As the fall semester approaches, college students across the country are preparing to secure the much needed internships that will shape their career paths. Competition for these opportunities can be fierce, making it essential for students to take specific steps to position themselves as strong candidates. As such, getting their dream internship requires more than just applying; It requires a strategic approach to differentiate themselves from the pool of other enthusiastic applicants.
Here, 19 Forbes Council of Coaches Members share key steps that will give students a competitive edge and help set them on a path to professional growth and achievement.
1. Use the summer to take advantage of the hidden job market
Use the summer to identify target companies and internships. Analyze and build the necessary skills. Once you get it, sync it with your resume and LinkedIn to make it stand out and be found. Often, college students pursue internships without the qualifications. Network like a ninja. Take advantage of the hidden job market. Find internal company advocates and referrals now; Once you apply, they can ask to look at you. – Typograph generationAnd Tipograph Career Consulting LLC
2. Create a video cover letter
Include a video link in your cover letter. The link should take the hiring manager to a video in which the applicant specifically talks about the internship opportunity and why they are a good fit. Show enthusiasm in the video and introduce yourself thoroughly, including what you know about the company, the role and what you bring to the organization. Show all! – Carrie Ann BarrowAnd measurement strategies
3. Find and connect with specific leaders
Target a specific leader or a few leaders. Read about it on LinkedIn. Find things they wrote that really matter to you. Then write to them directly to express your sincere interest in working with them and why and what you think you can contribute. – Dr. Joel M. Rothizer, MCC, ABPPAnd Clear Impact Consulting Group
4. Reach out to former trainees or employees in your desired role
Find interns who have held this role in the past by doing a LinkedIn search for the name of the program. Look at their backgrounds to see how they compare; Consider an internship or study to help you direct your career in a similar way. Also, find similar professionals on LinkedIn and use their professional credentials as a guide to position yourself for internships and future job opportunities. – Laura Smith-Proulex, CCMC, CPRW, CIC, COPNS, CTTCCAnd Expert CV
5. Build relationships through advisors and professors
One specific step college students can take toward getting the internship they want is one we’ve all heard before because it works: building connections. Share your interests with your professors or academic advisors, as they are likely to direct you to another connection or resource. Also network with others in relevant clubs or organizations on campus. They will have knowledge and wisdom to share with you. – Samantha MurphyAnd Dr.. Dore Gater and Associates
6. Analyze the company using multiple sources
Find the company or entity you want to practice with! Don’t limit yourself to their website (which often shows the company in only a positive light). Search news sites especially for what has been reported about the group — the good, the bad, and the ugly. Even a company that has a few marks against it may still be a company you want to work for. – David J. smithAnd David J Smith Consulting, LLC
Forbes Council of Coaches It is an invitation-only community of leading business and profession coaches. Am I eligible?
7. Clearly explain your goals and values
Clearly articulating goal, objective, and value statements is critical to distinguishing yourself from a group of students competing for the same spot. Organizations want the role to be good for them and good for the student so that each can benefit from the experience. Like any role, the candidate is well presented with doing their own work in addition to their homework! – Adina Johnston, d.And side group
8. Be proactive
Don’t wait for opportunities to pop up through the Career Center, every other qualified applicant will apply. Internship seekers can use LinkedIn, their existing network and other sources to grow referrals, meet potential hiring managers, make a positive impression and position themselves for a great internship role that may never get posted. – Scott SingerAnd Insider recruitment strategies
9. Focus on the “why” not the “what”
Start with an extension Why not with What. Why do you want to do your training in this particular place? After researching this organization, what strength skills can you develop there during your internship together? Show your passion and desire to work there and how it will ultimately help you grow your organization and help you. – Joel CrawfordAnd Crawford Leadership Strategies, LLC
10. correspond with alumni
Use LinkedIn’s Alumni function to find alumni from your college. Reach out to individuals who work in your target companies and request an exploratory conversation to learn about their career path. – Lisa RangelAnd Chameleon Resume LLC
11. Emphasize your “branded value.”
Make sure you are talking about the “differentiation value” that you are putting on the table. You must differentiate yourself from your peers by expressing knowledge, skills, or perspectives that you can offer that others cannot. Employers are not affected by the average qualifications of the trainee. They are looking for someone with a special charm who will “wow” both of them and those with whom they will work. – Karan RhodesAnd Shockingly Different Driving (SDL)
12. Improve your speaking skills
Be a good talker. Verbal communication is the primary way we introduce ourselves to others, and many young people today have not prioritized being able to conduct a constructive conversation. Nothing beats being able to look someone in the eye, speak with confidence — without filler words (um, like, uh) — and establish a positive relationship through well-spoken words. – John LoweAnd Ty Boyd, Inc.
13. Build work experience and interview practice techniques
Build work experience to add to your resume and LinkedIn profile. Learn how to adapt your resume and experience to the internship position you are applying for. Be clear about your internship goals – where do you want to take you? Network, use your connections and make use of the connections of your family and friends. Practice the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique so you’re prepared and confident when it’s time to interview. – Anita O’Connor RobertsAnd AOC Consulting
14. Ask yourself what your dream training looks like
Internships are similar to job models, so be honest with yourself about what you’re looking for. What kind of work environment do you need to thrive? How important are workplace relationships for your daily mental health? What role does feedback play in helping you learn? What are the most important values to you and to the companies you will adhere to? What skills are you seeking to develop? – Ziti NxumaloAnd Deftable, LLC
15. Take advantage of the artificial intelligence feature in LinkedIn
College students applying for fall internships can position themselves better by taking advantage of LinkedIn, which has proven to be a solid hub for students. Now, LinkedIn has an AI bot that can level up your presence on the platform, allowing students to stand out even more. The bot generates verbiage designed to breathe life into your messages, so you can pull off your perfect training. – Dr.. Taguana russulaAnd drtajuanaross.com
16. Make use of your personal brand statement
Students applying for the internship must stand out. Adding a personal branding statement to a resume conveys exceptional qualities, skills, experience, and knowledge that distinguish internships or job seekers from average candidates. Brand statements should be specific to a specific type of job and show how you will stand out in the role. Hiring managers prefer outstanding applicants. – Laurie A. MannesAnd Quality Media Consultant Group LLC
17. Optimize your LinkedIn profile
One specific step a college student can take is to improve their LinkedIn profile and presence. Use LinkedIn to highlight your professional skills, experience, and interests. Target the right companies, connect with professionals in your field and join industry groups to expand your network and increase your visibility to potential employers. – Jay GarciaAnd Jay Garcia Group
18. Ensure alignment with your goals
Make sure it aligns with your current career aspirations. Consider roles that would allow the expansion of your inherent capabilities while promoting skill development and leadership potential. If there are opportunities to meet future co-workers through networking events, get involved, inquire about the organization’s culture and growth opportunities, and ask for introductions. Do your research! – Ariel McGrawAnd Tactful Deception®
19. Find your passion
Show your passion. There are a lot of college students out there, but I’d like to hire someone who really has a passion for the career they want, along with a lot of ambition and ideas about how they can contribute to my company. – Stacy AckermanAnd NavigateAgile
