5 Tips All Graduates Need to Know Before Applying for an Internship

From fresher to fresh out of college, you are about to enter the competitive job market. 

First off, congratulations on successfully pulling through three or four years of sleepless nights and last-minute submissions. Your official inauguration into graduate life is an exciting time in your life. 

Landing a degree is certainly worthwhile, and necessary for certain careers – we’re looking at you, law and medicine! But there is one downside to four years of studying and writing essays. Namely, most degrees are theoretical or lacking in practical experience. Not to mention, your time at university has cost you a non-refundable chunk of your personal growth time. 

As a result many graduates face an immediate uphill struggle to stand out to employers. Employers who are looking for that perfect candidate with both a degree and hands-on work experience. 

That’s why internships and work experience have become such an intrinsic part of today’s job market. An internship opens up even more career paths and can lead you to new pursuits. However, even they are not as easy as you might think to enroll in. Internships require real work.

So before you march into battle, here are 5 tips to help you if you’re thinking about applying for an internship.

You might assume that since internships center around experience and personal development, they’re the perfect option for beginners. Unfortunately, insiders tell us otherwise. 

One study estimated that employers are more likely to hire interns with previous internship experience. Yes… you need internship experience… to get an internship.

Those with experience of the job market may already be familiar with this insidious cycle. The good news here is that there’s a bit of leeway. 

Employers today are looking for eagerness and reliability, among other things. These are known as your soft skills. 

So if you wish to showcase yourself in the best light possible, it’s a good idea to find the niche that most fits your vision. 

Whether you are on the hunt for a Marketing internship or something in the Finance sector, developing key skills in your field should be your priority.

Highlight what you’ve learned in your resume and cover letters. It could be a group assignment you did in uni, or a self-motivated project that demonstrates your interest in your future specialism. 

Obviously, you won’t compare with your more experienced peers at first. Don’t worry about that – instead, just focus on building up your skills. You’ll have had more experience than you realize; so think hard about what you’ve achieved in your personal, professional, and educational careers. 

And if you need assistance in determining your skills and experience, Beyond Academy can help. 

Our crew of experienced career coaches is here to assist you as you enter the world of work. With us on your side, you’ll gain life-long resume and CV-writing skills that will take you to your dream internship and Beyond.

So, you’ve finally settled on what you want to pursue for your internship. Cool! Time to figure out what to bring to the table.

The first thing most of us do when scrolling through webpages of internships is look at the requirements. Although not strictly necessary, requirements are a good point of reference when researching your desired company. 

They’re the best way of discovering the scope of the firm; as well as what might be expected of you. This means that if you’re looking at a role for which you meet only half of the requirements, it’s time to hit the books. 

Apart from your core skills, think of all the soft skills you normally overlook and how to improve them. Match these as best you can to the requirements – and remember, you don’t always need to hit them all to be considered for the role. Employers are often happy to interview someone without all the required experience; an internship is a learning experience, after all!

If you’ve ever spent any time around the older generation, you’ve probably heard plenty of stories of how things were done back in the day. And you’ve probably noticed that back in the day wasn’t as flexible as today definitely is. 

Businesses and companies are more resilient than they look. Many industries know how to take a hit or two; just look at how many have implemented rapid changes over the last year. 

Consequently, remote internships are more popular than ever. But be aware of the differences between remote and on-site internships. 

In an online internship, you can take your work wherever you wish – your bed, the kitchen, or even a nearby cafe. But on-site internships are far more regimented.

So do some background research on what your employers might expect of you. It’s worth checking whether there’s a time difference, or if some of your work will be time-sensitive. 

If so, your employers might want you to be available at the most urgent hours; you may have to alter your schedule accordingly.

As we’ve seen, the world of internships is a dangerous jungle teeming with fierce competition.

Applications for summer internships kick off as early as December the previous year. So keep a lookout for job openings and get your applications in as early as you can.

This LinkedIn story shares that its author, Carson, waited for four months and suffered through 61 rejections before he landed a role on his 62nd try! 

The moral of the story – don’t give up. The internship market can be uncompromising, but keep at it and you’ll eventually get somewhere.

And regardless of the outcome, keep your head and spirits up! 

But if you’re struggling, we can help! If you find yourself stressed or anxious about the internship process, you have the option of entrusting your goals to Beyond Academy’s team of experts. We’ll consider your background and career aspirations as we search for the most suitable internship experience. Whether you’re looking for Fashion, Law, or Programming, we can offer tailored internship programs in 14 global locations.

Our increasingly globalized world makes it possible for anyone to chase their dreams, anywhere. 

The new norm of global travel has made cities like London, New York, and Sydney metropolistic melting pots. So buckle up for some cross-cultural exchange.

Time spent with representatives of other cultures will enhance your communication and cultural awareness. 

Whether your internship is online or on-site, you’re bound to meet new faces from every corner of the world. 

And you’ll build up an international network of friends, colleagues, and contacts while you work.

For more tips on co-existing with other interns, check our blog all about the friendships you’ll make while working abroad! 

Today, the internship market is more competitive than it’s ever been. Hungry graduates jostle to gain the experience they need for their future careers.

When applying for internships, it’s a good idea to draw upon as much of your experience as possible. Employers are happy for you to refer to your personal life or educational career as you describe your skill-set; and if you can convincingly convert your real-life experience into professional potential, you’ll be a step ahead of your competitors. 

But if you’re looking for an internship, plan ahead. Consider what will be expected of you, as well as whether the internship will be remote or on-site. The experience can differ, but either will provide you with an excellent grounding for your future career.

And finally, don’t let things get you down. The job market is tough, but there’s something out there for everyone. It can be difficult to experience rejection after rejection – but you will eventually get the right internship for you.

If you’d like to take all of the hassle out of internship applications, and embark upon an experience tailor-made just for you, why not consider an international internship with Beyond Academy?

We offer 18 different industries across 14 international destinations. And we’ll provide you with a comprehensive package of support from start to finish; from application help and interview tips to your own community support team throughout your time in your chosen city.

So if you’d like to find out more, contact us to begin your Beyond adventure!