Developing potential internship sites
The following resources/strategies have been useful in developing sites for internships.
Network with family, friends, former employers, and faculty.
Contact associations that bring together professionals in your field of interest, such as the Public Relations Society of America.
Read local newspapers and consult local libraries for leads.
Do a Google search to identify resources, such as "museums Los Angeles."
Strategies toward developing sites in specific fields are listed below:
Human Services: United Way offices have volunteer placement operations that can connect you to specific agencies, both locally or in your home community. Frequently these resources go beyond United Way supported agencies to include a comprehensive range of organizations/agencies. Check out your local United Way website, click on "volunteer".
Health Related Interests: Hospitals, especially those affiliated with medical schools, typically have a volunteer office that can be an excellent initial contact. Click on "volunteer" on your chosen hospital's website.
Education: Contacting the principal of your targeted school is a good first step. If you have not identified a specific school, the school department would be a good place to start.
Government: Some states have excellent internship resources. Click on "careers" or "employment" from the state's homepage. If you are interested in city/town government, the mayor's or town manager's office is a useful place to start.
Law: Resources include local bar associations, public defender's and district attorney's offices, legal assistance programs, and local court houses.
Museums: Most museums have internship information on their websites. If this information is not available, contact the education department of the museum, which typically oversees internship programs.
Newspapers: local newspapers are often interested in student interns and provide them with meaty assignments. Contact the managing editor.
The Arts: Many states have councils on the arts which often provide comprehensive information on resources with an arts focus. Do a Google search for "Massachusetts council arts" or any other state that you might be targeting.
Set realistic expectations for your internship search:
For a first internship it's often best to identify possibilities that are more accessible to newcomers. If you're interested in journalism, start with your local or community newspaper rather than The Boston Globe or The New York Times. A spot on a local network affiliate or cable station may be more doable for the beginning broadcasting intern than an assignment with the network itself.
How to apply:
While many internships have specific forms and applications, other internships require that you submit only a cover letter and resume. And, if you are approaching an organization or company to prospect for an internship, your resume and a "prospecting" letter may be most effective. The application process is often labor-intensive, requiring planning and persistence. You'll be better prepared to launch future job searches once you have successfully completed this process.
View a sample "prospecting" letter for internships
If you already have a draft of your cover letter and/or resume, you may want to have a Filene Center advisor review your materials.