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venkata I'm a graduate student on track to graduate in a year. From what I've seen, it looks like people often get internships by virtue of having connections to people at the companies they apply to. I am afraid applying through the electronic gateway would not be considered or screened by the humans. Would you suggest some useful tips in order to get to the level of an interview?
Answered by John, Hiring Expert at Textron Inc., on Thursday, February 6, 2014
There are many different options to catch a company’s eye other than simply applying to their website. Try reaching out to career services at your school, they can provide advice on steps in the right direction. They can also look over your resume and offer tips, and maybe help with mock interviews as well. Also, look on your school’s career site to see if any employers of interest are coming to recruit on campus. If not, try connecting with people via social media. Most companies and recruiters are on LinkedIn, and will post available positions at their companies. Follow companies of interest and be on the lookout for positions of interest. Another tactic would be to reach out to professors that you’ve met through your classes. They might also be able to provide advice on next steps in the job hunt. Good luck!
There are many different options to catch a company’s eye other than simply applying to their website. Try reaching out to career services at your school, they can provide advice on steps in the right direction. They can also look over your resume and offer tips, and maybe help with mock interviews as well. Also, look on your school’s career site to see if any employers of interest are coming to recruit on campus. If not, try connecting with people via social media. Most companies and recruiters are on LinkedIn, and will post available positions at their companies. Follow companies of interest and be on the lookout for positions of interest. Another tactic would be to reach out to professors that you’ve met through your classes. They might also be able to provide advice on next steps in the job hunt. Good luck!
Answered by Sharon, Hiring Expert at Mutual of Omaha, on Monday, February 10, 2014
Internships are a corporate investment and they most certainly are screened by humans! Internship selections are rarely from "who you know" but more based on your credentials and interviewing ability. Our organization looks for top talent in our interns. Why? Because we want to start with the best to eventually convert them to employees. The electronic gateway is important. Make sure you are applying for internships you are qualified for and consider a broad lens. Maybe out of state, an industry you'd not considered, etc. Apply early! Our summer internships for 2014 were offered to candidates in the fall of 2013.
Internships are a corporate investment and they most certainly are screened by humans! Internship selections are rarely from "who you know" but more based on your credentials and interviewing ability. Our organization looks for top talent in our interns. Why? Because we want to start with the best to eventually convert them to employees. The electronic gateway is important. Make sure you are applying for internships you are qualified for and consider a broad lens. Maybe out of state, an industry you'd not considered, etc. Apply early! Our summer internships for 2014 were offered to candidates in the fall of 2013.
Answered by Steve, Hiring Expert at Caterpillar Inc., on Friday, February 14, 2014
I would recommend a couple of things. First, be sure to participate in internship recruiting events/career fairs at your college. When you do so, identify those companies in which you have the most interest, research them ahead and time, and be prepared to have an engaged conversation with their representatives. In many cases, companies will conduct interviews the day of or shortly thereafter the recruiting event. Therefore, making a strong impression on them at the event is key. After the event, utilize professional networking web sites, such as LinkedIn, to connect with the persons you spoke with at the event and begin to build your network for the present and in the future.
I would recommend a couple of things. First, be sure to participate in internship recruiting events/career fairs at your college. When you do so, identify those companies in which you have the most interest, research them ahead and time, and be prepared to have an engaged conversation with their representatives. In many cases, companies will conduct interviews the day of or shortly thereafter the recruiting event. Therefore, making a strong impression on them at the event is key. After the event, utilize professional networking web sites, such as LinkedIn, to connect with the persons you spoke with at the event and begin to build your network for the present and in the future.
Answered by Kathleen, Hiring Expert at ADP, on Thursday, June 12, 2014
Applying for an internship online is one way to gain an interview but you should also consider using your networks on campus to help secure an internship. One idea is reaching out to your professors and letting them know that you are interested in an internship. Professors typically have many connections in their field of interest and they may be able assist you in securing an internship. Talk to your fellow classmates and students who have already graduated. They may have some connections to help you as well. Also, reach out to your Career Services office on campus for guidance. Good luck!
Applying for an internship online is one way to gain an interview but you should also consider using your networks on campus to help secure an internship. One idea is reaching out to your professors and letting them know that you are interested in an internship. Professors typically have many connections in their field of interest and they may be able assist you in securing an internship. Talk to your fellow classmates and students who have already graduated. They may have some connections to help you as well. Also, reach out to your Career Services office on campus for guidance. Good luck!
