How to Get an Internship in College

College is a great time to explore potential passions and career paths. Acquiring an internship during your four years is one of the best ways to enter the workforce. However, the actual how-to of finding an internship can be daunting. Where do you even begin? What to do if you have little to no experience? Don’t stress! We’re giving you the scoop on our best tips and tactics. Here’s our guide on how to get an internship in college!

Online Networking Platforms

Creating profiles on platforms such as LinkedIn, Handshake, and Indeed is a great first step in getting an internship. These platforms are designed to connect applicants to employers, and their job listing features will help you get a feel for what type of internship you’re interested in pursuing. Pro tip: after applying to an internship posting, check LinkedIn to see if you have any connections (ex: high school, SMU alum) with someone at the company, and send a message to connect!

SMU Hegi Career Center

As SMU students, we’re fortunate to have such amazing on-campus resources like the Hegi Family Career Center. Reaching out to their equipped counselors is a great way to prepare yourself for the internship search process. Hegi counselors offer personal connections to job opportunities, help with resume-building and cover letters, conduct interview practice, and more.

CCPA Career Fairs

Print out multiple copies of your updated resume, and head over to any of CCPA’s many networking events or career fairs. CCPA hosts an impressive list of Dallas-based companies who are eager to learn more about prospective SMU applicants. Even if you don’t see your dream internship at the event, making connections and learning more about the communications industry will be a valuable use of your time.

Reach Out to Your Personal Network

Talking to individuals in your personal network (family members, family friends, previous mentors) is an excellent way to find internship opportunities. Reaching out to your network exposes you to opportunities in different cities, and having a personal connection to a potential internship is one of the easiest ways to snag a job these days. This includes your professors! Your professors want to see you succeed! They would most likely be thrilled to help you get an internship and definitely have advice and connections to share.

Here’s the takeaway: you’ve got this! SMU has so many resources to offer, and help is always around the corner. With these tips and tactics, you’ve got what you need to get your first college internship.