DIY work experience How to create your own internship - CareerAlley

DIY work experience How to create your own internship - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. In a tough economy, its an employers job market, which means that anyone hiring can afford to pick and choose from the glut of applicants and make wild demands (see, for example, the companies that ask for your Facebook password at the interview). It also means that even entry-level jobs require years of experience, a baffling catch 22 that leaves job-seekers wondering How do I get experience if no one will hire me without experience? The answer, very simply, is internships. Suggested Reading:Create Your Own Future: How to Master the 12 Critical Factors of Unlimited Success Why you want an internship Internships are great for a variety of reasons, but theyre terrible for one big one: You rarely get paid. That said, it isnt always a bad thing. First, it really drives home the point that your labor at an internship is an investment. Just like when you were preparing for college and asking what degree is right for me? make sure you seek out internships in a field you enjoy and that has the potential to propel your budding career to new heights. Creating your own internship Not all internships are advertised, and the ones that are tend to be highly competitive. Most every company needs someone to take care of a little extra work, and in this economy, not many can afford to hire that extra person particularly smaller companies. This is where you come in. Reach out to the right companies. In your emails, in your cover letter and in interviews, youre going to have to answer the question Why you? Its a tough question, and the answer always starts with Why them? Learn about the company, and know why you want to be there. If youre having trouble figuring out where you want to go with your career and how your studies might influence that, put together a list of questions to ask an academic advisor. Be their biggest fan. Flattery wont get you everywhere, but companies love believers. If you believe in the work theyre doing, everything will be easier, from applying to committing to a schedule. Not only that, but you can renew their enthusiasm for their work, which is huge. If they need someone to pick up a few jobs, that means the people there are probably overworked and on the way to burning out. You can help fix both. Be persistent. Dont look desperate; thats not attractive in any situation, career or otherwise. Look and be eager to get started and make that known to the right people. Again, these people are busy, which means you arent their highest priority and you might slip their minds. When you reach out to ask about an internship, make it easy for them to respond, be professional and try different avenues (i.e., if your email feel flat, go into the office and put a face to your name). If the company uses Facebook or Twitter or any other social media outlet, engage them there, and keep it positive. Dont be in contact much more than once a week, but dont stop until they give you a firm answer. Fill needs; dont step on toes. You want to be sure that youre offering to fill needs the company has, not offering to replace someone particularly not your contact. Ask if theres anything they need, and offer your skills tactfully. Dont ever start with criticisms. That wont get your resume anywhere but the trash bin. Youre an intern, not a slave Yes, its a tough market, but that doesnt mean you should be treated poorly at work, intern or no. Dont put up with humiliating or invasive hiring tactics, and dont do more than youre willing to. Be sure to always weigh the benefits of your internship against your duties, and put your foot down when things start to get bad. If youre being overworked, it could be time to bring up a full-time position at the company, and if they wont consider it, it could be time to take the experience youve gained and move on. Your internship is a great opportunity for both you and the company youre working for; treat it that way. Career Tip of the Day:7 Insights to Master the Job Interview We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey Google+