Miss Simplee Sufficient

Internships are an ideal venture to pursue if you’re looking to gain valid working experience after post graduate study. In the current economic climate jobs are few and far between so getting an internship is a great way to get yourself in the world of work related to your chosen career. It’s important to consider that a number of post graduates will be having the same idea when it comes to applying for internships, so don’t panic if you can’t get a placement straight away. However, there are some tips to take on board to help you stand out from the crowd.

Search in the Right Places

When you’re looking for an internship do not fall into the trap of simply typing in search engines ‘Internships in [your chosen career area]’. Make sure you are more specific and target Post Grad internships in your chosen field as they will be much more valuable to you. You can do this by searching online as well as scouring the specific internship websites available on the internet. In addition, do not hesitate to ask your friends and family if there is an available internship in their place of work if it is relevant to your previous study.

Get in Contact ASAP

It is important to get in contact with potential employers as early as possible so you give yourself a better chance of being recognized before everyone else. When doing so, ensure you either contact the manager of the company as well as the Human Resources Department. Doing this will give you a higher chance of getting a response rather than if you simply contacted through enquiries.

Make sure you Follow-up

If you manage to reach the interview stage, to help you clinch the internship you should send a letter or email of appreciation to your interviewer. However, if you have not heard from the company a significant time after your application you should follow-up with an email, phone call, or letter. Carrying out any of these tasks will show your dedication and eagerness to get involved, and hopefully your name will stick in the employers mind.

If All Else Fails

If there are no available internships being advertised you should research prospective companies and industries that are involved in your area of further study. You should make a list of all the companies and access their official websites to learn about what they offer and gain their contact details. Moreover you can check local newspapers, government agencies or the Yellow Pages for various potential organizations you may want to get involved in. It may be time consuming and there’s no guarantee that there will be anything available to you, however, the employers will be able to see that you are proactive and determined. Therefore, an internship position may open up for you.

This is a guest post written by Mark from Postgrad.com. Postgrad.com offers information on master’s degrees and funding for master’s degrees.