How to ask for an internship over the phone

[00:00:06] Welcome to From Dorms to Desks, job hunting tips for those early in their careers. A podcast brought to you by College Recruiter Job Search Site, which believes that every student and recent grad deserves a great career and hosted by Work Defined. Join our AI co-hosts as they dive into tips, tricks, and insights that will help you land your next part-time, seasonal, internship, or entry-level job. Let's get your career started.

[00:00:33] Okay, so trying to land an internship can feel a little bit like, you know, like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded.

[00:00:42] Yeah.

[00:00:43] And especially when you're sending out all those applications and just hearing crickets.

[00:00:47] You know, we've all been there.

[00:00:49] Yeah, definitely.

[00:00:50] It can be really disheartening. But that's why we're doing this deep dive today.

[00:00:54] Absolutely.

[00:00:55] To help all of you out there kind of crack the code of internships.

[00:00:59] It's such a common struggle.

[00:01:01] Yeah.

[00:01:01] And it's especially frustrating, you know, if you have a really solid background and still you just can't seem to get your foot in the door.

[00:01:08] Exactly. And that's what actually kind of got me about this first article.

[00:01:10] Yeah.

[00:01:11] It's called Ask the Experts. No Responses to Applications for Internship.

[00:01:16] Hmm.

[00:01:16] And they opened with this case study that really made me scratch my head a little bit.

[00:01:20] Okay.

[00:01:21] So we're talking a candidate with years of experience in IT.

[00:01:25] Wow.

[00:01:25] Active in, you know, professional organizations like women in cable and telecommunications.

[00:01:31] Mm-hmm.

[00:01:32] They're pursuing a master's degree.

[00:01:34] Oh, wow.

[00:01:35] You would think they would be like a recruiter's dream.

[00:01:37] You would think, right?

[00:01:39] Yeah.

[00:01:39] But, you know, the experts in this article highlight some really kind of sneaky pitfalls that even really experienced candidates can fall into.

[00:01:48] Okay.

[00:01:49] So what are they?

[00:01:49] Give us the inside scoop.

[00:01:51] Well, one thing they point out is that a lot of people just skip over this really basic first step, and that is targeting companies that actually have internship programs.

[00:01:58] Oh, that's a good point.

[00:02:00] You know, it seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many applications just end up in the wrong inboxes.

[00:02:05] Yeah, you get caught up in that frenzy of just applying for everything you see.

[00:02:09] Right.

[00:02:10] So, yeah, how do we avoid that trap?

[00:02:12] Well, one of the experts, Randall Skazny, he recommends a really cool resource called collegerecruiter.com.

[00:02:19] Okay.

[00:02:19] And it's specifically designed to connect students and grads with companies that are actively seeking interns.

[00:02:25] Oh, that's fantastic.

[00:02:27] I wish I had known about that when I was starting out.

[00:02:29] I know, me too.

[00:02:30] Seriously.

[00:02:30] Yeah.

[00:02:31] Okay, so we've got to be strategic about which companies we target.

[00:02:35] Right.

[00:02:35] What else should we keep in mind?

[00:02:37] So another common mistake is not tailoring your resume and cover letter, specifically for an internship.

[00:02:44] You know, you really want to make sure that you're highlighting those skills and experiences that are most relevant to the internship.

[00:02:50] Got it.

[00:02:51] Not necessarily to a full-time role.

[00:02:54] So it's not just about, you know, showcasing everything you've done.

[00:02:57] Yeah.

[00:02:58] But it's about really emphasizing what makes you a great intern, specifically.

[00:03:02] Exactly.

[00:03:03] Okay.

[00:03:03] That makes a lot of sense.

[00:03:04] And it goes beyond just the content of your resume and cover letter, too.

[00:03:08] Okay.

[00:03:09] You know, think about who you're sending your application to.

[00:03:11] Oh, yeah.

[00:03:11] Are you reaching the right people within the company?

[00:03:14] Right.

[00:03:15] Sometimes those generic HR inboxes can be a real black hole.

[00:03:19] Oh, tell me about it.

[00:03:21] It's like sending your resume off into the void.

[00:03:23] Yes, exactly.

[00:03:24] So Alexandra Levitt, she's another one of the experts.

