Not finding an internship that interests you on CalvinLink? Here are additional ideas:
1. Job fairs: attend a Calvin-sponsored job fair or job fair at another school. If you're seeking an internship in another geographical area, consider attending a job fairs at colleges/universities in that area.
2. Family, friends and faculty: networking with people you know is key to finding both internships and jobs. Faculty often have contacts in their industry. Ask your family, friends, and professors to help you develop a list of possibilities to pursue. See our handout about networking.
3. Calvin alumni: Calvin grads are willing to help you with your search. Sign up for an account in Calvin's online alumni community, uKnight, and search through the networking directory for relevant contacts. If you're looking for opportunities in another geographical area, check to see if there's a Calvin alumni chapter group that could help.
4. LinkedIn: a professional version of facebook, start building your LinkedIn profile while you're young. You can find out who you know who has connections are various companies, search for alumni working at organizations, etc. Also, join the Calvin alumni groups and professional groups related to your interest and/or geographical area.
5. Other websites: craigslist.com, interninmichigan.com, idealist.org, indeed.com, jobs.oriongrassroots.org, usaintern.com, backdoorjobs.com, and internabroad.com are a few to check, among others. Also, try googling phrases that describe what you're seeking, such as "history internship in Washington DC." Also, see the national internship listings in CareerInsider.
6. Directories in the career development office:
- Princeton, Peterson and Vault top internship guides
- Career Education Institute books:
- "The Big Green Internship Book: Internships and Summer Jobs for the Environment"
- "For the Common Good: Internships with Community and Social Service Agencies"
- "Internships with America's Top Companies"
- "Internships in International Affairs"
7. Websites of professional organizations in your field
- For example, Association of Electrical Engineers or the American Psychological Association
- Find local chapters and contact the leader to network and attend events
8. Contact companies/organizations that interest you: Don't sit back and wait for an opportunity. Show initiative. Go make your own opportunities happen by proposing internships to companies/organizations that interest you. Be sure to look on the career sections of their websites to see what opportunities are posted.
9. Government Internships: many states governments offer internships. The federal government does as well.
10. Chambers of Commerce, Business Journals (book of lists / top lists), phone books: these are all sources for finding companies to pursue.
Need some help finding an internship?
Set up an appointment with Beth Cok for assistance, bcok@calvin.edu.
