Internship Search Strategies

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Internship Search Strategies
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Assess Yourself Clarify Your Goals
Consider your

• Values
• Lifestyle
• Interests

• Abilities
• Skills
• Education

3
Gain Exposure Relevant Experience
Engage in

• Networking
• Informational Interviews
• Job Shadowing
• Volunteering

4
Develop Written Materials for the Internship
Search

• Resumes
• Cover letters and other internship search
  correspondence
• Portfolios

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Cover Letter Rules

• DO follow rules of a standard business letter.
• DO target your correspondence to the
  audience/employer (Ex avoid To whom it may
  concern, Dear Sir/Madam).
• DO make sure there are no spelling, grammar or
  punctuation errors.
• DO limit to one page.
• DO keep a copy of everything that you send out.
• DO make sure there is an original signature on
  all the documents that you mail out.
• DO close with a direct request for some type of
  action (Ex interview, phone call, etc.).
• DO use high-quality stationery for hard copies.

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Cover Letter Rules

• DONT be generic and impersonal.
• DONT start every sentence with I.
• DONT use language that is gimmicky, jargonish,
  unprofessional (Dont try to be a comic).
• DONT include personal information that is not
  relevant to the position.
• DONT give false impressions.

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Cover Letters Format

• Introductory paragraph
• Who are you?
• What is your interest?
• How did you hear of the opening?
• Body
• 1-2 paragraphs containing a summary of skills and
  qualifications
• Highlight targeted experiences included on your
  resume (DONT repeat your entire resume)
• Sales pitch Explain your value to the
  organization
• Show that youve done your homework Explain how
  you fit into the organization and include your
  knowledge of the employer, mission, corporate
  culture, current projects, etc

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Cover Letters Format

• Closing Paragraph
• Thank the reader for reviewing your enclosed
  resume
• Restate your interest in the position
• Arrange a follow-up contact
• Passive Approach puts responsibility on employer
  to make contact with the applicant
• Active Approach the applicant offers to initiate
  further contact with the employer in the near
  future
• Closing (i.e. Sincerely) with typed name and
  original signature

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Where to Search for Internships

• Jcomm.uoregon.edu/internships
• UO JobLinkuocareer.uoregon.edu

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Preparing to Search

• Select openings that are consistent with your
  skills, interests and values
• Research the organizations before applying
• Create a targeted cover letter and resume
• comment on what you like about the company and
  internship based on the research you have done
• express how you can benefit the company
• be prompt in responding to advertised positions

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Internship Search Strategies

• The more diverse your strategies, the more
  effective your search will be
• Use as many resources as possible
• Be realistic about timelines (the average search
  takes 3-6 months)
• Keep organized contact records and employer
  research
• Plan your day and follow through

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Interviewing

• Prepare well
• Research the company
• Review commonly-asked questions
• Practice with friends
• Schedule a practice interview

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Persevere!

• The search requires daily attention
• Dont give up
• You might get a lot of nos, but all you need is
  one yes
• Dont take rejections personally
• Stay connected to your support system
• Your hard work will pay off

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Some Good Entry-Level Internships

• Springfield Public School District (PR)
• Student Publications (AD, NE MAG)
• Duck-U (EM)
• Tri-County News (NE)
• KMTR, KEZI, KVAL (EM)
• Flux (MAG)
• UO Athletic Department (PR AD)
• UO SOJC/Creative Publications/Art Museum/Public
  Relations/Admissions/Alumni Association/etc.

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Other Internships

• The Register-Guard
• The Oregonian
• Oregon Public Broadcasting
• The Senior Experience (PR AD)
• TV Stations around the nation
• Most Magazines
• Be Creative!!