[00:03:27] And she suggests, you know, doing a little sleuthing on LinkedIn to find someone who works in the specific department where you want to intern.

[00:03:36] Okay.

[00:03:36] Maybe they're an alum from your university or maybe you have a connection in common.

[00:03:41] Reaching out to them directly can be so much more effective than just sending a generic application.

[00:03:47] Yeah.

[00:03:47] That's a great tip.

[00:03:48] It's all about making that personal connection.

[00:03:50] Yeah.

[00:03:50] Okay, so we've talked about targeting the right companies and reaching the right people.

[00:03:55] Right.

[00:03:55] What about standing out from the crowd?

[00:03:57] Mm-hmm.

[00:03:58] You know, because I feel like that's like the million dollar question.

[00:04:00] It is.

[00:04:01] It is.

[00:04:01] And our experts have some answers for that, too.

[00:04:04] Okay, good.

[00:04:04] One recurring theme is networking.

[00:04:07] Oh, yeah.

[00:04:08] Networking.

[00:04:09] Remember that women in cable and telecommunications organization that our candidate was a part of?

[00:04:14] Yeah.

[00:04:15] That's a perfect example of a built-in network that they could be tapping into.

[00:04:19] Yeah, that's such a good point.

[00:04:20] It's not just about attending the events or being a member.

[00:04:23] It's about actively engaging and reaching out to people.

[00:04:27] Exactly.

[00:04:28] But I know networking can be a little awkward for some people.

[00:04:30] Yeah, it can.

[00:04:31] So any advice on how to make it feel a little less well-salesy?

[00:04:36] Definitely think of it more as an information-gathering mission than a job hunt.

[00:04:41] Okay.

[00:04:41] I like that.

[00:04:42] Elizabeth Lyons.

[00:04:43] She's a career coach, and she suggests informational interviews as a way to connect with people in your field and learn from their experience.

[00:04:51] Okay.

[00:04:52] You know, so you're building relationships and gathering insights, not just asking for a job.

[00:04:57] I love that approach.

[00:04:59] Yeah.

[00:04:59] And it plays perfectly into our candidate situation.

[00:05:02] Yeah.

[00:05:02] You know, because they're already active in these professional organizations.

[00:05:05] Right.

[00:05:06] So they have a head start.

[00:05:07] Exactly.

[00:05:08] And these conversations, they can open doors in really unexpected ways.

[00:05:12] Oh, yeah.

[00:05:13] You might learn about unadvertised internship opportunities or even get a referral to someone who's hiring.

[00:05:19] You never know.

[00:05:20] You never know.

[00:05:20] That's why I love networking.

[00:05:21] It's all about serendipity and making those connections.

[00:05:24] Absolutely.

[00:05:24] And even if those conversations don't directly lead to an internship, you're still building those valuable relationships, and you're expanding your knowledge of the industry.

[00:05:33] So it's a win-win.

[00:05:34] It is a win-win.

[00:05:34] I'm a believer in that.

[00:05:35] Now, even with targeted applications and strategic networking, sometimes you just need a way to really make a bold statement.

[00:05:42] Okay.

[00:05:43] And that's where cold call can come into play.

[00:05:45] Okay.

[00:05:45] I'm all ears, but you're going to need to do some serious convincing on this one.

[00:05:49] Fair enough.

[00:05:50] I'm a little intimidated by cold calling.

[00:05:52] Yeah.

[00:05:52] I get it.

[00:05:53] I get it.

[00:05:53] So.

[00:05:54] Well, this article, How to Cold Call for an Internship or Job, it actually breaks down three different types of cold calls.

[00:06:01] Okay.

[00:06:02] Each with its own level of, well, coldness.

[00:06:05] Okay.

[00:06:05] The most intimidating one is what they call the complete cold call.

[00:06:10] Right.

[00:06:10] Where you have no prior connection with the person you're calling.

[00:06:13] Right.

[00:06:14] And honestly, they even advise against that one.

[00:06:17] Okay.

[00:06:17] Unless you send an email first to kind of set the stage.

[00:06:20] So even with cold calling, it's all about laying the groundwork and making a connection.

[00:06:25] Exactly.

[00:06:26] Okay.

[00:06:26] Well, that makes me feel a little bit better.

[00:06:28] Right.

