Five Helpful Ways to Start Looking for a Spring Internship

Spring 2021 might seem like it is far away, but employers are already looking for interns.

Most fortunate 500 companies recruit early and have deadlines in November to apply for next semester. Many of you might be wondering, where do I even start to look for an internship? It can seem overwhelming to begin a search for an internship when trying to balance classes, work and other activities during the semester. This post provides a quick reference guide to help begin your search for an internship with the Career Center.

1. 1. Set up a MountHired account at this link: msmary.edu/mounthired Setting up your account will allow you to begin to look for internships and see what is available for your major.
   2.  Learn more about internships by watching the video of our Internship Workshop held in May. While this program focused on summer internships, it provides a lot of relevant information,.
   3.  Attend an internship fair. After watching the internship workshop and setting up an account with MountHired, your next step should be to attend an internship fair. On September 24 the Career Center is holding the Finance, Tech, & Government: Fall 2020 Virtual Job & Internship Fair. Check your email to register.
   4. Explore internship programs Start to investigate programs that reoccur every year. While this is not a comprehensive list, it is a good place to start: the Mount in Washington Washington Internship Institute, the Washington Center, National Security Scholars Program (The application, open to sophomores and juniors with a GPA of 3.0 or above, is usually due in early October; information session usually held within first few weeks of fall semester); Maryland Public Service Scholars (consisting of Governor’s Summer Internship, Nonprofit Leadership, and MDOT Fellows Programs, the application is usually due March 15 with earlier priority deadline between January and February); Disney College Program; Disney Professional Internships; White House Internship Program; and Smithsonian Institute.
   5. Network with friends, family, teachers or coaches. There are many networks that you can explore in looking for an internship. Start by making a list of those to consider asking about internships. Not only will it help you to begin building a network, but it will also provide a list of people you can consider asking for a letter of recommendation. Start today! Your future self will thank you.