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How To Get A Paid Internship

Internships are the stepping stones to almost any career field. They provide tangible experiences in a field and helpful professional references. Internships are usually unpaid, which can cause a financial burden. You can sometimes receive a paid internship by conducting the correct research. Whether the internship is paid or not, looking for an internship is similar to looking for a job. This guide provides information on gathering resources and preparing for interviews, so you can easily receive a paid internship.

Use your resources

The first step is to figure out what field you would like to explore and what resources are available to you. University and college career centers are a great place to start because they have knowledgeable advisers who are more than happy to help you with your resume. Career centers also have a database filled with internship and job opportunities. Another resource to tap into is your network of friends, family, teachers and colleagues. If they work in your desired field, ask them if their company is open to offering a paid internship, or utilize other help from your network like a letter of recommendation.

Another helpful resource are college campus job fairs because there are usually representatives who plan to conduct interviews at the fair. Before you go to a job fair, dress professionally and have resumes ready to disperse upon request.

Prepare and practice for interviews

Along with career research, the most important component of landing a paid internship is the interview. Interviews give the company insight on your personality and abilities in order for it to decide if you are a match. On your end, you must embrace this time to give a great first impression. To prepare for this step, research common interview questions related to your field and practice giving answers. It is best to practice with someone who has knowledge within the field in order for you to receive valuable feedback.

Landing a paid internship is possible if you treat it like a job search. Before you embark on getting a paid internship, do your research, use your resources and practice answering interview questions.

Landing a paid internship is possible if you treat it like a job search