[00:06:28] And then there are those situations where you've emailed someone and they've agreed to a call.

[00:06:32] Okay.

[00:06:32] Which feels a lot less daunting.

[00:06:34] Right.

[00:06:34] And then finally, there's the referral call where someone in your network has suggested you reach out, but you haven't actually spoken to the person directly yet.

[00:06:42] Got it.

[00:06:43] So it's not just about randomly dialing numbers and hoping for the best.

[00:06:47] Okay.

[00:06:48] There's actually a strategy behind it.

[00:06:50] All right.

[00:06:50] I'm liking this.

[00:06:51] And the article gives some fantastic tips for making those calls as effective as possible.

[00:06:58] Okay.

[00:06:58] First and foremost, they emphasize the importance of crafting your story.

[00:07:03] Okay.

[00:07:03] You know, that unique narrative that highlights your background and what you're looking for.

[00:07:07] Yeah.

[00:07:08] It's kind of like your elevator pitch, but for the phone.

[00:07:10] Exactly.

[00:07:11] You've got to capture their attention quickly.

[00:07:12] Yes.

[00:07:13] And make them want to learn more.

[00:07:14] And it's not just about what you say.

[00:07:16] It's about how you say it.

[00:07:18] Right.

[00:07:18] You know, enthusiasm and passion go a long way, even over the phone.

[00:07:22] Absolutely.

[00:07:22] People can hear it.

[00:07:23] They can.

[00:07:24] Okay.

[00:07:24] So we've got our story down.

[00:07:26] Okay.

[00:07:26] What's next?

[00:07:27] Then you want to shift into asking insightful questions.

[00:07:30] What?

[00:07:30] Remember, this isn't just about you.

[00:07:33] Right.

[00:07:33] It's about showing them that you've done your research and that you're genuinely interested in learning more about their work and the company.

[00:07:39] So it's about demonstrating that you're not just looking for any internship.

[00:07:43] Right.

[00:07:43] You're looking for the right fit.

[00:07:45] Precisely.

[00:07:45] Okay.

[00:07:45] I like that.

[00:07:46] And those insightful questions, they can lead to some unexpected opportunities.

[00:07:51] Yeah.

[00:07:51] You never know what connections they might have or what projects they might be working on.

[00:07:57] Okay.

[00:07:57] So I'm starting to see the appeal of this cold calling thing.

[00:08:02] Yeah.

[00:08:02] You know, it's about being bold.

[00:08:04] It's about being prepared.

[00:08:05] And it's about making the most of every conversation.

[00:08:08] Exactly.

[00:08:09] But let's be real.

[00:08:10] Cold calling can be super nerve wracking.

[00:08:12] It can be.

[00:08:13] So any tips for calming those pre-call jitters?

[00:08:16] The key is preparation.

[00:08:18] Okay.

[00:08:18] Have your story down, Pat.

[00:08:20] Yep.

[00:08:20] Research the company and the person that you're calling.

[00:08:23] Mm-hmm.

[00:08:23] And come prepared with some really thought-provoking questions.

[00:08:27] Right.

[00:08:27] And remember, even if the call doesn't lead to an immediate opportunity, it's still a chance

[00:08:32] to practice your communication skills.

[00:08:35] Right.

[00:08:35] And build your confidence.

[00:08:36] Yeah.

[00:08:37] That's a great perspective.

[00:08:38] Yeah.

[00:08:39] You know, sometimes we forget that even those failed attempts can be valuable learning experiences.

[00:08:43] Yeah, absolutely.

[00:08:44] They count.

[00:08:45] All right.

[00:08:46] So we've covered a lot of ground here.

[00:08:47] We have.

[00:08:48] From strategic targeting to networking to this cold calling thing.

[00:08:52] Mm-hmm.

[00:08:53] But I'm curious, what happens when you finally get your foot in the door?

[00:08:58] Hmm.

[00:08:58] What about that phone screening interview?

[00:09:00] Oh, yes.

[00:09:01] That often feels like the first real hurdle.

[00:09:03] It does.

[00:09:04] I get so nervous during those.

[00:09:05] I know.

[00:09:06] So, and that's actually where our next article comes in.

[00:09:09] Okay.

[00:09:09] It's called Getting Past the Telephone Screening Interview.

[00:09:12] Perfect.

