You’re only one year from graduating with a degree in computer science. You know that the best and the brightest graduates have real-world experience on their resumes. You want to get an IT internship, but how do you go about it?
You can’t just walk in and expect a company to hire you. You need a plan.
1. Learn about the company
Before you apply for an internship, you should do some research on the company. You want to learn about the company’s history, values, and culture.
This information can help you decide if the company is a good fit for you. It can also help you prepare for your interview.
For example, if you know that the company values teamwork, you can talk about your experience working on a team in your interview. If you know that the company has a casual dress code, you can dress accordingly for your interview.
2. Start with a support role
If you’re not sure where to start in IT, you might want to consider an IT support internship. This is a great way to get exposure to a variety of IT tasks and systems, and it can help you learn about different areas of IT so you can make an informed decision about what you want to specialize in.
You’ll also gain valuable experience troubleshooting and solving real-world problems, which is a key skill for any IT role. Plus, if you do well in your internship, there may be opportunities to move up to more advanced roles in the company.
3. Be willing to learn
If you’re applying for an internship, it’s assumed that you’re there to learn. However, many companies expect interns to hit the ground running and don’t always provide the support and mentorship that’s needed to be successful.
If you’re not familiar with the company or the team you’re interviewing with, it’s important to ask about what kind of mentorship and support they provide interns. If you’re not getting the support you need, it’s important to be your own advocate and ask for help.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
When you’re in an interview, it’s important to ask questions. It shows the interviewer that you’re interested in the company and in the internship. It also gives you a chance to learn more about the company and the internship.
Some good questions to ask include:
• What will my day-to-day responsibilities be?
• What are the goals of the internship program?
• How will my performance be evaluated?
• Are there any opportunities to work in areas like software testing during the internship?
• What are the next steps in the interview process?
• Is there anything else you need from me?
5. Be open to feedback
If you’ve never had a job before, you may not be used to getting feedback. But internships are all about learning and growing, and that means you’re going to get feedback on your work.
When you get feedback, make sure to actively listen, ask questions, and be open to change. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. And if you disagree with the feedback, don’t be afraid to speak up, but do so in a respectful way.
Being open to feedback is a great way to show your employer that you’re committed to doing your best work and that you’re willing to learn and grow.
6. Do your research
There are a lot of different types of companies out there, and no two are the same. Some are large and corporate, while others are small and scrappy. Some work with the government, while others are consumer-focused.
Do some research to figure out what type of company you want to intern for and what type of work you want to do. Then, use that information to create a list of companies you’d like to intern with.
You can find a lot of this information online. Check out company websites, Glassdoor, and other career websites to get a sense of what a company is like and what they do. You can also use LinkedIn to find people who work at the company and learn more about them.
7. Get involved in projects
A great way to gain experience and make connections is to get involved in IT projects at your school. This could be anything from helping to set up a computer lab to working on the school’s website. Participating in team-building activities within these projects not only enhances collaboration but also prepares you for working effectively in a professional IT environment.
Talk to your teachers and the IT department to find out what projects are available. You can also look for opportunities to work on projects with local businesses and other organizations.
8. Network
Networking is a key part of any job search, including internships. There are many ways you can network, such as:
• Attending career fairs and industry events
• Joining professional organizations
• Reaching out to professionals in your field on LinkedIn
• Talking to your professors and classmates
• Connecting with your college’s career services office
• Exploring tools like the best Shopify affiliate app to build connections if you’re interested in e-commerce or tech startups.
The more people you know, the more likely you are to hear about internship opportunities. Plus, having a connection at a company can help you get your foot in the door.
9. Show a passion for technology
If you’re a computer science student, it may seem like a no-brainer to apply for internships at tech companies. But if you’re a business, marketing, or communications major, you may not have considered a tech company for an internship.
Tech companies need interns in all areas of their business, not just for coding. If you have a passion for technology and a desire to learn, don’t let your major hold you back from applying for an internship at a tech company.
When you’re preparing for an IT internship interview, be sure to articulate your passion for technology. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should show that you’re excited to learn and grow in the industry.
10. Be willing to work in any area of the business
If you’re a software intern, you may think you should only work on projects with the software team. But if you’re open to working in other areas of the business, you may find more opportunities.
For example, if you’re a software intern and you express an interest in the marketing team, you may be able to work on a project with the marketing team. This can help you get to know other people in the company and learn new skills.
11. Don’t be afraid to fail
If you’re not getting any offers, it’s time to ask yourself some tough questions. Are you applying to the right internships? Are you a good fit for the positions? Are you writing a good cover letter?
If you’re not getting the answers you want, it’s time to change your approach. But don’t let that discourage you. Instead, use it as a learning opportunity. After all, the best thing about internships is that they’re designed to help you learn and grow.
Conclusion
You can get an IT internship if you put in the effort to find the right opportunity for you, prepare your application materials and practice your interview skills. Then, once you’ve started your internship, you can use the time to gain relevant experience, build your professional network and improve your understanding of the industry.
