According to research, students who complete multiple internships are significantly more likely to receive job offers upon graduation compared to those with no internship experience.
7 Steps for Landing Your Dream Internship
The National Association of Colleges and Employers indicate that at least 95% of employers cited candidate experience as a factor in hiring decisions, with internships being a key component.
Internships hold the key for getting your first dream job too. With the right internship qualities, your career will be more successful.
Here are seven steps that you can follow to secure your dream internship:
- Self-Assessment and Goal Setting
- Building Essential Skills and Competencies
- Crafting a Compelling Resume and Cover Letter
- Researching and Finding Opportunities
- Nailing the Internship Application Process
- Making the Most of Your Internship Experience
- Showcasing Your Internship Experience
AISL has partnered with a number of education learning resource centres to provide some great internship opportunities for students.
AIP Internship Programme offers opportunities across Asia with the Asia Internship Programme. Gain valuable experience in Singapore’s dynamic economy, Thailand’s diverse sectors, Japan’s blend of innovation and tradition, South Korea’s dynamic industries, Indonesia’s emerging market or Vietnam’s vibrant economy. Comprehensive support is provided for a seamless experience. Choose your destination and embark on a rewarding internship journey in East Asia.
Next Step Connections has been offering real-world experiences across East Asia for students since 2008. Our educational experiences are designed to provide all students with the skills they need to succeed in the modern workforce. Industry is demanding that graduates have both technical and intercultural skills needed to work in multicultural teams across the world.
Networking is also a vital step to growing in your career. Whether you are just starting out or have 15 years of experience under your belt, professional relationships are one of the most versatile and essential tools in your career-building toolkit.
The key thing to keep in mind when networking is that it’s all about social interaction. Putting yourself out there by attending guest lectures, social mixers, campus events and career fairs increases the amount of people you are meeting and interacting with. You never know who you will meet—so look professional, be friendly and try to collect business cards and/or contact information. Once you make a contact, be sure to keep it! Send a follow up message, attend an event hosted by their organisation or connect with them on LinkedIn.
As a student, professors are often a key network contact, thus networking is mostly about getting involved outside of the classroom. Stop by their office, volunteer to help your favourite professor with their research project, or attend campus events to meet with other professors. Don’t hesitate to tell anyone you meet what your career aspirations are and that you are looking to grow yourself with an internship.
One of the best things about being an intern is that your employers expect that you are there to learn; these job types are designed to train and grow young professionals. Having an internship on your resume is a sign that you are a serious applicant, and this will set you apart from the competition when you apply for entry-level jobs within your career field post-graduation.
