A guide to finding an internship

14 Nov 2022

A_guide_to_finding_an_internship

Are you about to start searching for your first internship or a final internship to complete your course? Internships are crucial stages along your learning path to prepare to enter the world of work. What with sending out applications and dealing with negative responses, finding an internship can sometimes be a long and tiring process. Here are the various tools that IPAG provides to help you in your search. Our business school will guide you along the way to land an internship that is an exciting opportunity for you to discover the world of work.

Finding an internship: our tips

Here are IPAG’s tips to help you search efficiently for an internship.

 

Start early

With lessons, applications and exams to manage, it is important to begin your search early, before you find yourself overloaded. You will need to set aside time for this process if you want to end up in a position to choose. Several weeks in advance, determine when the most appropriate time will be to start looking at what’s available, according to the planned internship period.

 

Devise a plan of attack

To motivate yourself during the internship search, decide on a routine to follow every day, to write cover letters, send emails and recontact companies. It can be a good idea to draw up a list of target companies and plan making contact with them.

 

Decide which direction you want to go in

During your studies, it may be that you do not yet have a career path mapped out. In this case, think about a business sector, a profession or the types of companies that attract you, so that the internship can then help you narrow down your goal.

 

Craft your CV and cover letter

To give yourself the best chance of success, you absolutely must tailor your CV and cover letter to your specific internship search. It is important that the company understands your chosen direction, how your education and experience match the internship description, and how you will be able to manage the responsibilities of the role.

 

Create a coherent online presence

Internships are often found through specialist websites and personal connections, but professional social networks also play an important role. By taking the time to update your profiles on the web, you can open up opportunities and grow your network of connections.

 

Post your CV on job boards and send targeted unsolicited applications

To improve your CV’s visibility on job boards, it is important to use the right keywords when describing your skills and abilities. Don’t hesitate to send unsolicited applications through the websites of major groups, which are often looking for new profiles, or to approach companies that you are particularly interested in.

 

Use your network

Focussing on direct contacts, turning to your network and talking to the people around you are probably the most powerful ways to get your CV out there and land an internship.

 

Get off the beaten track

To stand out, be proactive in your search by trying various techniques, like sending follow-up emails and calling employers a week after sending an application.

 

Recontact companies

Whether you are looking for an internship overseas or in France, it is crucial to stay positive and not throw in the towel. To see where you stand, keep track of your applications (application sent, refused, interview date, etc.). Don’t be discouraged by lack of success. Hang in there and be determined.

Finding an internship: tools on the web

To help you in your internship search, there are many websites to search for jobs, internships and work-study placements, where you will find tens of thousands of available positions. Exercise caution, however, as not all websites are reliable. To avoid bogus ads and companies that don’t respect interns’ rights, we recommend focussing your attention on specialist websites and using search filters to target your desired sector.

Here is a selection of reputable websites where you can find internship positions:

Finding an internship: tools provided by IPAG

Are you looking for an overseas internship as part of a BBA course? At IPAG, young graduates benefit from a powerful alumni network and the many online tools available at the Career Centre.

 

Personal brand tools

  • Knowing yourself: tests provided in collaboration with JobTeaser, coaching sessions and soft skill development workshops;
  • Presenting yourself: CV review workshops, an interview simulator in partnership with APEC, ways to improve oral expression;
  • Developing your skills: access to LinkedIn Learning classes, online challenges and more.

Tools to find opportunities

  • The network and hidden internship positions: assistance with unsolicited applications, Round Tables for Professions to meet professionals;
  • Visible internship positions: available positions in the partner network, recruitment events like ‘Career Day’, ‘1er Emploi’ and ‘Booster Days’;
  • International internship search resources: access to the international job board GoinGlobal, iAgora (a network for internships in Europe), and more.

Support tools

  • Career plan support schemes: targeted workshops run by the Career Centre, mentoring for women, the IPAG incubator;
  • The Career Centre’s teams on the Nice and Paris campuses provide a service designed to meet students’ needs via the tool Teams.

Do you want to take a course with an international outlook and apply for positions abroad? Find out about the BBA course at IPAG. Or maybe you’re interested in a work-study course? Our business school offers a wide choice of  work-study and online courses.