Craft Your Own Internship: 7 Steps to Cutting the Application Line
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Are you seeking a unique internship experience that aligns well with your skills and interests? Why not consider crafting your own internship and pitching it to a company? Tailoring and pitching an internship to suit your ambitions can be a game-changer, providing invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities. Let me walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a compelling internship proposal that will encourage companies to welcome you aboard, bypassing the traditional route of “apply and wait.”
1. Consider your strengths. Discovering your strengths and skills is the first step to unlocking a world of internship opportunities, even if you haven't had a traditional one before. Take a moment to reflect on all the valuable knowledge you've acquired through self-learning and classroom experiences. Consider your passion for specific subjects, ability to shine in projects, and the expertise you've honed independently. Maybe you’re a whiz at organizing and manipulating data in Excel. Or you have a way with words and can develop catchy posts for use on social media. Maybe video production is your thing. Companies value individuals with diverse skills, and by recognizing your strengths, you can confidently pitch your abilities to create an internship that perfectly aligns with your potential.
2. Consider industries that interest you. If you haven’t already, think about industries that truly captivate your curiosity and passion. Begin creating a comprehensive catalog of these captivating sectors, focusing on those that not only pique your interest but are also experiencing significant growth and actively seeking skilled professionals. By aligning your career aspirations with industries that resonate with your values and interests, you can increase your chances of finding fulfilling and rewarding opportunities that lead to a successful and gratifying professional life.
3. Identify people in that industry that are in your network. Do this by typing the industry name into the LinkedIn search bar. Search “advertising,” for example. Then, click the People tab to see people with that keyword in their profiles. Click on “All filters” to see how you’re connected to them by the directness of the connection. A first-degree connection would be great. Even second-degree connections, where you know someone who knows that person, are valuable. Refine the list a step further by filtering on “School” and adding your school. People with some commonality, like a school, are more likely to respond to you.
4. Reach out to those people. If you have a common connection, reach out to your common connection to get an introduction. If not, request a LinkedIn connection. I’ve written about this process in detail, but here’s the gist. Write a brief note like “I’m a student at the University of Chicago interested in the advertising industry. I’d welcome your LinkedIn connection.” No big ask, just a short message. When they accept, you can now message them through LinkedIn for free. Follow up later with a message: "I’d really appreciate it if you could spare 20 minutes in the coming days to talk about your experiences at Smith Creative and the advertising industry in general, as I’m interested in advertising as a career.” Try to arrange a meeting or Zoom. It may take a few attempts, but being politely persistent is okay.
5. Prepare for the conversation. Start by thoroughly researching the company and the person you’ve connected with. Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, products, services, and recent projects. Understand their industry and its challenges. This in-depth knowledge will showcase your genuine interest and commitment to contributing meaningfully to their organization. Research the person. This will make it easier to connect with them on a personal level when you speak.
6. Have the meeting. Ask thoughtful questions and listen attentively. Take opportunities to explain how your skills and abilities intersect with what happens at the company daily. Share your interest in applying what you can do to what’s going on at the company. Share examples of projects or initiatives that align with the company's needs and demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively. Present yourself as a proactive, self-motivated individual ready to make a meaningful impact. This process is different from the company itself expressing a need and advertising a job. You’re trying to see how you can add value and offer your services during an internship or small project. If you’re talking to someone who can make it happen, that’s great. If not, ask if they might introduce you to someone in their company who can consider your proposal.
7. Develop and share your internship or project proposal. After gaining insights from your conversation, develop a comprehensive internship proposal tailored to the company's requirements. Clearly outline the objectives, activities, and outcomes you plan to achieve during the internship or project. Emphasize how your initiative will benefit the company's growth and success, increase productivity, reduce risk, or address other needs.
Conclusion
Crafting your own internship and pitching it to a company opens doors to unique career growth opportunities. Through some research, understanding company needs, connecting with the right people, and proposing a compelling internship plan, you'll position yourself as a proactive and valuable asset. Embrace the process with enthusiasm, and you'll find that companies are eager to welcome ambitious and innovative individuals like you. Seize this chance to make your mark and embark on a rewarding internship experience. Good luck!
Do you or someone you know need help determining what kinds of roles and companies would be great work situations? Conducting an effective job search without endlessly applying online? I coach and advise people 1:1 and in live, online group classes. Learn more about my career coaching and sign up for a free 30-minute Career Solutions Call.