How to Get an Internship

Once you have filled out the CASL Internship Application, and/or have met with the CASL Internship Office, you should create or update your resume. 

Your resume is a document that shows your capabilities as an intern and employee. It lists previous jobs, education experience, skills, and more. Your resume will set you apart from other candidates.

Some things to consider when writing your resume: 

• This is not easy, this can be overwhelming, and you are not alone in this process! 
• There's no such thing as a “perfect” or “finished” resume. You should update your resume often. 
• Consider all experiences: classes, projects, student orgs, volunteerism, leadership, awards, publications, presentations, certifications, special skills, etc. 
• One-page to two-page resume is most common (two pages for years of relevant experience).
• Use consistent formatting throughout the resume: bolding, italics, font size, font style, date format (mm/yyyy or month year), etc. 
• How to write strong bullet points
• Power verbs

The Office of Career Services offers a great guide on resumes and cover letters. Submit yours for review, view slides and workshops, get writing tips, view resume examples, and learn how to write a cover letter. 

This is an example of a CASL Resume Template. 

A cover letter is an introduction to your resume and your qualifications. An employer uses cover letters to determine your interests in the position and to assess your written communication skills. It is important to remember that a cover letter is not just a copy of your resume; it should intrigue the employer enough to read your attached resume.

A cover letter should answer the following questions:

• What is the position?
• Why are you applying for it?
• What do you hope to gain from the position?
• Why are you qualified?
• What unique skills or experiences do you have?

Cover Letter Sample

Networking is one of the most important skills you will learn in an internship. You are probably already working on building your network with your classmates, professors, campus staff and coworkers. You should consider student organizations, associations and clubs on campus as well. 

How Do I Network?

1. Be Prepared - Any time, any place, you could meet a contact. Keep copies of your business card on hand and be sure your resume is up-to-date.
2. Talk With Your Personal Contacts First - Start with people you know personally - friends and family, and those you know professionally - teachers, professors and former bosses. Practice selling yourself to those you are close to first.
3. Go Beyond Personal Contacts to People You Don't Know - Begin contacting those people to whom your personal contact referred you. Initiate each conversation by stating how you received their name. Work to establish a relationship by showing an interest in what they have to say, not just what they have to offer. You can also look at contacts of your contacts on LinkedIn.
4. Ask for Information, Not a Job - This is referred to as the "informational interview" because it is an opportunity to learn about the industry, job opportunities, and local business. This is not the appropriate time to ask for a job, instead discuss companies you are targeting.
5. Focus Your Conversation - Use each conversation to get the most information possible. Give your contact a brief summary of your career objective, major strengths and accomplishments. Then ask specific questions that will provide you with helpful information. Use this informational interviewing tips page for ideas.
6. Stay in Touch - To keep the relationship beneficial for you and your contact, keep communication consistent. Keep your contacts informed about the progress of your job search. Send a thank-you note within 24 hours after every informational interview.
7. Develop Your Skills - Join the Talent Gateway to leverage your experiences and make connections with alumni

Not sure how to prepare for an interview? Follow these helpful links and practice with Big Interview. 

LinkedIn is a great tool to share resources, search for jobs, and network. 

Students have free access to LinkedIn Learning, an invaluable resource for professional development. See below how to get started and link your LinkedIn profile to LinkedIn Learning. 

1. Visit linkedinlearning.umich.edu
2. You will be directed to umich weblogin
3. Use your university credentials (uniqname and UMICH (Level-1) password) to login
4. Enter your LinkedIn account login and password 

Still having trouble logging in? We have put together a quick video tutorial that walks you through the steps needed to get started with LinkedIn Learning.

Here are some courses that can get you started in LinkedIn Learning as a student:

• Tips and tricks for students using LinkedIn
• How to use LinkedIn Learning
• Learn study techniques for class and personal projects
• Build in-demand skills to boost your resume and obtain the careers of tomorrow

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