1. How to optimize your internship experience

2. The IICAP Internship Process1
Finding the right internship 2
Turning the internship into a job

3. What Career Are You Leaning On?
Internships can translate to full-time positions
It is important that your employer likes you, but more importantly … that YOU like the work

4. What Career Are You Leaning On?
Make sure to:
Know what environment best fits with you:
Chances are, the happier you are at work, the better the quality of the work you produce
Build realistic expectations:
Grunt work is inescapable regardless of the job!
However, make sure to set out what you expect to be doing and learning over the course of your internship

5. Where Would You Like To Work?
Finding the ideal company:
Research industries
Learn all about the industries that you would be interested in
Research companies
Learn about them through their webpages, research sites (i.e. Vault, Hoover’s Online, etc.) and University resources (counsellors and online databases)
Make contacts
Develop your network by attending information sessions, reaching out to companies of interest for more information

6. How Do You Get The Internship?
Once you’ve identified a company of interest:
Research the organization thoroughly
What is the company currently doing? Find out new trends, challenges, recent successes, and workplace history
Complete your application as clearly and professionally as possible
Your resume and cover letter must outline your skills, experience, education, volunteer work, accomplishments, and interests
Prepare for the interview
Practice mock interviews with your friends beforehand
On the day of your interview, dress professionally and bring a copy of your resume

7. Practice your responses with a friend or an academic advisor
Acing The Interview
After researching the company and, when possible, the people who are interviewing you …
Practice your responses with a friend or an academic advisor

8. Acing The Interview Be prepared for two kinds of interview questions:
Behavioral:
Set out to test your behavior in an employment context
Technical:
Purposed to assess whether you have the necessary subject- specific knowledge for the job

9. Behavioral Questions Sample of behavioral questions:
Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure
Have you ever made a mistake? How did you handle it?
Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you achieved it.
Give an example of how you worked on team.
What do you do if you disagree with someone at work?
Share an example of how you were able to motivate employees or co-workers.
Have you handled a difficult situation? How?

10. Interview Dos And Don’ts
BE CONFIDENT Composure is key. An interview is a good measure to show how you handle pressure so you do not want to appear too nervous.
ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY Late attendance is never excusable
DO YOUR HOMEWORK Learn as much as you can about the company and the people that are interviewing you.
DRESS AND ACT PROFESSIONALLY It is not what you say, but how you present yourself. Shake hands firmly, maintain eye contact, sit up and stay focused. DO
ASK QUESTIONS Asking questions is the best way to show enthusiasm for the job. Show you did your homework and you are genuinely interested.
SELL YOURSELF Speak confidently about your experiences and how they distinguish you from the other candidates.
GET CLARIFICATION The better you understand the question, the better the answers you give.
FOLLOW UP Send a follow up thanking the interviewers for their time and reaffirm your interest in the position.

11. Interview Dos And Don’ts
BE VAGUE Get the employer to be more specific and then respond.
INTERRUPT If you don't have time to listen, neither does the employer.
CHEW GUM or place your phone on the employer's desk.
ACT OVERLY FAMILIAR even if the employer is acting in this way.
DON’T
RAMBLE Long answers often make the speaker sound apologetic or indecisive.
SIMPLY ANSWER "YES" OR "NO“ Explain whenever possible.
LIE Answer questions as truthfully as possible.
BADMOUTH your present or former employers or companies.

12. The IICAP Internship Process1
Finding the right internship 2
Turning the internship into a job

13. Fit in Be alert to the corporate culture
Get along with your boss and your coworkers
Your coworkers always have a say as to whether you get the full-time position!
Ask for feedback
Understanding how they perceive your work in their workplace can be very insightful for improvement

14. Fit in Things to keep in mind Adhere to the start and finish hours
It doesn’t look good to start late and leave earlier
Respect the dress code

15. Set Personal Goals Show initiative
Showing enthusiasm for your work is the best way to prove you belong there
Go above and beyond the bare minimum
When you exceed expectations, you gain your colleagues’ trust

16. Your Image Matters
Everything you do creates an impression on your employer and coworkers
Write s carefully
Be on time
Be respectful of others
Demonstrate professional integrity
Praise much more frequently than you criticize
Include as many coworkers that would be relevant to your activities

17. At the same time, this demonstrates eagerness to learn and motivation
Ask Questions
If you don’t know how to do something, ASK! Employers do not expect you to know everything the from the first day on the job.
At the same time, this demonstrates eagerness to learn and motivation

18. At the end of the internship
Ask for a reference letter that recognizes the contribution you have made

19. And don’t forget …
Have fun!