When researching which internships you might want to apply for, always plan at least one year in advance. Many large internship providers will be looking to fill their internships during the fall and winter for the upcoming summer internship offerings. It is important to get your application in early, to show proactiveness and dedication on your part, and to ensure your application makes it towards the front of the applicant pool for timeliness.

While it is important to know where to look for internships, (i.e. Berkshire Interns, local colleges, local government offices, etc.), it is also possible that you may not find an internship in the specific industry or company you are looking for. If this is the case, do not be afraid to ask! Many employers are willing to take on interns, but do not have a formalized program where they recruit interns each year. These internships will often provide a unique experience because they will be individualized to your specific interests and future career goals. Do not ever be afraid to politely inquire with an organization to see if internships are an option and are available.

When it comes time to officially apply for internships, your cover letter will be an essential part of the application package. When writing cover letters, a technique that will help capture the employer’s attention is to tailor your letter to the specific position you are applying for. Review the organization’s website if they have one, try to find their mission statement or company goals, carefully read the job description if it is available, and try to align your reasonings for wanting to apply to these areas.

Prior to receiving an interview, your resume is the only impression an employer will have of you when considering you as a candidate for their position. It is paramount that your resume is complete and free of errors. After reviewing the resume yourself, share it with a trusted friend or peer to review it as well. This will display professionalism and attention to detail to the employer.

A kind and thoughtful thank you will go a long way after an interview. During the interview, take notes of who is on the interview panel and what their position is within the organization. If possible, obtain their contact information after the interview; or reach out to the organization’s Human Resource department to obtain it. Send each member of the interview panel a thoughtful thank you note or email for their time, and include one or two items you may have heard in the interview that excite you to have an opportunity to work within the organization. 

Once you have made it this far, you have landed the internship! As you go throughout your learning endeavor during the internship, you should remain humble -  but confident. It is important to remember you are qualified for the role you have and that you have put in the hard work and dedication to obtain the knowledge you need to have made it thus far, but it is equally important to remember to remain humble and to soak up the learning experience for all it is worth. Do not be afraid to ask questions when you are unsure of yourself, or to inquire about topics that may spark curiosity in you. These are the best ways to learn, and who better to learn from than the professionals around you who are educated and well-versed in your chosen area of study?

Berkshire Interns: This program matches college students with open summer internship positions in the Berkshires. Visit berkshireinterns.org for more information and to apply.

Berkshire Community College Internship Program: Designed for Pittsfield residents, this program connects students with local employers for 10-15 hours per week paid internships. Learn more at berkshirecc.edu.