Landing Your Dream Internship: Five Tips From Our Team
The process of securing an internship can be a real challenge, we know. Getting noticed when there are so many young graduates and students competing for jobs can be challenging - especially if you aren't aware of the best practices for connecting with employers.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of top tips from our studio that will help you get your foot in the door and make an impact. After all, we all started out that way!
Without further ado, let’s take a look at our studio’s top five tips for landing that dream internship.
1. Get organised.
Take the time to research, don’t leave anything to the last minute, and be proactive when it comes to seeking out opportunities. Make a spreadsheet of all the agencies you would like to reach out to, and make sure you find the right contact person by checking out LinkedIn or the company’s team pages. Your next step is to connect with them via email, LinkedIn, phone, or any other method that might catch their attention!
2. Be relevant.
If you are pinging out emails, make sure that what you are sending out is relevant. Templates are great, but don’t forget to personalise them for each agency. Make sure your cover letter reflects the organisation’s needs, and mention a particular project of theirs you admire, as well as your relevant skills. This is your chance to highlight why you are an excellent fit for the organisation, so make sure you take the time to explain why.
3. Don’t be scared to follow up.
It’s a golden rule. You should never hesitate to follow up by email or phone. Or perhaps you could send something by mail if you don’t hear anything back? Due to the flood of emails that businesses receive, yours can easily be lost among the clutter. Getting creative and taking every opportunity you can to distinguish yourself from the crowd is a great way to get yourself noticed – for the right reasons.
4. Tailor your portfolio.
A tailored portfolio is crucial when applying to an agency or company. Don’t let one size fit all be your guide. A personalised portfolio not only showcases your skills, but also highlights all the ways in which you could be an excellent fit for the company. It also shows that you’ve taken the time to understand their values, goals, and needs. We can’t stress this enough. An individualised portfolio is an excellent way to highlight your passion for the company and industry and showcase why you would be a great fit.
5. Be eager to learn.
Open-mindedness and a willingness to learn are both crucial to preparing for an internship. It’s always refreshing to meet someone who is open to new experiences and you’re sure to be appreciated by employers for your eagerness to learn and take on new challenges. By cultivating a growth mindset, you not only gain new skills, but also demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development. It’s a win-win.
Stay positive and keep applying regardless of rejections. It doesn’t matter if you don’t land your dream internship right away, every experience contributes to your career journey!