finding an internship...start now!

That's right, the program hasn't even started yet, but the sooner you go after that perfect internship the more likely you'll be to find it.  The summer internship can be a golden opportunity to take your pick of companies and job functions and turn it into a career!  Here are some things Kirk has done to (hopefully) find a great internship and a few suggestions he's gleaned along the way.  

1- As a couple, talk about what you want out of the internship.  Is this just a summer experience or will it lead to a job offer after school?  

     -what type of job are you looking for? Obviously a good place to start.

     -what kind of company culture are you both okay with? work-a-holic, family friendly, flexible hours, work from home, travel requirements...

     -compensation--signing bonus, average starting salary, benefits, time-off, relocation benefit, etc.

2- Where do you want to settle down?  East coast vs. west coast, close to family (far from family?), big city, suburbia, rural...Is there any location you absolutely want to rule out?  If your internship leads to a job after school, you maybe living there for quite some time.  Make sure you're okay with that. 

3- Make a list of the top 10 companies you want to work for.  Research them in depth, define what you are interested in doing at each of those companies and why they appeal to you so that you can succinctly communicate that to them as you ask about internship opportunities.  Make them see that you know what you want.  If you're not sure, really focus on what you do know; don't be wishy washy and noncommittal.  

4- Network, network, network....NOW! Don't wait until you start school, and definitely don't wait until the first year starts winding down, reach out to people now!  Use your friend-of-a-friend connections on linked-in, Facebook, family connections, etc.

5- Prepare a few responses to questions you might expect to hear.  Don't make them sound stiff, but be smooth, well-spoken, and succinct.  Recruiters are professionals at screening people who don't meet their requirements.  You've got to be prepared and know your stuff.  There are lots of great books for interview prep.  Kirk recommends "Boost Your Interview IQ" by Carole Martin.  Kirk-approved = guaranteed awesomeness.  

6- When recruiters google your name, what are they going to find?  That your work experience on LinkedIn consists of some part-time, no-skills-required-we-just-need-a-warm-body job?  Update that profile! Show them you have some solid work experience (or make the best of what you've got).  Post a decent profile picture of yourself.  Be cautious about what's on your Facebook profile as well. Put your best foot forward, or your first impression may be your last.