Students,  instructors , and employers all agree that  an internship  can be  an extremely  valuable part of a college education.  Even  adults in online college degree programs often  spend time  interning .

The problem with internships is that it’s not easy to get a good one.  The better the internship, the greater the odds that you will  be required  to compete against a  large number  of other applicants.  Most colleges  employ a career counselor  who will critique your resume.  However, few colleges will offer you much help preparing for interviews.  But, there’s no need for  worry.  Just follow  the following tips  and you’ll be OK .

1.  Before your interview, research the organization to which you are applying.  Find out what challenges the organization faces and what its most notable accomplishments have been.  Subsequently, determine  as much as you can about the key managers in the organization and the person who will be interviewing you.  The more information you have , the more relaxed you the more relaxed you can be in the interview.

2.   Draft a dozen  interview questions and role play with a friend or family member.   Construct and answer the most difficult questions you can think of so that you are prepared for the most challenging interview possible. 

3.  Be certain  to do all of the “small things” properly.  Dress appropriately.  If in doubt, err on the safe side; dressing well and conservatively.   Show up  for the interview  at least five minutes early.  Power off your cell phone   prior to  entering the building.  Smile, greet, and offer a handshake to everyone you meet .

4.  Be an active listener.  Allow your interviewer to lead the conversation  and be certain  that you fully  understand his/her questions.  If there is any doubt at all , request clarification before  offering a response .  Don’t worry if you need a short pause to consider an answer, and once you begin your answer, stay on track and be thorough without being verbose.

5.  Be prepared to talk about your characteristics and skill set.  As you are a student , not an experienced professional applying for a job, your interviewer is likely to be trying harder to evaluate your  potential and fit  more than to find evidence of past accomplishments.  Expect open ended questions like   “How did you choose your major field of study ?” and “ What do you hope to do after you earn your  college degree?”

6.  If you have one available, offer your interviewer a copy of a completed paper or academic project which illustrates your writing, organizational, and analytical abilities.  And, be sure you  speak about what you learned doing the paper or the project.

7.  Make it very clear that you are willing to take on any project(s) that will add to your knowledge, develop your abilities , make you a stronger candidate for employment in the future, and/or be of benefit to the organization.

 Don’t leave without getting  a business card from your interviewer.  Shake hands with and thank your interviewer before leaving.  And, follow up with a thank you note  before the close of business .

 With good preparation and a little luck , you’ll get an offer .  If not, the practice  will almost certainly serve you well in future interviews .  Remember, you just need one good offer, so don’t get discouraged.

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