Planning, applying for, and successfully being hired for an internship takes strategic planning almost a year in advance. Internships that focus on innovation are not unique to a single field or company or organization type (i.e., for profit or non-profit). Innovation has broad application and is used by many workplaces to signal an interest in solving problems in creative ways. As a result, you’ll find innovation in organizations that focus on the arts, business, law, health, environment, software development, and much more. As you search, consider key words that represent your primary major and key words in innovation and society, such as design, strategy, design thinking, innovation, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Below we offer a timeline with activities to help you get started with the planning process. The below process should begin the year before you intend to seek an internship (as some very competitive internships announce in August or September).
June - August
- Draft resume and cover letter
- Request professional references
- Begin searching for internships
- Complete a strengths test
- Get feedback on your internship materials
- Update/create your portfolio and social media
August - December
- Locate internship opportunities and apply
- Create a tracking document and update it
- Network via Toppel, professors, program directors, peers, and alumni
- Contact your references to notify them of your status
- Review location requirements of each opportunity
- Engage in mock interviews
- Contact mentors to review any offers
December - May
- Continue applying until you’ve secured an opportunity
- Prepare to relocate, if necessary
- Ensure you understand the internship credit requirements for your major
- Complete any necessary paperwork
- Prepare to relocate, including finding a place to live and to assemble a budget
- Make sure to take notes on your experience, including the kinds of projects and work you take on. Your ability to tell stories about your work experience will be crucial for success on the job market!
