’ve either done or heard about through the grapevine.

4. Develop a search strategy by searching by specific companies of interest, industries of interest, or by geographic location. Set up a schedule to call or e-mail prospective employers to visit about internship opportunities.

• Begin applying to employers. Depending on the employer, you may be required to submit an application weeks or months prior to the start of the internship. Plan accordingly.
• While waiting to hear back from employers about your application status, schedule a mock interview with Career Services to practice your interviewing skills and attend on-campus interview workshops.

5. You will need to develop tools to follow up with application procedures, such as error free resumes, cover letters, applications, and where necessary, writing samples or statement of philosophy. Create a draft of your resume and submit to CareerServices@peru.edu for editing. Check resume samples at the Career Services homepage. Be cognizant of deadlines for existing programs and send materials at least 10 days in advance.  Analyze the needs of the organization and internship responsibilities to personalize each cover letter and resume.  Follow up with a telephone call on a date promised in your cover letter to make sure that all your materials are in and to inquire about the selection and interview process.

 

6. Download the forms at the Internship Forms page .