How to optimize your internship experience

The IICAP Internship Process

1

2

Finding the right internship

Turning the internship into a job

Finding the right internship1

Internships can translate to full-time positions

What Career Are You Leaning On?

It is important that your employer likes you, but more importantly … that YOU like the work

Finding the right internship1

Make sure to:• Know what environment best fits with you:

– Chances are, the happier you are at work, the better the quality of the work you produce

• Build realistic expectations:– Grunt work is inescapable regardless of the job!– However, make sure to set out what you expect to be doing

and learning over the course of your internship

What Career Are You Leaning On?

Finding the right internship1

Finding the ideal company:• Research industries

– Learn all about the industries that you would be interested in

• Research companies – Learn about them through their webpages, research sites

(i.e. Vault, Hoover’s Online, etc.) and University resources (counsellors and online databases)

• Make contacts– Develop your network by attending information sessions,

reaching out to companies of interest for more information

Where Would You Like To Work?

Finding the right internship1

Once you’ve identified a company of interest:• Research the organization thoroughly

– What is the company currently doing? Find out new trends, challenges, recent successes, and workplace history

• Complete your application as clearly and professionally as possible– Your resume and cover letter must outline your skills, experience,

education, volunteer work, accomplishments, and interests• Prepare for the interview

– Practice mock interviews with your friends beforehand– On the day of your interview, dress professionally and bring a copy of your

resume

How Do You Get The Internship?

Finding the right internship1

Acing The Interview

After researching the company and, when possible, the people who are interviewing

you …

Practice your responses with a friend or an academic advisor

Finding the right internship1

Acing The InterviewBe prepared for two kinds of interview questions:• Behavioral:

– Set out to test your behavior in an employment context

• Technical:– Purposed to assess whether you

have the necessary subject-specific knowledge for the job

Finding the right internship1

Behavioral QuestionsSample of behavioral questions: • Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure• Have you ever made a mistake? How did you handle it?• Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you

achieved it.• Give an example of how you worked on team.• What do you do if you disagree with someone at work?• Share an example of how you were able to motivate

employees or co-workers.• Have you handled a difficult situation? How?

Finding the right internship1

BE CONFIDENTComposure is key. An interview is a good measure to show how you

handle pressure so you do not want to appear too nervous.

ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY

Late attendance is never excusable

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Learn as much as you can about the company and the people that

are interviewing you.

DRESS AND ACT PROFESSIONALLYIt is not what you say, but how

you present yourself. Shake hands firmly, maintain eye contact, sit

up and stay focused.

DOASK QUESTIONS

Asking questions is the best way to show enthusiasm for the job. Show you did your homework

and you are genuinely interested.

SELL YOURSELFSpeak confidently about your

experiences and how they distinguish you from the other

candidates.

GET CLARIFICATIONThe better you understand the

question, the better the answers you give.

FOLLOW UPSend a follow up email thanking the interviewers for their time

and reaffirm your interest in the position.

Interview Dos And Don’ts

Finding the right internship1

Interview Dos And Don’ts

BE VAGUE Get the employer to be more

specific and then respond.

INTERRUPT If you don't have time to listen,

neither does the employer.

CHEW GUM or place your phone on the

employer's desk.

ACT OVERLY FAMILIAR

even if the employer is acting in this way.

DON’T RAMBLELong answers often make the speaker sound apologetic or

indecisive.

SIMPLY ANSWER "YES" OR "NO“

Explain whenever possible.

LIEAnswer questions as truthfully as

possible.

BADMOUTH your present or former employers

or companies.

The IICAP Internship Process

1

2

Finding the right internship

Turning the internship into a job

Turning internship into job2

Be alert to the corporate culture• Get along with your boss and your

coworkers– Your coworkers always have a say as to whether you get the

full-time position! • Ask for feedback

– Understanding how they perceive your work in their workplace can be very insightful for improvement

Fit in

Turning internship into job2

Things to keep in mind• Adhere to the start and finish hours

– It doesn’t look good to start late and leave earlier

• Respect the dress code

Fit in

Turning internship into job2

• Show initiative– Showing enthusiasm for your work is the best way to prove

you belong there• Go above and beyond the bare minimum

– When you exceed expectations, you gain your colleagues’ trust

Set Personal Goals

Turning internship into job2

Write emails carefully Be on time Be respectful of others Demonstrate professional

integrity Praise much more frequently

than you criticize Include as many coworkers

that would be relevant to your activities

Your Image MattersEverything you do creates an impression on your employer and coworkers

Turning internship into job2

If you don’t know how to do something, ASK! Employers do not expect you to know everything the

from the first day on the job.

Ask Questions

At the same time, this demonstrates eagerness to learn and motivation

Turning internship into job2

Ask for a reference letter that recognizes the contribution you have made

At the end of the internship

And don’t forget …

Have fun!