How To Find Business Internships

Graphic by Sophia Liang for Girls For Business

Internships are short-term work experiences that give people—mostly high school students, college students, and recent graduates—opportunities to explore different careers, get glimpses into the professional world, network, stand out among their peers, and have experiences school does not provide. However, finding these opportunities, especially one that fits your interests, may be quite difficult for the majority of internship aspirers. Today, we will be going through a step-by-step process to put you on the right path to look for business-related internships!

The First Step: Finding Your Field of Interest

Business specific internships have certain skill sets that will be tailored towards an intern’s growth on a business pathway. Because of how expansive business is, there is a variety of sectors that you can choose from to fit your skillset. Finding the right vocation might seem daunting at first, but the best step in that direction is to determine what your interests are.

Let’s say that you are very passionate about art, yet want to go into business later on into the future. You could consider going into marketing, where graphics and aesthetics play a major role in selling  products and services. You may want to take your personality into account  as well; you may be the type who loves to chatter on and on, and so getting into a field  like sales may be an option. However, don’t let preemptive thinking discourage you against going into a field you may feel like you’re not the strongest in; if you really want to pursue something, there is always time and room for everyone to improve, so work your hardest and go ahead with it!

The Second Step: Researching Your Pathway

Once you settle on what field of business you want to intern in, you have to do your research. Sure, you may want to go into finance, but do you know what the jobs in that sector may entail? What companies offer internships that will provide you the resources to grow in your passion? What will you be doing there? Think about these things as you search online so that you know the reality of what you have in mind, and pursue it accordingly.

The Third Step: Finding Places to Intern

The best place to start when starting to look for internships is in your immediate network. Asking your close friends and family may be the most accessible option to you and lead you to the right place; they are also likely to be supportive of your endeavors. Even if a relative themselves does not have any opportunities to offer to you, they may ask their own friends, relatives, coworkers and acquaintances, and give you a chance you may have never known was available until you asked.

If you do not want to go this route, there are always other options; asking high school teachers, guidance counselors, school staff, even going as far as to reach out to local businesses and charities. And if none of these are options, searching on sites like LinkedIn, Internmatch, and even Google can help you along find a potential business internship. Using all your resources within your vicinity is vital in finding the right place for you.

The Fourth Step: Finally Reaching Out

Going through the application process may be tricky. Some institutions already have internship programs, where you complete applications and submit resumes in order to be considered. Others, like local businesses, may not even have a program in place and you will have to personally reach out to them through email or phone to inquire.

Whichever process it may be, present yourself professionally, with confidence and eagerness for the internship. Taking the initiative to strive for opportunities like internships is already telling of your individual character, and continuing to leave a good impression will impact you positively in the long run.

Whatever steps you will have to take in order to gain the internship you desire, make sure to do it with confidence and self-assurance. The moment you start your internship, you will only be equipped with the skills you currently possess; if you start to think that your skills are subpar to the others, you’re already losing. Learn, flourish, and grow with the new opportunity that you worked hard for.