[00:09:12] Perfect.

[00:09:12] But before we dive into that, let's take a quick break to process all this amazing advice.

[00:09:17] Sounds good.

[00:09:18] We'll be back in a flash with part two of our internship team dive.

[00:09:21] All right.

[00:09:22] So don't go anywhere.

[00:09:24] Okay.

[00:09:25] So we're back and ready to tackle that sometimes really nerve-wracking hurdle, the phone screening

[00:09:30] interview.

[00:09:31] Yes.

[00:09:31] I always feel like my heart is about to beat out of my chest when I get those calls.

[00:09:35] I hear you.

[00:09:36] But, you know, just remember, it's really just a conversation.

[00:09:39] And with a little preparation, you can turn those, you know, those jitters into really

[00:09:43] confident energy.

[00:09:45] Okay.

[00:09:45] I like the sound of that.

[00:09:46] So give me some ninja moves.

[00:09:48] Okay.

[00:09:48] How do we make a killer first impression even over the phone?

[00:09:52] Well, this Getting Past the Telephone Screening Interview article had this tip that totally

[00:09:57] blew my mind.

[00:09:58] Okay.

[00:09:59] It turns out interviewers often deliberately call during off hours.

[00:10:04] What?

[00:10:04] Like evenings and weekends.

[00:10:06] Seriously?

[00:10:06] Yeah.

[00:10:07] To catch you off guard?

[00:10:08] Yeah.

[00:10:09] They want to see how you handle the unexpected.

[00:10:11] Oh, that's sneaky, but I guess it makes sense.

[00:10:13] Yeah.

[00:10:14] So the article suggests this really brilliant tactic.

[00:10:16] Okay.

[00:10:17] Like if they catch you by surprise, don't be afraid to just ask for a few minutes to collect

[00:10:20] yourself.

[00:10:21] Oh, okay.

[00:10:22] You could say something like, would it be all right if I call you back in 10 minutes?

[00:10:26] I want to make sure I can give you my full attention.

[00:10:28] Oh, that's such a power move.

[00:10:30] Right.

[00:10:31] It shows that you're composed and professional even when you're caught off guard.

[00:10:36] Exactly.

[00:10:36] I never would have thought to do that.

[00:10:38] It's a game changer.

[00:10:39] It is.

[00:10:40] Okay.

[00:10:40] So we're calm, we're collected, and we're ready to roll.

[00:10:43] All right.

[00:10:43] What's next?

[00:10:43] Now it's all about showcasing those amazing IT skills that you've honed through your experience

[00:10:51] and that master's program you're working on.

[00:10:53] Right.

[00:10:53] The key is to be really specific.

[00:10:56] Okay.

[00:10:56] And give concrete examples that demonstrate your abilities.

[00:11:00] Oh, okay.

[00:11:00] So don't just say you're a problem solver.

[00:11:03] Right.

[00:11:03] Tell them about a time that you debugged a complex piece of code.

[00:11:07] Right.

[00:11:07] Or you streamlined a process that saved your company, you know, time and money.

[00:11:11] Oh, I love that show.

[00:11:12] Don't tell.

[00:11:13] Exactly.

[00:11:14] And actually, speaking of showing off your skills.

[00:11:16] Okay.

[00:11:16] I remember one of the experts in that Ask the Experts article had a really interesting

[00:11:21] suggestion.

[00:11:22] Oh, yeah.

[00:11:22] Deborah Feldman talked about taking the initiative to identify potential internship-worthy projects

[00:11:30] within a company.

[00:11:31] Wow.

[00:11:32] And actually proposing them yourself.

[00:11:34] That's a great idea.

[00:11:35] Right.

[00:11:35] It's a bit unconventional, but it definitely shows that you're a go-getter.

[00:11:38] Yeah.

[00:11:38] Especially in IT, you know, where things are constantly evolving.

[00:11:42] Right.

[00:11:42] There are bound to be areas where a fresh perspective and some technical know-how could make a real

[00:11:48] difference.

[00:11:49] Yeah.

[00:11:49] I bet that would really make you stand out from that stack of resumes.

[00:11:53] Definitely.

[00:11:54] But how do you even go about finding those kind of hidden opportunities?

[00:11:59] That's where your research skills come into play.

[00:12:01] Okay.

