Finding Internships in Tech Field

One of my colleagues, Tom Tarantelli, Director of the Career Development Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and former President of the Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE), discusses the importance of internships when seeking positions in technology with Allan Hoffman, Monster Tech’s Job Expert. Tom says that he’s seen an increase in the number of employers requiring internship experience prior to getting hired in the field. Tom believes that it’s never too early to start looking and even students still in high school can begin to do internships. "I've seen an increase in the emphasis on internships," says Tom, "Employers now want to hire people who can start running with the job."

For summer internships, Tom recommends that students begin looking in the fall. He also thinks students should work to uncover unadvertised opportunities or even draft a proposal presenting their unique skills and talents and to employers where they’d like to intern. The job market has become more competitive for both interns and job searchers and it’s important for students to work on ways to increase and market their skills. Developing marketable skills and maintaining a high GPA are several things students can do to make themselves attractive candidates to employers.

Career counselors recommend the following for finding internships:

• Visit the college Career Development Center and find out what resources they have to offer for finding internships. They usually host a wide range of databases for finding internships in a variety of industries and locations. Many career offices communicate and offer regular notification to students on internships (jobs) in their area of interest.
• Speak with professors to see if they have any internships they might recommend in your field of interest.
• Network with family, friends, and alumni from your college. Many colleges provide students with a list of alumni contacts that can be helpful in the search for internships and/or jobs.

Tips for students seeking internships:

• Always follow up with employers after sending out your resume. Check with employers to ensure they’ve received your documents and ask if there’s any additional information they need. After an interview, be sure to send a thank-you note.
• Students must work on improving their communication skills. Good communication skills will help you apply, follow-up, and interview for internships in your field of interest.
• Check out opportunities locally to find internship experiences that might be available. Check out smaller companies to help you gain some experience. Be willing to be flexible with time commitments and expect to start small and work your way up to larger, more competitive internship opportunities.