Internship Search Strategies Career Services Oregon State University 8 Kerr Administration Building osu.orst.edu/dept/career-services/

Program Objective Learn about types of internships Learn how to search for an internship –Expand your knowledge of resources –Help you clarify your goals and objectives –Review search tools Use some resources

Types of Internships Critical Components: –To gain career-related experience –To utilize and build upon existing knowledge and skills Varied time commitment and duration “Internship” title does not guarantee a good experience May also be referred to as Co-op

Purpose & Benefits: Students Active learning “Real-world” experience Test career fields and industries Make contacts May lead to other positions May receive wage or credits

Purpose & Benefits: Employer Additional staff member Short-term new hire Training and review of a potential employee Gain energy and new perspectives Give back to students, schools and community

Search Strategies and Resources Varying employer hiring timelines Multiple resources –Directories –Postings (paper and electronic) –On-Campus Recruiting –Referrals Consider local organizations Take the initiative and research!

Search Tools Resume –Contact sheet with summary of experiences Cover Letter –Identifies your goals and highlights or skills Interviewing Skills –Prepared and adaptable –Professional and thoughtful

Tips for Success “What do you want to gain from an internship experience?” Internship Learning Agreement Form –/osu.orst.edu/dept/career-services/intern/ –Share expectations & goals with employer/advisor Request mid-term and final-term feedback and evaluation Ask for what you want!