Internship Opportunities
When it comes to finding your ideal position, a little determination goes a long way. There are several places to look for internship opportunities with U.S. companies. Make a plan that includes exploring all the options available and stay open-minded. Every internship opportunity has something to offer. Begin your search as early as possible to ensure that you have enough time to find, be offered, and accept your internship.
Below is a list of options and resources available to internship seekers. This is not a complete list, and as you conduct your search, you may uncover additional ways to find your opportunity.
Career Help Centers
Pay a visit to your university Career Center, public career service centers in your area, or a U.S. Educational Advising Center (often times located at the U.S. Embassy). In addition to internship and training program listings, the resources offered at these centers often include career counselors who may be able to point you in the right direction.
Your CIEE Representative
Discuss options and ideas with your CIEE representative. They have resources and knowledge that you cannot find elsewhere. They can also let you know about any specific resources available from CIEE, including select internship placement opportunities (not available in all countries).
Search Online Listings
There are many online job boards and employment search engines. Some of these specialize in internship opportunities, and some list general employment opportunities.
When using these, you will need to use keywords like “intern”, “internship”, or “trainee” to find the types of opportunities you are looking for.
Use Your Network
If you have personal or professional contacts, don’t be afraid to use them to get leads or recommendations. Networking is an excellent (and important) way to learn more about companies that specialize in your field, to secure an informational interview, or to develop relationships with people who can help you find what you’re looking for.
Online Social Networking
Once you have identified companies that interest you, you might want to start following them on Social Networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Also, it’s a good idea to remember that companies will look at your Social Network pages when considering your application, so be careful with your settings and remember to keep it professional!
Go Directly to Companies that Interest You
Visiting the websites of companies that interest you may uncover opportunities that are not listed elsewhere. Some companies that host international Interns never post openings on job boards, while businesses that have never hosted an international Intern may be open to doing it.
Here are a few tips:
- If you don’t already have a list of companies to contact, make one by searching the Internet, newspapers, and magazines.
- Check company websites for available internship or training positions.
- If no openings are listed, don’t be discouraged! Find out the names of the Human Resources Manager and/or the hiring manager, and contact them to ask about whether opportunities exist.
- After you’ve sent your resume and cover letter, make contact again a week later. Explain that you’re still interested in speaking with them about possible internships or training positions. It’s ok to politely make contact with them several times.
- Stay positive and keep trying. Some employers will never return your email or phone call. Others will send you a standard letter saying “no thanks.” But, the more companies you contact, the better your chances will be.
- Follow up! If you are not successful immediately, don’t give up. Hiring managers want to know that you’re motivated and eager to be part of their team. While it’s never a good idea to be aggressive or pushy, it’s reasonable to make contact more than once.
- Keep track of emails you’ve sent and calls you’ve made. You never know when a hiring manager will get back to you, so make sure you know who they are and when you last contacted them.