[00:12:01] You know, dig into the company's website, read industry publications.

[00:12:06] Okay.

[00:12:06] Pay attention to their social media presence.

[00:12:08] What are their current challenges?

[00:12:10] Okay.

[00:12:11] What new technologies are they exploring?

[00:12:13] Yeah.

[00:12:13] Where are the gaps that you could potentially fill?

[00:12:16] So it's about aligning your interests and skills with the company's needs.

[00:12:20] Exactly.

[00:12:21] Okay.

[00:12:21] I love that proactive approach.

[00:12:23] Yeah.

[00:12:24] But even with the best preparation, these interviews can be nerve-wracking.

[00:12:30] So any tips for just staying calm and collected during the call?

[00:12:33] Absolutely.

[00:12:34] One thing that always helps me is to just treat the interview like a conversation.

[00:12:38] Yeah.

[00:12:38] Not an interrogation.

[00:12:40] You know, remember, the interviewer wants to get to know you and see if you're a good fit

[00:12:43] for the team.

[00:12:44] Yeah.

[00:12:45] Yeah.

[00:12:45] That's a good point.

[00:12:46] Yeah.

[00:12:46] It's about connecting with a person on the other end of the line.

[00:12:48] Exactly.

[00:12:49] And remember to be enthusiastic.

[00:12:51] Oh, yeah.

[00:12:52] Even though they can't see, you know, your smiling face, they can definitely hear the energy

[00:12:57] in your voice.

[00:12:58] All right.

[00:12:58] So let your passion for IT shine through.

[00:13:01] Enthusiasm is contagious.

[00:13:03] It is.

[00:13:04] For sure.

[00:13:04] Okay.

[00:13:05] So we've talked about being prepared, showcasing our skills, and staying calm and enthusiastic.

[00:13:13] Right.

[00:13:13] But what about that elephant in the room?

[00:13:15] Uh-oh.

[00:13:17] Salary expectations.

[00:13:18] Okay.

[00:13:19] Is it even appropriate to talk about money during an internship interview?

[00:13:23] It can be a tricky topic, but it's bound to come up at some point.

[00:13:26] Okay.

[00:13:26] Remember our golden rule from earlier?

[00:13:28] Whoever mentions money first loses.

[00:13:31] Oh, yeah.

[00:13:31] I remember that one.

[00:13:32] So how do we handle it if they bring it up during the phone screen?

[00:13:35] Well, the extra suggested a couple different approaches.

[00:13:37] Okay.

[00:13:38] One is to deflect the question and shift the focus back to the opportunity to learn and contribute.

[00:13:43] You could say something like, I'm really more interested in the learning experience

[00:13:46] at this point, and I'm sure we can discuss compensation further down the line.

[00:13:50] Okay.

[00:13:50] So just kind of redirect the conversation.

[00:13:52] Exactly.

[00:13:53] Yeah.

[00:13:53] And if they really press for a specific number, you can always say something like, I've done

[00:13:58] some research, and it seems that the average salary for similar internships

[00:14:02] in this area is between X and Y.

[00:14:04] Right.

[00:14:05] But try to avoid getting pinned down to a specific number until you have a better understanding

[00:14:10] of the role and responsibilities.

[00:14:12] Yeah.

[00:14:12] That makes sense.

[00:14:13] It's all about gathering information and keeping your options open.

[00:14:16] Exactly.

[00:14:17] Okay.

[00:14:17] So we've covered a lot of ground on phone screens, but let's go back to that how to cold call

[00:14:21] article for a minute.

[00:14:22] Okay.

[00:14:22] We talked about crafting your story and asking insightful questions.

[00:14:26] Right.

[00:14:27] But what happens after the call?

[00:14:29] How do you turn that initial conversation into an actual opportunity?

[00:14:33] That's where the art of the follow-up comes in.

[00:14:35] Okay.

[00:14:36] This is where so many people just drop the ball, but it's crucial for staying top of mind and

[00:14:41] showing your genuine interest.

[00:14:43] So what's the secret sauce for a killer follow-up?

[00:14:47] First and foremost, send a thank you email within 24 hours of the call.

[00:14:52] Okay.

[00:14:52] Reiterate your interest in the company and the specific role or department you discussed.

[00:14:56] Mm-hmm.

