Summer internships are so important for your future career. They provide you with valuable experience for your résumé and connect you with mentors in your field. Your internship may even turn into a full-time job – mine did! But don’t miss out on your dream summer internship because you waited too long to apply. If you haven’t already started your summer internship search, here are five reasons why you need to start looking now!
Companies are already interviewing.
Many summer internships listings are already online, and companies add more each day. Most companies are already interviewing their summer intern candidates and making final decisions, too, even though it’s only March. But for companies that have just begun reviewing applications, you can apply early to gain a leg up on competition. Peak intern application season begins around spring break, so beat the rush, and turn in your application now!
Applying for summer internships is a process.
Buckle in because applying and interviewing can be quite the process. Applying for internships is extremely time-consuming. Tailoring cover letters and filling out the applications can take a long time even before you factor in interviews. Sometimes you send out 10, 20, or more applications before you hear back from just one or two companies. Furthermore, bigger companies that receive tons of applications often take weeks or months to review submissions. Depending on the job, some companies will also require multiple rounds of interviews, phone screenings, in-person meetings, and online tests before they’ll offer you a position. You may have to endure multiple interviews and play the waiting game with several internships before you receive the perfect offer.
You need to balance your search with your other responsibilities.
Obviously you can’t spend every waking minute applying to internships. Besides applying for internships, you’re likely also attending classes, doing homework, going to the gym, and hanging out with friends. You have to find the balance between applying for every opportunity in sight and living your life. When you start applying to summer internships early, you have more time to complete the applications so you can strike the right balance.
You won’t have to settle.
Starting your internship search early means that you won’t have to settle for a summer internship you don’t absolutely love because it’s the only one available. Applying and interviewing early means that you have time to feel out companies and pick and choose between offers. If you receive an offer but suspect that the internship isn’t a good fit for you, you’ll have time to find another opportunity. Give yourself time to trust your instincts.
You’ll have time to figure out the logistics.
Depending on your internship, you might have to think ahead or rearrange your life a bit. Your company may have lots of paperwork for you to fill out before your start date or ask you to undergo a background check. If your internship is out of state, you may need time to find temporary housing or book travel. You may also need to research public transportation options or tune up your car if you’ll be driving a lot more than you usually do. Moreover, if your internship is unpaid, you may want to look for a part-time job to provide a bit of income so you can afford your expenses. Give yourself time to prepare for your internship so your summer will run smoothly.
Internships are extremely competitive, so applying early for your summer internships is crucial. Give yourself ample time to put your best foot forward, and you’re sure to find a summer internship that you love!
Feature Image via Grown-ish on Instagram
