Click here for our Guide to Internship Opportunities
Finding an internship is like finding a job. Each student is responsible for researching opportunities, applying, interviewing, and following up with potential employers. Be creative. While many organizations regularly use interns and have a formal application process, just about any organization would be pleased to have an intern if you approach them with a proposal. Think about the experience you want to gain and brainstorm possibilities from there.
An internship can be a gateway to a future job. Consider organizations that you hope to one day be a part of or plan to apply to work for after graduation. Research their internship opportunities. If you are interested in an organization that has not hired interns previously, consider proposing your ideas to them. An organization might be unable to pay an intern but be very willing to welcome an enthusiastic worker desiring to make a contribution and gain experience for academic credit. There are many resources that can provide current listings of available internships for which you might apply. Some of these resources are listed below:
- S-CAR Career Services
- S-CAR Community Network and Forum
- Idealist.org
- Indeed.com
- University Career Services
- HireMason
- Peace and Collaborative Development Network
- USAJOBS - The Federal Government's Official Jobs Site
- Northern Virginia Mediation Service
- Search for Common Ground
The S-CAR undergraduate advisors and Mason’s Office of Career Services are good resources for information regarding internships; however, each student is responsible for finding and applying for his/her own internship just as they would any other job placement. Keep in mind that many internships are quite competitive and have extensive application time tables (e.g. Government agencies such as the U.S. State Dept have application processes that can take up to a full year before the start date.)
Think about the following as you search for possible opportunities:
- What skills do you have to offer an organization?
- What skills are you open to learning from an organization?
- Can you tie learning objectives related to the field of Conflict Analysis and Resolution to this internship experience?
- How many hours a week can you be available? Will they be consistent?
- Will transportation limit where you can apply?
- When will you need to start and finish in order to fulfill the minimum 45 hours per credit hour requirement?
- Are their specific sectors or organizations that would provide experience in a particular career direction that you would like to explore more extensively?
Many internships are quite competitive. The following resources are full of tips and advice that can help students make their applications, cover letters, and resumes look professional and stand out.
Moving On is a guide for job searching and career planning that discusses resumes, cover letters, job searching, and interviewing. It is a helpful tool for all students and much of its material is applicable to finding an internship.
George Mason University Career Services has several webpages of tips and tools for getting an internship on their website including: resume and cover letter reviews, access to on and off campus jobs and internships, and job and internship search preparation.
What is the difference between a resume and a CV?
Make sure you review and adapt your resume so that it applies directly to each organization and internship for which you choose to apply.
Courtesy of: Internships.com