[00:14:56] And here's a pro tip.

[00:14:58] Mention something specific that you learned during the call.

[00:15:02] Oh, okay.

[00:15:02] To show that you were really paying attention.

[00:15:04] Ooh.

[00:15:05] I like that it's all about personalization.

[00:15:08] Yeah.

[00:15:08] Showing them that you were genuinely engaged.

[00:15:11] Exactly.

[00:15:12] And don't be afraid to follow up again a week or two later if you haven't heard back.

[00:15:15] Okay.

[00:15:16] You could share a relevant article or industry news that you think they might find interesting.

[00:15:20] Okay.

[00:15:20] Or even just a brief note saying that you're still, you know, very interested in the opportunity.

[00:15:25] So just staying on their radar without being annoying.

[00:15:27] Right.

[00:15:27] It's a delicate balance.

[00:15:28] It is.

[00:15:29] And remember, those follow-up emails can also be a great opportunity to ask for referrals.

[00:15:33] Oh, that's true.

[00:15:33] So if the person that you spoke to isn't the right contact, maybe they know someone else who could be a good fit.

[00:15:40] Okay.

[00:15:40] So it's all about, you know, leveraging your network and making those connections work for you.

[00:15:45] Exactly.

[00:15:46] All right.

[00:15:46] So we've talked about phone screens and follow-up strategies.

[00:15:48] Right.

[00:15:48] What about those in-person networking events?

[00:15:51] Oh, yes.

[00:15:52] I know those can be really intimidating, especially for introverts like me.

[00:15:55] I hear you.

[00:15:56] But remember, everyone is there for the same reason.

[00:15:59] Okay.

[00:16:00] To connect and learn.

[00:16:01] True.

[00:16:01] True.

[00:16:02] And the experts in the Ask the Experts article, they had some really great advice for making the most of those events.

[00:16:08] Okay.

[00:16:08] Lay it on me.

[00:16:09] I need all the help I can get.

[00:16:11] Well, first and foremost, do your homework.

[00:16:14] Right.

[00:16:15] Identify a few companies or individuals that you'd like to connect with.

[00:16:19] Okay.

[00:16:19] And come prepared with some talking points or questions.

[00:16:23] So it's not just about showing up and hoping for the best.

[00:16:26] Right.

[00:16:26] You've got to have a plan of attack.

[00:16:27] Yeah.

[00:16:27] Have a strategy.

[00:16:28] Oh.

[00:16:28] And once you're there, don't be afraid to just approach people and introduce yourself.

[00:16:33] Oh, easier said than done.

[00:16:34] I know.

[00:16:35] But remember, everyone's in the same boat.

[00:16:37] So, you know, just don't be shy.

[00:16:39] Okay.

[00:16:39] And here's a tip for starting conversations.

[00:16:42] Okay.

[00:16:43] Look for common ground.

[00:16:44] Maybe you went to the same university or you're interested in the same technology.

[00:16:48] Right.

[00:16:48] Or you both admire the same industry leader.

[00:16:51] You know, find something that you can connect on and the conversation will flow a lot more naturally.

[00:16:56] Oh, that's such a good strategy.

[00:16:57] And I bet those conversations can lead to, you know, some really unexpected insights and opportunities.

[00:17:03] They can.

[00:17:04] They absolutely can.

[00:17:05] Yeah.

[00:17:05] And remember, it's not just about collecting business cards.

[00:17:08] Right.

[00:17:08] It's about building genuine connections.

[00:17:11] So, ask thoughtful questions, listen attentively, and be genuinely interested in what other people have to say.

[00:17:17] So, it's about quality over quantity when it comes to networking.

[00:17:21] Exactly.

[00:17:21] I like that.

[00:17:22] And just like with cold calls, the follow-up is crucial after networking events.

[00:17:27] Okay.

[00:17:27] Send personalized emails to the people that you connected with referencing something specific that you discussed to show that you are paying attention.

[00:17:35] Yes.

[00:17:35] They top of mind nurture those relationships.

[00:17:37] Exactly.

[00:17:38] And who knows, one of those connections might just lead you to your dream internship.

[00:17:42] I love that.

[00:17:43] All right.

[00:17:44] So, we've covered a lot of ground today.

[00:17:46] We have.

