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Posted Nov. 29, 2013

Postgrad Internships and Where to Find Them

Postgrad internships are an important part of any student’s life; they are a stepping stone into their future careers. Most students take part in internships that will not only look good on their resume, but will also give them an insight into the line or field they are likely to choose. Internships are available in large numbers, but the basic goal is to find one that suits you and your qualifications.

Decide the Route you are Going to Take The first decision that you need to make is the career path you are going to follow. Are you sure about your career path, or are you still wavering between a few options? Until you have some clarity in your own mind, taking the next step forward would always be dodgy. As an example - are you planning to join the hotel or tourism industry ? If yes, then which aspect of that industry would you like to focus on – the hospitality section or the chef’s domain? In the same manner, every career path needs to be clearly defined – at least in your own thoughts.

Look for Internships that Match your Path This is where the hard work begins. The internships available are countable, but the number of people applying is too many. You have to be quick off the block and need to apply to multiple places, so that you do not miss out on any possible opportunity available. Remember, you have to make the compromises between what you expect and what you are likely to accept in the end.

How to Look for Internships There are many tips on how to look for internships during postgraduate studies. The best sources are your networks, especially in the company where you would like to work later. Find someone who works there and approach them for an internship. This will help you find jobs that are not advertised and which only work through word-of-mouth. In a situation such as this, you have the added advantage of knowing about the company and possessing the ability to talk knowledgeably during the internship interview. The other network that works well when looking for an internship is the alumni of your college. The alumni group would be able to provide you with important information on where to get the best internships, since they have already been down that route before. The professors and counsellors are also a good source of information .

Websites and Organisations There are many websites that specialise in locating internship opportunities for youngsters. These require you to register, and some of them even charge an upfront fee. However, the point here is that they have access to data that is not available elsewhere. Besides, they also do the legwork for you. They divide up the jobs based on the industry, job criteria, and the location.

How to Apply for Internships A good resume is the first thing that catches the eye of the interviewer. Do not send a standardised resume to each company. Focus on the core strengths or requirements of the firm, and tell them how your knowledge will best match their needs. Highlight your skills pertaining to their field, and also emphasise why working with them is a part of your long-term goal. If they call you for an interview, prepare yourself by learning a great deal about the company, their goals and achievements. Also tell them the reasons why you would be a great asset to their organisation. Many employers look at interns as someone who they would like to employ permanently. Hence , they choose interns who fit their requirements and qualification. Keep this in mind when applying for internships and do not trivialise the internship opportunity.
 
 
 

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