Applying for Internships – All you need to know

 

What is an Internship?

An internship is a work opportunity that is offered by organizations to individuals wanting to gain work experience before permanent employment – these positions can be paid (usually a small stipend) or unpaid. Often, people may engage in internship opportunities to gain an understanding of a job and decide if they would be suited for it. Internships are valuable as they can add relevant work experience to your CV.    

Why are internships important?

Internships can act as a starting point for an individual in their professional career. Should you not have much work experience, or you are still in school, an internship is a great way to build your qualifications. Owing to internship applicants not having much professional working experience, potential employers will often look at the candidate’s skills and attitude when making a selection. By doing ample research, conducting an impressive application, and preparing well for an interview, you too can get an internship that will catapult you towards your dream career. Candidates who have concluded their studies will often get internship opportunities to work with firms of repute and obtain a professional certificate from them. This is beneficial as many companies specify work experience as a job requirement for a listed job. As such, should a candidate have a few internships under their belt, the employer can then gauge that the candidate has relevant working experience.  

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Where to find internships?

• Job portals:

Websites that are used for job seekers often have internships available (be sure to try websites such as Careers24, PNet, Career Junction, and Indeed.) In the search bar of these sites, type the word “intern” followed by a phrase that relates to your specific field of work. Some sights will also have the option to set a geographic location for your internship, allowing you to find one near you.

• Intern-specific websites:

These are sites that are specifically tailored to individuals looking for internships and entry level jobs.

• Career fairs:

Many colleges and high schools hold career fairs that offer a number of internship positions. Career fairs are a great way to find internship positions, make a solid first impression on your potential recruiter, and ask questions about the position.

• Teachers:

Teachers and professors are often notified about potential internships and apprenticeships by companies partnered with the educational institution. If you are in a tertiary institution, you could also approach the administrators or your major’s department to ask about potential internship opportunities. When asking teachers about internship positions, be sure to approach those that you know fairly well and discuss with them subjects you are interested in pursuing.  

How to apply for Internships?

• Write a CV:

If you are applying for an internship, chances are that you do not have much work experience. Despite this, you will still need to have a professional-looking CV, showcasing your background and interests. Be sure to include information on various volunteering work, any other extracurricular activities, and courses you have engaged in. Be descriptive by including your job functions as well as the names and dates of your employment. It’s important to note that whilst you want to include all this information, your CV should be no more than two pages in length. Use these tips and free templates to create your CV.

• Get references:

Many employers conduct a reference check to back up information provided on candidate’s CVs. Be sure to contact teachers, leaders, professionals, and previous employers, asking for their consent to list them as references on your CV.

• Build a portfolio:

For specific job fields, a work portfolio is beneficial towards obtaining an internship. Should you be applying to something related to writing, computer programming, art, research, or creative arts, work samples may aid you better than your CV and/or cover letter.

• Write a cover letter:

A cover letter is a great way to introduce yourself to your potential employer. In your cover letter, be sure to elaborate on your background, interests, experience, skills and why you would be a valuable employee. Try to avoid repeating any content that is already in your CV, and rather express how your experience has prepared you for the internship position. Be sure to write a unique cover letter for each internship that you apply for, as employers can easily spot if you are copying and pasting a cover letter (which will reflect negatively on your chances of landing the job.) find out how to write a cover letter here.   ** TIPS & ARTICLES ** Read our top tips on submitting your bursary application for the best chance of success. Read our tips on how to write a bursary motivational letter here. Read about how to prepare for a bursary interview here here. Read about the various ways to get free education in South Africa. Read about the Public vs Private Higher Education Institutions and which to choose. Read about the National Benchmark Test (NBT) for University Entrance.   Are you following us on social media? We post our latest bursary opportunities and reminders of bursaries closing soon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.