Internship Timeline

Resource Mining

Internship Timeline

By Amy Marie Charland and Mary Ann Lawson

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Locating and Applying for Internships

It’s never too early to start planning for your internship. The total process—finding an internship and applying and interviewing for it—can take several weeks or even months. Here is a general timeline to assist you with the planning process:

(Complete approximately three semesters before you want to start your internship.)

Talk with your academic adviser and a career services counselor to find out what internship resources are available to you on campus.
Write your resume and cover letter.
Decide what you would like from your internship. Responsibilities? Compensation? Experience?
Attend job fairs to find out about internship opportunities.
Start networking with everyone you know.
Define where you would like to do your internship. City? Corporation? Industry?
Start researching internship opportunities. Obtain general information about the company, internship programs, contact people and deadlines.

(Complete at least two semesters before you intern.)

Send out your resume and cover letter.
Practice your interviewing skills. Schedule a mock interview with your career services office.

(Complete at least one semester before your internship.)

Make sure your application is complete for each company where you would like to intern.
Interview with employers.
Send thank-you letters to employers who gave you an opportunity to interview.
Decide on an internship that is best for you, and accept an internship offer.

Good luck!