This week our intern, Kelsey, gives some advice on how to prepare for an internship interview:
Though interviews can be a very scary and nerve-racking process, there are many ways to prepare in order to ease into the process.
- Be prepared to tell your potential employer about yourself! Employers are usually looking for a brief summary about your educational and professional background; try and make connections between your background and the position you are hoping to obtain.
- Making connections can prepare you for questions about why you would want to intern/train in the place of your choice. Try focusing on a few crucial responsibilities that are interesting to you, or highlighting which aspects of the company you find appealing or beneficial to the development of your professional background is helpful.
- Do your research! Though you may not have a lot of experience in your specified field, make sure you are up-to-date with the recent trends in your field. It is also important to research the organization/company you are applying to. While you do not need to know everything about the company or organization, it is important to know the basics such as their mission, when and how they came to be, the staff, etc.
- Discuss your skills background. It is important to know what skills are required. Referring to these said skills and connecting them to your background will not only aid the employer in knowing what skills you already possess, but also what you will need to be taught and how you will need to be trained. Remember, an internship is a learning process. It is also important to discuss your qualifications, including your educational background, and personal characteristics, for example, hardworking, motivated, etc.
- What are your goals for the future? Employers usually would like to know how the position you are applying is best suited for your future in your field of study. This shows the employer that you are motivated to learn and work hard throughout your time in this position. How will this position help you achieve your goal(s)?