Internships: How do I earn one?

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – As college students approach their later years in University, they start to think about the next chapter of their lives. The goal is to build their resumes with as much work experience as possible in order to earn a job in their respective fields of study. The best way to do that is to look for an internship in the summer where you will gain a wide array of knowledge, gain some hands-on experience and build connections.

“It’s all about having a connection to someone in the field,” explained Joey Jeffery, a senior criminal justice major and community advisor here at Niagara. “For example, if your goal is to achieve a criminal justice related internship such as crime scene or patrol, it would be beneficial to contact and have an open and honest conversation with a former police chief or CSI investigator.”

Reaching out to professionals is the first step to achieving an internship, and here at Niagara, there is certainly no shortage of opportunities to do just that. Niagara University regularly hosts events on campus where students can go speak with professionals in their respective fields and hand out their resumes.

“Luckily at NU, we are blessed to have a plethora of resources throughout the campus that deal with advisement and placement in the workforce for those who attend,” mentioned Jeffery. “This helps those seeking an internship by letting them reach out to be granted these individualized, field-specific opportunities.”

In addition to reaching out to professionals, students should also strive to build good relationships with professors and faculty in their respective fields. They may serve as a good reference in the future.

“I’m fortunate to say that I’ve grown closer with the faculty and employers at this University,” said Jeffery. “It has opened a lot of potential doors in the future for me. Especially with internships and the application process in general.”

Keep in mind, however, that it is best to start reaching out to professionals in your specific major sooner rather than later. Most places of employment are starting to review summer internship applications as early as January, so professionals are looking for students who take action the soonest.

The best way to start is to build your resume prior to any job fairs on campus, attend as many events as possible where employers will be present and contact as many employers as possible to land the best internship you can get.