Checklist for Arranging an Internship

The following checklist outlines a series of steps to take when arranging an internship. We recommend that students plan for an internship one semester ahead, of when they want to start the internship.

Step 1
Research the internship resources in the Hofstra University Career Center. These include:

1. Pride-Career Management System
2. Various recommended Internship Web Sites
3. Attend an Introduction to Internship Workshop

Meet with a Career Counselor in The Career Center for guidance and possible opportunities.

Step 2
Prepare a resume and cover letter.

1. Resume Writing Workshops are available or you can make an appointment with a career counselor.
2. There are also guidebooks available for writing resumes and cover letters available at The Career Center. Click here to review on-line writing guidelines.
3. Once you have a resume developed you can have it critiqued by a career Counselor during Quick Question Hours.

Step 3
Apply for the internship (it is best to apply to at least three organizations) by sending a resume and cover letter to the organization. Make contact a week to ten days later by following up with a phone call to discuss the internship or arrange an interview.

Note: Organizations do not want to receive a phone call from a student they do not know. They want and expect to receive a letter and resume before a phone call.

Step 4
Some internships will require an interview. Others may award internships from the application procedure.

1. If you are to be interviewed for an internship, interview preparation is the key to being offered an internship. Click here for on-line interview tips.
2. Interview to Impress Workshops are offered to help prepare you for the interviewing process.

The Career Center also offers mock interviews to students, call (516) 463-6060 to learn more about this service.

Step 5
If you are seeking credit for an internship, you must meet with the Internship Coordinator/Academic Advisor in your academic department to get internship approval. It is wise to be in contact with your department throughout the entire internship search process. If your Advisor is aware of your internship interest, he/she may be helpful in the search and application process. Additionally, by having departmental support early on in your internship search, you can avoid not having the internship approved for credit.

Step 6
Work with your Professor/Advisor to develop goals for the internship. Note: Your department is awarding the credit and specific tasks and goals must be completed as prescribed by the department.

Related Articles on the Web:

Locating and Applying for Internships

Top Five Strategies for Making the Most of Your Internship

Internet Internships: Is One Right For You?

Top Five Strategies for Landing Your Dream Internship