Are you a student in college who wants to launch your career with an internship? You're on the right track! Internships are an excellent means of acquiring hands-on experience, developing skills, and enhancing employability. And the best part? Internships are offered in nearly every sector, from IT and marketing to healthcare and manufacturing. Wherever you are in India, opportunities await you!

Why do Internships Matter?

At any age, internships can offer diverse opportunities and experiences that can add to your resume, skill bank, and knowledge base. Here's how they can benefit you:

Gain hands-on experience in your field- Working with a company in the field that you are interested in can allow you to get the lay of the land. It can help you understand, beyond the textbook, how a company in that chosen field operates. It can also help you challenge yourself, apply your knowledge to problem-solving in real-time, and understand how each company can function differently.

Build a professional network- In a world where connections are made through a phone on LinkedIn, internships will help you speak to people who do what you want to do in your career. They can guide you, provide industry secrets to success and even mentor you. You can build a network with all the important people in your field with whom you have personally interacted, which gives you an advantage over online connections. With this network, whenever you need to kickstart your career, you already have a database to fall back on, making it easier and seamless.

Add valuable skills to your resume- This one needs no explanation. Internships will always help you hone your skills and build your resume, especially if you target the skills integral to the career/ dream job you want.

Test-drive a career before committing to it- Internships can help you test the waters and try out various fields before committing to one. Having knowledge of each company from the ground can provide valuable insights into which field will suit you best.

How do you look for internships?

But let's be honest: finding the right internship can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unsure where to start. Don't worry; we have got you covered! We will walk you through, step-by-step, to help you find the perfect internship. Let's dive in!

Know yourself - Before applying, you must know yourself enough to convince the company to give you an internship. To do so, take a moment to reflect and ask yourself these questions:

What are my skills and interests?

What are my strengths and weaknesses?

Which industry excites me the most?

Which industry best fits my interests?

What kind of role do I want?

Do I have the necessary skills for this role?

Why do I want this role?

Why do I want to work in this industry?

If you are unsure about your career path, take online career quizzes or chat with your college career counsellor. Knowing yourself is the first step to finding the right opportunity.

If you are wondering the benefits of internship read this- 10 Benefits Of Internship For Students

Next steps

Research Companies- Once you have identified your interests, start researching companies that align with your career goals. Make a spreadsheet or list of all the companies, search up whether they have available internships and for what roles and note down how to contact them. This list will be your guiding star towards getting an internship. Make a list of 10-15 companies you'd love to work for. This will help you organise your search.

Use online platforms- You can search for internships on several online platforms. Here are a few of them:

CollegeCampus - Assists you in preparing yourself with the necessary skills, networks, and opportunities for academic and professional achievement.

LinkedIn- Look for internships and network with recruiters.

Internshala: One of the most popular platforms for internships in India.

Naukri.com and Indeed: This can help you filter by location and field.

AngelList: Perfect if you are looking for startup internships.

Let's Intern and Twenty19: Platforms specifically designed for students.

Use Your College Resources- Your college can be a treasure trove of internship opportunities. To make the most of it, use these resources:

Placement Cells: Most colleges have tie-ups with companies for internships. Check with your college if you have those as well.

Alumni Networks: Reach out to alums working in your desired field who have leads or advice or can direct you towards their own company's hiring team as well.

Workshops and Seminars: Attend career fairs and industry events organised by your college.

Network, Network, Network- Networking is one of the most powerful tools for finding internships. Here's how to do it effectively:

Attend Events: Career fairs, workshops, and industry meetups are great places to meet professionals and like-minded student groups.

Join Online Communities: LinkedIn Groups, Facebook Groups, and forums related to your field can be incredibly helpful with leads and platforms to build your skills.

Reach Out to Professionals: Contact individuals on LinkedIn courteously requesting guidance or opportunities. Don't be afraid! A brief message such as, "Hi, I'm a student studying [field]. May I ask you a few questions regarding your career?" can open doors. It begins with taking the first step towards challenging yourself out of your comfort zone.

Cold Emailing- If you want to apply for a specific job for a company, utilise cold emailing. Look for the HR or hiring manager's email address on LinkedIn or the company website. If not discovered, you can simply email the contact provided on the site. Compose a brief email stating your introduction and why you are applying to that company, and attach your resume. Below is a sample email that you can use:

Subject: Internship Opportunity for [Your Field] at [Company Name]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am [Your Name], a [Your Year] student of [Your School/ College] studying [Your Degree]. I am writing to show my interest in an internship position at [Company Name]. I am specifically interested in [specific aspect of the company or role], and I believe that my skills in [mention relevant skills] fit your needs.

I have attached my resume for your reference. I would be grateful for the chance to join your team and learn from your experience.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I eagerly look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Polish Your Application- Your resume and cover letter are your first impression. Use them wisely. Ensure it's only one page, emphasise pertinent coursework, projects, and skills and utilise action words (i.e., "developed," "managed," "analysed"). Most significantly, tailor it for each company so that it shines.

Beating Obstacles- It's difficult to find internships, but don't give up! Start with volunteering and search for smaller-known companies or startups. Every experience counts!

The internship hunt can be a rollercoaster, but persistence pays off. Keep applying, networking, and improving your skills. Remember, every "no" brings you closer to a "yes."

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