[00:17:46] From acing phone screens to mastering cold calls to networking like a pro.

[00:17:52] It's been fun.

[00:17:53] It has.

[00:17:53] I feel like we've really equipped our listeners with a whole arsenal of tools to conquer this internship hunt.

[00:18:00] I agree.

[00:18:01] And you know what's so great about it is that these skills will serve them well, far beyond just the internship search.

[00:18:07] That's true.

[00:18:08] You know, networking clear communication and strategic thinking.

[00:18:11] Yeah.

[00:18:12] Those are essential for success in any career.

[00:18:14] So, it's an investment that's going to pay dividends for years to come.

[00:18:17] Exactly.

[00:18:18] But I think we've given our listeners a lot to digest for now.

[00:18:21] We have.

[00:18:21] So, let's take a quick break and we'll be back with the final part of our deep dive.

[00:18:26] Sounds good.

[00:18:27] We'll tie it all together and leave you with some inspiring final thoughts.

[00:18:30] All right.

[00:18:31] Stay tuned.

[00:18:32] Welcome back to our deep dive, everyone.

[00:18:34] It's been quite a journey exploring all these strategies for landing that perfect internship.

[00:18:38] Yeah, we've really unpacked some powerful tactics, you know, from targeted applications to networking like a pro to even mastering that art of the cold call.

[00:18:50] Yeah, absolutely.

[00:18:51] And let's not forget those ninja moves for acing those phone screens.

[00:18:54] Oh, yeah.

[00:18:55] I'm feeling a lot more confident about navigating this whole process now.

[00:18:58] I love that.

[00:18:59] And you know what?

[00:18:59] Remember, those skills are going to serve you well beyond just landing that internship.

[00:19:04] Yeah.

[00:19:04] They're valuable assets for your entire career journey.

[00:19:07] Speaking of valuable assets, I wanted to circle back to something we touched on earlier, and that was salary expectations.

[00:19:15] Okay.

[00:19:15] It can feel really awkward to talk about money, especially when you're just starting out.

[00:19:18] It can definitely.

[00:19:19] And, you know, it's a conversation that you're probably going to need to have at some point.

[00:19:22] Right.

[00:19:22] Remember our golden rule.

[00:19:24] Oh, yeah.

[00:19:24] Whoever mentions money first loses.

[00:19:26] Whoever mentions money first loses.

[00:19:28] That's right.

[00:19:29] So, how do we handle those tricky salary questions, you know, gracefully, especially during an internship interview?

[00:19:36] Yeah.

[00:19:36] What are some good strategies?

[00:19:38] Well, the experts in our articles offered some great advice.

[00:19:41] Okay.

[00:19:41] One strategy is to deflect the question initially.

[00:19:44] Okay.

[00:19:45] And emphasize, you know, your eagerness to learn and contribute.

[00:19:49] Right.

[00:19:49] You could say something like, I'm truly excited about this opportunity and the chance to gain valuable experience, and I'm confident we can discuss compensation, you know, once we've had a chance to explore the role in more detail.

[00:20:00] Oh, that's a good one.

[00:20:01] Yeah.

[00:20:02] It keeps the focus on the learning aspect while still acknowledging that compensation is important.

[00:20:06] Exactly.

[00:20:07] Yeah.

[00:20:07] And if they press for specifics, you can always provide a range.

[00:20:11] Okay.

[00:20:11] Based on your research, you know.

[00:20:12] Right.

[00:20:13] Sites like Blastdoor and salary.com can be helpful for getting a sense of typical internship salaries in your field and location.

[00:20:20] So, be prepared.

[00:20:21] Yeah.

[00:20:21] You know, have that data to back up your expectations.

[00:20:24] Yeah, exactly.

[00:20:24] I like that approach.

[00:20:27] But beyond, you know, the salary conversation, I'm curious what happens once you actually land the internship.

[00:20:34] What advice do our experts have for really making the most of that experience?

[00:20:39] That's a great question.

[00:20:41] You know, landing the internship, that's just the first step.

[00:20:43] Right.

[00:20:44] The real magic happens when you embrace the learning process.

[00:20:47] And actively contribute to the team.

[00:20:49] So, it's not just about showing up and doing the bare minimum.

[00:20:52] It's about being engaged and proactive.

