To make sure you land a summer internship you enjoy, it’s crucial to ensure you meet the application deadlines and complete other tasks on time. There are things you’ll need to do from the start of the year until right before spring break. The following timeline will help you stay on track and fit internship-related tasks around your other college commitments.
January
The latest you should apply for a summer internship is typically January. Bear in mind that large companies usually have earlier deadlines than small companies. The most competitive internships often ask students to apply as much as a year and a half in advance.
There are various ways to find internships to apply to. If there are particular companies you’d like to intern for, check out their websites to look for openings. If you’re more interested in finding a certain type of work, use filters on job sites to search for the kind of opportunity you want. If you’re unsure what to look for, the career center on campus is a great place for advice.
Create a list of all the internships you’re interested in, along with the deadlines to apply and when the hiring managers will review the applications. Prioritize applying to any internships that review on a rolling basis, as employers will stop looking once they find a suitable candidate.
February
One of the busiest times of an internship year is February, as you’ll need to prepare for midterms as well as continuing with tasks for internship applications. Include time in your schedule for both on a regular basis. You may find it helpful to attend office hours with professors and to meet with your academic advisor this month.
March
In March, you should expect to start receiving responses for internships that start in June. Figure out your schedule for the upcoming months to be able to schedule interviews. If you need help with your interview skills, visit the careers center for advice, including the chance to practice through mock interviews.
If you don’t receive any interviews in March, continue searching for positions that are still open. Companies that haven’t found any suitable candidates yet are likely to still have openings. It’s also worthwhile continuing to apply if you’ve only received a couple interview requests and are concerned about your chances.
April
During your interviews, make sure you find out when you’re likely to hear about the company’s decision. At most businesses, this will be in April.
If you’re lucky enough to receive multiple offers, you’ll need to assess which is the best choice for you. Unless you need a good salary, more important factors than pay are likely to be company culture, how interesting you’ll find the work, and the skills you’ll develop.
You also need to start thinking about where you’ll live over the summer as soon as possible, since you won’t be able to continue living in campus student housing. Peterborough students can move into Severn Court. You’ll have your own bedroom with a door lock and individual thermostat in a unit shared with five other students. With easy access to public transit, Highway 115, and Highway 7, the location is great for both attending university and heading to your internship in downtown Peterborough. Contact us for an eight- or 12-month lease starting in May, September, or January.
