Optimizing Your Experience

Finding a great internship or co-op doesn't have to be just luck. Review the tips we have prepared to ensure your choice is well informed and you have the best experience possible.

MAKE YOUR SELECTION BELOW:
Checklist: Six Steps to Get You Started
Selecting the Best Internship/Co-op
Succeeding in Your Internship/Co-op

Checklist: Six Steps to Get You Started

Six Steps to Get You Started

1. Start the process early.
Good internships are competitive and typically it can take a semester of searching to land an internship. Many national programs have a lengthy application process and early deadlines.

Attend a Career Center Internship Strategies Workshop to get started in the right direction.

2. Determine what you want to gain from the experience.
Define your learning objectives: The most critical element of your internship is the learning agenda which you should set up with a supervisor at the beginning of your assignment. This agenda should target specific skills and competencies that you wish to acquire and demonstrate. The learning agenda is what distinguishes a short-term job from an internship. Your objectives can be as general as observing a particular work function or industry to confirm your career interest, or they may be more specific like developing a defined skill set and acquiring hands-on experience. It is important to think about the type of experience you want and then choose the internship program that will best meet your objectives.

3. Prepare application materials.

• Prepare a resume using the Career Center's Resume Writing Tips.
• Develop a portfolio if your field of interest requires it.
• Identify and contact faculty who will be willing to write letters of reference.
• Request official transcripts in preparation for programs that require them.
• Be prepared to write essays/cover letters as part of the application process.

4. Prepare for the interview.

Be prepared to talk about your career objectives, strengths, weaknesses, school projects and developed skills for an internship interview.

The Career Center can help you with this process at one of our Interview Preparation Workshops, in mock interviews during individual counseling appointments, or through videos in our Career Resource Library.

5. Conduct informational interviews.
Use the Career Center's Professional Network as a resource to identify candidates for informational interviews. Select SJSU alumni to talk with by identifying their major or the industry in which they are currently working.

6. Begin the search for a quality internship.

• Review the Career Center's tips on "Selecting the Best Internship/Co-op."
• Post your resume on-line with the Career Center and sign a contact card to be eligible for our e-Resume Referral service.
• Use the Career Center's easy web resource links to search databases of local, regional, national and international internship opportunities.
• See our list of internship directories and books available in the Career Resource Library.
• Attend the SJSU Career Expo - Internship Day presented each Spring semester to meet with participating employers and apply directly for their internship programs.
• Check with your academic department for leads to other possible internship opportunities; many departments keep binders of internship positions.
• Remember to use your network of contacts: Talk to professionals in the field, join student professional organizations, and tell your own personal network of family and friends about your desire for an internship opportunity.
• Look around and find a good fit for you—one that provides an environment and experience consistent with your learning goals.

Enjoy the benefits of a good internship experience!

Selecting the Best Internship/Co-op for You

• Conduct research on prospective employers and be ready to ask questions during the interview.
• Seek out companies that hire interns and co-op students full-time after graduation.
• Don't wait until your senior year: having multiple co-ops or internships prior to graduation demonstrates professional motivation.
• Choose an internship/co-op with clearly defined duties that correspond to your major at a pre-professional level.
• Make sure your assignments have the possibility of becoming increasingly challenging.
• Discuss your learning objectives with your prospective supervisor during the interview.
• Ask to be guided by a professional in the field.
• Make sure that your performance will be evaluated and that you will receive feedback during and after your assignment.
• Consider size: Both large and small organizations have pros and cons. It's up to you to determine what works best for you.
  

Succeeding in Your Internship/Co-op

Getting your foot in the door by landing the internship or co-op is only half of the challenge in turning your career dreams into a reality. The more vital half is to build a reputation during this career experience that might culminate in receiving a full-time job offer.

10 tips on Succeeding in Your Internship
...and making powerful career moves

1. Exhibit a Can-Do Attitude.

Attitude speaks loud and clear and makes a lasting impression, so make sure that yours is one of your greatest assets. Take on any task assigned—no matter how small—with enthusiasm. Take the initiative to acquire new skills. Accept criticism graciously and maintain a sense of humor.

2. Learn the Unwritten Rules.

Get to know your co-workers early in your internship. They will help you figure out quickly the culture in which you will be working. You will need to adapt, observe, learn, and process a large volume of information. Watch closely how things get done, ask questions, and pay attention to how people interact with each other.

3. Take Your Assignments Seriously.

Build a reputation for being dependable, diligent, and accurate. You may encounter a great deal of ambiguity in the work environment, so ask questions and seek direction when in doubt and do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Learn from your errors and move on to your next task. From there, your responsibilities and the expectations of others are likely to grow.

4. Meet Deadlines.

Always assume the responsibility to ask when an assignment is due. This will help you understand your supervisor’s priorities and manage your time accordingly. Alert your boss in advance if you will be unable to meet expectations. This shows respect and professional maturity.

5. Set Realistic Goals and Expectations.

Establish correlations between your learning goals and the daily work you are asked to perform; maintain a journal of your activities and accomplishments in order to monitor your progress; request regular reviews from your supervisor to assess your performance. Reinforce the fact that you mean business.

6. Communicate Respectfully.

Assume that everyone else knows more than you do. However, don’t be afraid to present useful ideas that may save time or money or solve problems. Just make sure that your style does not come across as "cocky." Employers value assertiveness but not aggressiveness. Find out the proper way to address individuals, including customers, and maintain a pleasant, respectful demeanor with every person, regardless of his or her rank.

7. Be Flexible.

Accept a wide variety of tasks, even those that may not relate directly to your assignments or those that may seem like grunt work. Your willingness to go the extra mile, especially during “crunch time,” will pave the way to assuming greater responsibilities.

8. Be a Team Player.

Learn how your assignment fits into the grand scheme of things and keep a keen eye on getting the job done. In today’s work environment, success is often defined as your ability to get along and interact with others. You’re a winner only if your team wins.

9. Find a Mentor.

Identify at least one individual to serve as your mentor or professional guardian. It should be someone who is willing to take a personal interest in your career development and success. Begin to network wisely, and get “plugged in” by associating with seasoned employees who may share their knowledge, perspectives, and insights. Get noticed—many more people will have a role in determining your future than you might realize.

10. Have Fun!

Last but not least, enjoy learning, sharpening your skills, and developing professionally and personally. Participate in work-related social functions and become an active member in your work community.