How should I prepare myself for summer internships?

Question

I'm starting to think about summer internships in Chicago. Most likely in public relations or advertising. Are there any key classes I should be taking (or focusing on) for spring semester? Any tips would be helpful, because I am out in out in space on this subject.

Yes, I do realize that I will be the ***** of a company the next however many years of my life. But I want to be sharp. I want to understand the complicated things. So again, classes I should be considering for my schedule?

Answer 1

a few things you absolutely must do is 1) prepare for a lot of rejection and 2) send applications everywhere. absolutely everywhere. i think also you need to look at yourself as a professional, not "just an intern." you have to look your best (superficial? yes. necessary. yes.) and you have to, most importantly, take yourself seriously as a PR or advertising person. you're not just a student, you are a young professional, and that really needs to come across. passion, dedication, things like that are critical. a tightly edited resume, no spelling or grammatical errors, that's important. also, when it comes to cover letters, don't do what i did, which is write one generic letter and tweak it minimally. you really should write place-specific cover letters.

also, absolutely use your professors. see who they know. impress them in class, and they will help you. this is a good thing. networking is A VERY GOOD THING!!

thinking ahead briefly, once you get an internship, say "yes" to EVERYTHING. obviously, if it is blatantly unethical or illegal, complain like hell. but if someone wants you to do something -- do it. not just because you're an office peon, but because learning experiences are everywhere, including places that seem obscure or stupid or absolutely valueless. you never know. plus, showing enthusiasm is a great way for higher-ups to like you. and that's always a plus.

in terms of classes ... how's your writing? is it good? make it better. nobody ever hurts for taking any kind of writing classes. see if there are any newspaper reporting classes around, because learning how to write accurately, cleanly and quickly is never a bad thing. is there any way to get involved with the PR unit at your college/university? schools love to self-promote, and there may well be opportunities to show prospective internship employers 1) initiative and 2) actual samples of work done.

i know this sounds like a lot of work. it is. but i think it's worth it. i was a journalism major in college. i got the chance to work with some outstanding editors, and they really shaped my writing and pushed my reporting skills. they didn't work at huge papers, but what mattered most was the fact that every day i was learning and being challenged, which is exactly what an internship was supposed to do.

Answer 2

Since it is just one month left, it is good to find a job in a restaurant as it the part of your reality. Moreover, you also get to know about 12 hour shift – the heat of the kitchen on a summer day, the physical stress of transporting heavy pots filled with hot soups, hot water, etc. And they are several other related aspects that let you have insights of the field. Wish you luck!

Answer 3

Just BE the smartest person in the room. Don't always buy into playing the stereotype of the sharpy. Older and wiser people see through that. They read true auras. Just be your unpretentious self.