The Best Time to Apply for an Internship

The Best Time to Apply for an InternshipThe Best Time to Apply for an InternshipWhen is the best time to apply for an internship? It depends. If you are interested in a credit-bearing internship, youll need to check the application deadline with your school. Competitive internships with a formal application process will have deadlines that are earlier in the year than an internship at a small organization or one you arrange yourself. When to Apply for an Internship Generally, you can apply as early as your freshman year of college for an internship. fruchtwein students will complete an internship during their junior or senior years to increase the chances of the internship leading to a job offer, but, it is becoming mora and more common for students to hold internships throughout the entire duration of their college career in order to gain experience. Many internships, especially competitive, paid programs with big-name companies, require you to have previous internship or extrac urricular experience, so it is important to get started early if you can. When to Apply for an Internshipfor Credit Students considering internships should check their colleges deadline for applying if they are interested in receiving credit for an internship. Most colleges will not award credit after the fact if you havent registered in advance for the internship experience. Since most colleges will not secure a specific internship for students, you will also need to reach out to employers well in advance of the semester when you plan to do an internship to land a position. When to Apply forFall and Spring Internships For fall internships, you should consider contacting employers before you leave your college area in the spring if you will not be able to return until the fall semester. October is a good time to start reaching out to employers for a spring internship. If an employer indicates that they are not yet ready to consider applicants, then ask when would be the earl iest date that you might be considered given your high level of interest in the opportunity. Local slots for unpaid internships are often filled on a first-come, first served basis, so more opportunities will be available if you apply early. When to Apply for a Paid Summer Internship Competitive paid summer internships will have deadlines as early as the late fall. The most common period of time for employers to screen applicants for paid internships will be during the period from January to March. Many colleges have resources available to help fund students who will be working at an unpaid summer internship. Check with your colleges career office for these deadlines during the fall. Applying Late for an Internship Dont worry if you are late in the process since many internships, especially unpaid ones, can be arranged as late as a month in advance of the summer or semester you are targeting. Often, this will involve students reaching out to employers who may not have even p osted an opportunity (since many of the advertised internships will be filled at this point) and convincing them that you would be worth engaging as an intern. Networking with alumni, teachers, coaches, family contacts, neighbors and local professionals is also a great way to find an internship. If you need to earn some income you may be able to arrange a part-time schedule for your internship and pair it with a paid part-time job. Once youve got an internship lined up, be sure to make a plan for how youll get the most out of it. In addition to building your resume, your internships will provide valuable work experience.