Things I Learned While Hunting For a Summer Internship

By Lauren Brose ‘15

My current class standing is a bit odd. It’s a gift and a curse because I have to spend an extra semester at USC while my classmates are entering their full time jobs as graduates this spring. In a way, it is also a gift because I now have an extra summer to take advantage of the internship programs offered by potential future employers.

With literally weeks left of classes, now is the time to start locking up summer internships. Personally, this entire process has really helped with essential skills I will need for the rest of my professional career. A lot of companies in Los Angeles are beginning to reach out to candidates for interviews. So far there have been leads, some phone interviews, and a lot of exchanging emails and applying online. I’ve really become more aware of what my strengths and weaknesses are. I know there are a few things that I need to work on as does every other college student. We’re still learning so it’s okay if you stumble a few times along the way.

Coming To Terms With Simple Facts

The period right after graduation will most likely be the most difficulty you will face with finding a job. Employers want graduates who already have experience. The only way to get work experience in college is through volunteering and interning. Summer is a perfect time to intern for companies. For three months, college students gain the chance to work alongside industry professionals and add it on their resume as work experience.

This means two things:


1. We really should be getting internship experience in order to look good to employers.
2. There is high competition for these paid internships

Sometimes you will receive an email back with an initial interview request and sometimes you will receive an email letting you know you were not the right fit for the position. Sometimes you won’t even receive a response at all. If there’s anything I learned, it’s to stay focused. More internships are being posted every day, companies are all moving at their own pace, and when you think two doors have shut on you two more may just open up.

Making the First Move

Before you send anything out, please proofread your resume and cover letter. There really shouldn’t be a single grammatical error because that shows a total lack of preparation and professionalism. Why would an employer take me seriously if I cannot employ proper spelling and grammar in the only two documents that support my claimed professional capabilities? 

There are two ways that I have applied to internships: through an application on their careers page that is submitted to HR  or via email to the company’s internship program coordinator. While the online application is self explanatory, the direct email might need a little bit of guidance. I personally hate cover letters and only submit them when asked for specifically. 

Here is what I do when cover letters are not required:

My name is Lauren Brose. I am a senior studying Public Relations with a minor in Marketing. It has come to my attention that xxx is currently looking for a summer intern. I feel compelled to say with confidence that this opportunity encompasses everything I desire to gain from the internship track this summer. Working in a top media agency has been a short-term goal of mine and now that I am winding down to my final semester as a student, I am determined to break into the media industry and become a full-time employee. I have attached my cover letter, resume, and letters of reference. Thank you for the consideration for this opportunity; I look forward to all future communication.

I do this because this is a great opportunity to introduce yourself as a candidate for the job. After you have their attention, you invite them to check out the supportive documents that you’ve attached. This is much better than something too short and brief:

My name is Lauren and I am applying for XX position. I’ve attached a resume, cover letter, and reference letters.
Thank you.

That is just brutally informal.

The Interview

You’ve just landed an interview!!

The next step is preparation. It is never a bad idea to consider what your strengths and weaknesses are, which accomplishments are you most proud of, the type of relevant experience you have, and what you hope to gain from the internship program that company has to offer. 

Whether it is on the phone or in person, don’t walk in blind to your interview.

My interviews have all covered many of these topics:

• Educational background
  
• On/off campus work experience
  
• About any leadership roles I have taken on
  
• Short term and long term career goals
  
• Why do I want to work for them
  
• A time I faced a challenge— what was the conflict and how did I resolve the issue
  
• Do I have any questions for them
  

I don’t know what the ruling is on this, but I always have at least one question for them. I want to show them that I am interested in their company and that I have put some thought in the possibility of working for them. I tend to highlight one of my career objectives and ask if there are opportunities for future growth there. You never know what kind of information you might get from your interviewer. If you are curious about something, don’t be afraid and ask. After all, they asked you if you have any questions for them to answer.