Monday, May 2, 2011

Any Plans for Summer? Score a Killer Internship

Pursuing a summer internships is a great way to gain access to jobs in the field of your dream. No matter what career path you choose, summer internships can benefit you immensely, helping you gain marketable skills, establish a professional network of people in your field, and greatly enhance your resume. Not to mention that having internship experience under your belt gives you a competitive edge over other applicants for professional positions.

If you're having a little trouble finding your ideal summer internship and are interested in fashion/public relations/journalism/photography etc., no worries, Rebels In Pearls is here to help. Our top three places to find an internship? See below:

1. ED2010
Check out ED2010's Twitter for instant internship updates.

2. Free Fashion Internships
Check out Free Fashion Internships on Twitter to keep tabs on all new internships.

3. Intern Queen Inc.
Make sure to follow Intern Queen on Twitter for the newest news on internship.

Make sure when communicating with the contact listed you remain professional (i.e. no overzealous or using your cutesy e-mail from middle school, such as partychic67@aol.com) and send in whatever was asked for (usually a resume and/or cover letter).

Keep in mind that whoever you've contacted is mostly likely super busy and might not be able to get back to you right away. However, if it has been over a week, it might be best to send another e-mail to check-in. In this e-mail you remind the contact of your enthusiasm for the internship while also including your resume to remind them of who you are. Hopefully after this you receive a response, where you will usually be required to send additional information (such as a reference list) or give an interview. Keep in mind that either way, it is a good idea to keep e-mailing with your contact to make sure you stay in their mind.

The Interview: Top 5 Tips to Sealing the Deal

1. Know who you're working for.
Research the job you are interviewing for, as well as the company. It's a great idea to know key figures of the company or what the company has been currently working on. You may also want to distinguish what makes that particular company special.

2. Refresh yourself on your accomplishments (so far).
Look over your resume and realize what you have accomplished that could help you with the opportunity you are interviewing for. The majority of the interview process consists of your potential employer trying to find out what you've done during past internship programs or jobs that could be incorporated into theirs anyway, so brainstorm what could set you apart from other applicants.

3. Be Mindful of Proper Etiquette.
From the beginning to the end of the interview, be sure to mind your manners. Pronouce your potential employer's name correctly. Be positive. Give a strong handshake when you introduce yourself. Be friendly and confident, not abrasive cocky. And most importantly, try to relax!

4. The Q&A. Potential employers want to know that your interested enough to ask questions.
Some helpful examples:

• What were the major strengths and weaknesses of the last person who held this job?
• What types of skills do you NOT already have onboard that you're looking to fill with a new hire?
• What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this job?
• What are the skills and attributes you value most for someone being hired for this position?
• Where have successful employees previously in this position progressed to within the company?
• Could you describe a typical day or week in this position?

5. The Follow-up.
Always, always send a follow-up e-mail (or handwritten card!) after the interview. Explain why you want the internship and describe how you would be best for the job. Make sure the follow-up e-mail is sent within 24 hours of the interview.

Any questions or comments? Let us know and good luck with those summer internships!

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