Advice for getting a summer internship

C

Corey Bit Spank

Active member
So, it's time to look for a summer internship, or REU research program, for summer 2008. I'm a junior chemical engineering major.



What has been everybody's experience with this process? Did you have connections, or did you get a position because you're superradsmart xawesomex?
 
My school helped students find internships. See if there is a student services department at your school that will give you some leads and advice.



Some of the best opportunities I've found with internships is just throwing out a resume somewhere you like and talking with someone in person. Whether or not they are looking for help, if you know how to present yourself you are bound to get a spot.
 
Well, our school has a career fair each semester where you can go talk to recruiters, submit a few resumes, and find out what companies you would like to or would not like to apply. And our Career Opportunity Center has a special function set up on College Student Internships & Entry-Level Jobs – MonsterTRAK called InterviewTrak where you can see what companies have interviews coming up on campus that you can sign up for and see what you have to do (as in submit a resume and wait to see if you are preselected, etc.). Then you just set up a time and the COC takes care of setting up a time and a place for the companies to hold their interview sessions. I'm waiting to see if I am selected for an interview and hopefully find out in the next few days.
 
Connections help a lot - I applied for a couple internships, and I ended up getting one with my dad's employer. I found that the key there was my interview (I came very well dressed, had answers and previous work stories ready, and chatted up the interviewer about some of his personal interests).



I ended up beating out more than a few applicants who were better qualified on paper. The HR manager told me that my dad's name got me in the door, but it wasn't good enough to get me the job - the interview was key on that.
 
As a fellow Chem Eng, I can give you some insight....



Use your college career development center as much as you can. This is probably the easiest way to make connections. Also, look into any alumni programs that you may have to make contacts.



My college had excellent recruiting (had a job by Feb of my senior yr), and co-op programs, but summer internship programs and connections were lacking. I had to do everything myself. I went through the thomas register and made a list of about 50 chemical companies in my area. I sent them all my resume and cover letter.....yes this was a lot of work. I finally landed a summer job with one of them but mostly got bag letters thanking me for my application. I worked at a flavor and fragrance company / plant for one summer and it was a really good experience.



Most company's don't see value in summer interns and prefer co-op programs. Three months isn't enough to train someone and have them actually contribute.....with a co-op program a company can potentially have them or a longer time period. Good luck.
 
Oof. A co-op is really going to be difficult with my work and research schedule.



And well, my regular school work schedule, too. Goodness gracious.



I'll just start applying all over and see what happens.
 
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