7 ways to land an internship

Internships provide students with valuable opportunities to learn from industry professionals and companies. Whether you’re an online student or taking classes in person, here are seven tips for securing internships.

1. Start early

It’s a good idea to start applying and looking into internships early in your time as a student. Although internship season is year-round, companies begin the competitive application process three to five months before the start of each semester. There are many internship programs that accept freshman and sophomore students. Some schools require internships. For example, at the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management all students are required to work and complete a minimum of 500 hours of work/internship experience and their career center helps students find these opportunities.

Matthew Varela, who is pursuing a B.S. in Hospitality Management, enjoyed his recent internship with Disney in Orlando. He took online classes during that time so he could complete the internship. Back in Miami, Varela is now interning at the LOEWS Coral Gables Hotel.

“I experienced two internships while pursuing my undergraduate degree with FIU,” says Varela, who offers that the key was to do his own research.

2. Stay aware

VMock helps students with résumé reviews at no cost. This online tool uses artificial intelligence to accelerate students' career journey and enhance their success. It’s important to keep your résumé on hand and updated, so that you are always prepared when opportunities appear. Remember the “Five P’s”: proper preparation prevents poor performance. Rose Chusid, who is pursuing her bachelor’s and M.S. in Hospitality Management 4+1 program, stayed on the lookout, found an opportunity, and interned with Bacardi.

“I heard about this internship through an Instagram post from the Bacardi Center of Excellence, which is a pillar of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management,” she says. “They were showcasing three different internships working with Bacardi and the Patrón internship jumped out at me.”

3. Tap into FIU’s Career Center resources

The office of Career and Talent Development (CTD) career advisors and specialists prioritize making student dreams a reality. The CTD team provides virtual and in-person help with résumé writing and critiques, offer mock interviews, and other forms of professional development. The career centers in the College of Business and Chaplin’s School also provide career services for their students. To see the full scope of the CTD’s offerings, visit the center online and consider making an appointment.

4. Use networking tools

Handshake.com is FIU’s one-stop shop for helping students launch their professional careers. You also can use LinkedIn to find the right job or internship, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your career. Both sites offer internship job boards tailored to your experience and present accomplished alumni with similar career paths. Update your profile on LinkedIn and Handshake to increase your opportunities for internships, employment, and networking.

5. Attend virtual and in-person career and internship fairs

CTD’s All Majors and Technical career fairs offer access to as many as 70 employers, all of whom have active opportunities in Handshake. The virtual career fairs allow students to sign up for sessions with employers without the hassle of long lines. FIU hosts career fairs and internship week at the Modesto A. Maidique campus with over 130 employers from a vast list of industries once every semester in both virtual and in-person formats. Similarly, the College of Business and the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Career Centers host onsite and virtual fairs.

6. Google alerts

Set up Google alerts for internships that relate to your professional goals. This method allows you to be proactive and let the service fetch internships that align with your interests instead of spending excessive time searching.

7. Talk to your advisor

CTD, college-level career specialists and advisors usually have the inside scoop on professional careers. They send mass emails of opportunities, internships, and scholarships throughout the semester. Having a professional relationship with career professionals can help you get ahead of what’s coming.

There are several ways to find internships and employment. These seven tips should help you start the process to gain the experience you will need. Talk to your advisor, network and stay connected.