• Apply for more than one internship.  Contact as many prospects and set up as many interviews as possible.
• When inquiring about an internship it is important to write a cover letter.

How to Follow Up

When you receive an offer, it is important to keep in mind the following:

• If you receive an offer over the phone, you may accept it but also ask for the offer in writing.  The letter should include the details associated with the position such as the start date, salary, financial benefits (if there are any), and location. 
• If you receive multiple offers, take time to consider each one individually.  Take into consideration the position, the company, the location, and the type of work you would be doing.  Categorize them in order of importance. 
• If you are offered a position before all of your interviews are finished, consider asking for an extension.  This should be done in writing. 
• Always accept an offer in writing, even if you have already accepted it orally.  Be sure to reiterate such terms as salary, dates, and responsibilities.  This action will ensure that you and the employer are in total agreement.
• If you decline the offer, contact the employer promptly and professionally.  Be courteous and respectful.  Remember, you may have contact with that company in the future so it is important not to burn bridges.

Your Internship

Here are some survival tips to make your internship a rewarding experience.

On the Job

• Learn as much as you can about the organization.
• At the beginning of your internship, meet with your advisor and establish mutually agreed-upon goals so that you know what is expected of you.
• Understand that some general office work is part of the job.
• Introduce new ideas gradually and avoid trying to change too much too soon.
• Gradually ask for more responsibility and actively look for things to do.  This initiative will prepare you for positions in the future.
• Network! It is important to establish contacts with people who are doing what you think you would like to do.  These people are  valuable resources.  They may also be able to help you in future career opportunities or lead you to other contacts.
• If there are other interns in the office, develop relationships with them to serve as a support system.

When It Is Over

Now that your internship is over, what is the next step?  You should have learned many things in your internship experience.  Maybe you learned what you want to do when you graduate.  Maybe you learned what you do not want to do.  Either way, your internship was a learning experience.

Now it is time to reflect upon your experience.  Ask yourself the following questions:

• What were your goals before the internship?  Did you accomplish them?
• What did you accomplish above and beyond your established goals?
• What did you fail to accomplish?
• What new skills, equipment, or office technology did you master?
• What was the most important thing you learned from this experience?

The answers to these questions will help you describe your internship, your key responsibilities, and your accomplishments.  These will all be helpful when writing your résumé and will prepare you for discussing your experience during future interviews.