Tips for Interns

Whether paid or unpaid, an internship is an outstanding opportunity to gain real-world knowledge in your career field, make networking connections with professionals in your future line of work and add excellent experience to your resume. The competitive advantage you gain from completing an internship makes even an unpaid opportunity incredibly valuable to your future career. Follow these tips for success to achieve an internship opportunity and make the most of it.

When it comes to obtaining an internship opportunity, a well-written resume and cover letter are the first steps. If you are a college student with little to no resume-writing experience under your belt, you are not off the hook. It is your responsibility to educate yourself on the do's and don'ts of resume writing. Keep your resume brief; limit it to one page by including only the pertinent information. Include the most vital headings on your resume such as objective, education, work experience, activities, skills and relevant coursework. Finally, proofread your resume several times, and ask a friend, classmate or professor to proofread it as well.

When determining what to include on your resume, consider what is most important to the employer. Review the internship description closely, and determine what the company wants in an intern. Do plenty of research on the company to find out what its goals are, and decide what you can offer to help further the organization's mission. Craft your resume with these considerations in mind. List your work experiences, your special skills, coursework you completed or any other information relevant to the internship opportunity.

When you are offered an internship opportunity, do not make a hasty decision to shoot down the offer if the internship position is unpaid. Consider working a part-time job in addition to your internship, but make sure you choose a gig with flexible hours. Consider weekend work, babysitting jobs, freelance writing or dog walking.

If you are offered an internship opportunity that covers the cost of your food and travel, make sure you are familiar with the terms of the agreement. Find out whether receipts are required, and create an estimate of the total of your travel and food expenses for one week.

If your internship opportunity is out of town, search for options that are cost-effective. Consider subletting a room, or sign a month-to-month lease for an apartment. Furnish your space with inexpensive dorm furniture and pieces found at consignment shops.

Forgo dining out, and save your pennies for utility bills and rent. Eat inexpensively by packing your lunch, and avoid lunch boredom by searching the Internet for food recipes to break up the monotony. If you find it hard to cover the cost of eating, consider applying for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program through the government to aid with your grocery bills.

When it comes to landing an internship opportunity, it is important that you stand apart from the other applicants. Demonstrate to the employer what makes you unique by developing a resume that is in line with the company's needs and goals, and live inexpensively if you choose to accept an unpaid internship opportunity. These tips for success let you make the most of your internship and further your future career while still living comfortably.

Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at Flickr.com