Getting a college degree is an amazing accomplishment. It brings optimism and the reality that the “real world” awaits on the other side of securing that degree. But, how exactly do you gain the professional experience that prepares you for this “real world”? Internships are an effective way to gain valuable work experience prior to or right after graduation. For recent graduates, internships have the potential to turn into full-time jobs and can help you get your foot in the door with a great company.
If you’re looking for internships for college seniors or recent college graduates, this article is for you. Read on to learn about how you can land after-college internships that will help you launch your career.
Where to Find Internships
Sometimes, it can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to finding recent graduate internships. We’ve outlined a few great first steps below to help you get started.
Browse BestCompaniesAZ
BestCompaniesAZ is a great resource for finding after-college internships at some of Arizona’s top companies. On the site, you can find profiles for companies in financial services, healthcare, technology, insurance, nonprofit, and other industries. In each profile, you can learn more about the company and see current open job positions, including internships.
Meet with a Career Counselor
Most colleges and universities have dedicated support for helping students and graduates find jobs and internships. Oftentimes, these resources come in the form of a career center or dedicated career counselor for different majors. You can leverage your career center or career counselor to prepare your resume, practice interviewing for roles, and find out about relevant internship opportunities.
Attend Career Fairs
Career fairs have not gone out of style. They continue to be an efficient way to learn about career opportunities and to network. These days, there are virtual and in-person career fairs offering options whether or not you feel like stepping outside.
Contact Employers
Contacting employers directly can be a strong tactic for finding out about internship opportunities. Create a list of companies you’d love to work for. Then, you can leverage LinkedIn or the company’s website to find an email to reach out to.
Human resources or recruiting professionals at the company are often great contacts, as they’re likely to respond to your inquiry with helpful information. Be sure to introduce yourself and express your interest. It just might be the start of something great.
How to Land an Awesome Internship
Figuring out where to find internships is step one. Learning how to land an awesome internship helps seal the deal and gets you one step closer to launching your career.
Start Your Search Early
They say the early bird gets the worm. The early internship seeker often gets access to a wider array of opportunities. Don’t wait until graduation or until your last week of classes to start applying to internships. Start your search as early as possible.
Research Companies
“Why do you want to work here?” is often a standard question in many interviews. Be sure to research the companies you apply to ensure that what they do is in alignment with what you’re looking for. This will allow you to answer the “why do you want to work here” question sincerely and confidently.
Network, Network, Network
Networking can feel intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Think of it as connecting with people you already know, and meeting new people who may be able to help you on your career journey. Reach out and connect with employees of companies you’d like to work for on LinkedIn. Chat with your college professors — they likely know influential people in your industry. Be open about your intention to find recent graduate internships and keep an open mind.
Practice for Interviews
Practice makes perfect. Whenever you land an interview for an internship for recent college graduates, do your due diligence and prepare. Research the company and study the job description to learn more about the role. Then, spend time practicing your answers to common interview questions, such as the age-old “tell me about yourself.”
Dive into the Internship World with BestCompaniesAZ!
BestCompaniesAZ is here to help you find after-college internships and internships for college seniors. Explore BestCompaniesAZ.com to find information about and opportunities at some of Arizona’s top employers. You can also peruse the BestCompaniesAZ blog to find an array of resources to support your career development.
Considering relocating to Phoenix for a job after college? Read through our complete checklist for moving to Arizona. Visit BestCompaniesAZ.com to find internship opportunities in this beautiful location today!
