Frequently Asked Questions
1) Do I really need an Internship?
It various from major to major, however, internships are experiences that every student should achieve. It is a time where you can start to apply all of your textbook knowledge to the real world, network with individuals in your field, and gain valuable experience so that you can have an edge over other students applying for the same positions post graduation. You might always want to check your course requirements because some majors are required to complete at least one internship during their college years.
2) I decided an internship would be a good experience for me. How do I begin?
The amount of time it takes to secure an internship can vary with each organization. Below is a guideline to follow.
7-8 months before starting date
Start
prioritizing what you want, such
as: companies you want to apply to, paid or unpaid,
and location
Make
a rough draft of resume and cover letter.
Find
out the following information:
~Name of person to send your resume
~Company address
~What opportunities are available for interns
~Will the position meet your priorities?
~Can the company's internship meet your learning objectives
~What is the company time-line for applications
If
you want academic credit, begin talking to your advisor
about learning objectives you and he/she can establish.
5-6
months before
Start
filling out applications
Finalize
resume
Hone
your interview techniques (consider in engaging in a mock
interview given by the Career Development Center ).
Lastly
4-5 months before
Start
sending your cover letters, resume and application materials.
Begin
interviewing with companies and meeting with potential
sites.
Follow
up with sites two weeks after information is sent
Continue
to send out resumes to potential sites
If
you want to use this internship for credit meet with your
advisor about the needed information
3) Can you ( Career Development Center ) get me an internship?
We don't place you in an internship. Your first step should be to schedule an appointment with a Career Specialist at the Career Development Center by calling ext. 5064. She can help you with your internship search from beginning to end and help you develop strategies along the way. The Career Development Center also has a library of resources that can assist you in finding an internship (go to the resources link on this web page and view The Intern Manual). Also see resources listed below.
Internship resources
Information available in the Career Development Center
eRecruiting
Companies send information about possible job and internship positions at their company. It is done all online, this allows for you to upload your resume for employers to look for you and for you to browse through their entries.
Cleveland Intern.net
A centralized online database that allows you to view and apply for internships listed by multiple universities in Northeast Ohio . It allows you to explore jobs in your career field as well as interest and internships.
Mock interview
Conducted by the Career Development Center . This gives you the opportunity to practice your interview skills when applying for interviews.
Internship portfolio
In the back of the Career Development Center there is a binder of all internship positions that have come through AU during the year. In the filing cabinets there is information about the different companies that have internship programs.
One on One appointment
If you are confused, need help, or simply need more guidance you can come to the CDC and schedule an appointment with the Director of Internships and he can help you with your search.
4) How can I afford an unpaid internship?
That's a good question. Unfortunately there are some organizations (primarily non-profit) that cannot afford to pay interns but the opportunity is so valuable that you don't want to miss it. Start by doing some research. Different internships fit different people at different times in their lives so you need to assess if the internship would be right for you. These organizations however are very flexible which gives you options. Here are some tips on how to plan to engage in a non-paying internship.
• Internships don't have to be 40 hours a week to be effective. You could do a part time internship and a part time job. Many non-paying internships will allow you to work as little as 20 hours a week during the summer. This gives you the opportunity to find a job that pays (maybe work 30 hours a week at this job).
• Split your summer into two months of paid work and two months of non-paid work. There are some organizations with internship opportunities that last only a month or two, allowing you to find work during the other two months off.
• Work during the academic year prior to the summer you plan to intern. Save your money so then you can engage in a non-paying internship.