[00:20:56] Exactly.

[00:20:56] One of the experts, Alexandra Levitt, had this fantastic suggestion.

[00:21:00] She said, treat your internship like a 90-day job interview.

[00:21:04] Oh, I love that.

[00:21:05] Always be on your A game.

[00:21:07] Take initiative.

[00:21:08] Look for opportunities to go above and beyond.

[00:21:11] I like that it really puts things into perspective.

[00:21:13] But what if you're not sure where to start?

[00:21:16] How do you find those opportunities to really shine and make a real impact?

[00:21:20] Don't be afraid to ask questions.

[00:21:22] Okay.

[00:21:23] Seek out guidance, you know, from your supervisor or other team members.

[00:21:26] Right.

[00:21:26] Show them that you're eager to learn and contribute.

[00:21:29] Yeah.

[00:21:29] And here's a pro tip from career coach Elizabeth Lyons.

[00:21:32] She said, offer to help with projects even if they fall outside of your immediate responsibilities.

[00:21:37] Oh, that's a good one.

[00:21:38] Yeah.

[00:21:38] It's a great way to show initiative and expand your skill set.

[00:21:41] Yeah.

[00:21:41] I bet that would impress any supervisor.

[00:21:44] It definitely would.

[00:21:45] And remember, internships are a two-way street.

[00:21:47] While you're there to learn and gain experience.

[00:21:50] Right.

[00:21:50] The company is also benefiting from your contributions.

[00:21:54] So it's a mutually beneficial relationship.

[00:21:56] Exactly.

[00:21:56] And as you navigate your internship, don't be afraid to make mistakes.

[00:22:01] Oh, yeah.

[00:22:02] Everyone stumbles from time to time, you know.

[00:22:04] Of course.

[00:22:05] The key is to learn from those experiences and grow.

[00:22:09] Mistakes are opportunities for learning and improvement.

[00:22:11] They are.

[00:22:12] That's so true.

[00:22:13] And remember to document your accomplishments along the way.

[00:22:17] Okay.

[00:22:17] Keep track of the projects that you've worked on, the skills you've developed, the positive

[00:22:22] feedback you've received.

[00:22:23] Yeah.

[00:22:24] This is going to be invaluable when it's time to update your resume and apply for, you know,

[00:22:29] future opportunities.

[00:22:31] That's a great tip.

[00:22:32] It's so easy to forget those details down the road.

[00:22:35] It is.

[00:22:35] It is.

[00:22:36] And as you wrap up your internship, you know, take the time to reflect on your experience.

[00:22:42] Yes.

[00:22:42] What did you learn?

[00:22:43] Yeah.

[00:22:43] What are you most proud of?

[00:22:44] Right.

[00:22:45] What would you do differently next time?

[00:22:47] Mm-hmm.

[00:22:47] These reflections, they're really going to help you solidify your takeaways.

[00:22:51] Yeah.

[00:22:52] And set yourself up for even greater success in the future.

[00:22:55] I love that it's all about continuous learning and growth.

[00:22:58] Absolutely.

[00:22:59] And remember the internship journey, it's a marathon, not a sprint.

[00:23:03] That's right.

[00:23:04] Be patient, persistent.

[00:23:05] And most importantly, believe in yourself.

[00:23:09] Yeah.

[00:23:09] You've got this.

[00:23:10] What a perfect note to end on.

[00:23:11] It's yes.

[00:23:12] So to all of our listeners out there, go forth and conquer those internships.

[00:23:17] Yes.

[00:23:18] Remember the skills and experiences that you gain along the way are going to serve you well

[00:23:22] for years to come.

[00:23:23] They will.

[00:23:24] Best of luck on your journey.

[00:23:25] We'll be here cheering you on every step of the way.

[00:23:28] And that wraps up another deep dive.

[00:23:30] Thanks for joining us.

[00:23:31] And we'll see you next time.

[00:23:35] This has been From Dorms to Desks, job hunting tips for those early in their careers.

[00:23:39] A podcast brought to you by College Recruiter Job Search Site, which believes that every student

[00:23:44] and recent grad deserves a great career.

[00:23:47] Each episode, we dive into tips, tricks, and insights that will help you land your next

[00:23:51] part-time, seasonal, internship, or entry-level job.

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