Winter Internships for College Students
Winter break provides enough time that a motivated college student can make worthwhile strides in gaining practical, hands on experience through a short-term internship. Supervised, practical training in a profession will give you exposure to your field of interest. Although the between semesters break is not nearly long enough to give you sufficient experience to set out on your own in a field, it will give you an introduction, and an opportunity to evaluate your future pursuit of that field. Further, it will allow you to interact with professionals in your area of interest, with the potential for future, more long-term opportunities.
One of the best sources of winter internships is your network of friends and family. If you are studying in a field which one of your relatives practices, you have probably already been in communication regarding your goals and plans. Take it a step further, and ask about the possibility of obtaining an internship with their place of employment. Depending on the size of the company, you may be able to gain an introduction to the owner, whereby you can explain your interest. Your family member will have a sense of what is appropriate, and will be able to direct you further. Even moving beyond your immediate connections, it’s possible that friends of friends would assist you, if you are motivated and reliable, in seeking out the right connections.
Another source of internships is the actual professional who provides your own services. Are you an optometry student? Pursue a hands on opportunity at the office of your own optometrist. A dental student? Have a professional conversation with your dentist. If there isn’t an opportunity in his or her office, you may still receive some direction toward an office that can accommodate your interest.
If you don’t have connections through your own acquaintances, or contacts, there are other means of pursuing a winter internship. Familiarize yourself with professional organizations in your area of study, and contact the president, or another officer. For example, if you are pursuing a degree in architecture, try contacting a local chapter of theAIA (American Institute of Architects). If you are a woman pursuing this interest, theNational Association of Women in Constructionis another potential help in your search. Not only do such organizations serve as informational resources, but most are also dedicated to philanthropic interests, and demonstrate sincere interest in the next generations of professionals in their fields. They are ideal for seeking out internship opportunities, or contacts with professionals who might be willing to create such an internship for an interested college student.
The best winter internships will be those that are personal, with an opportunity to work in a professional environment, while experiencing both the positive and negative sides of daily routine in the field. You may not be designing great bridges, or filling teeth, but you will have the chance to get a feel for the life of the professional, and insight into your future career. Begin planning in advance, writing letters of introduction and inquiry long before your semester ends, as you won’t want to waste any time getting to work at the start of your break. Approaching your interest in a professional manner now may lead to consistent opportunities in the future, and maybe even that first job after you graduate.
