Attention Phi Mu ladies! Internships are the new pink – and since you already wear pink so well – it’s time to try on a few internships for size!

College is what I call “prime time” for taking on at least two internship opportunities. These internships will help you decide what you want to do post-graduation. You will listen, you will observe, you will perform, and you will learn! No matter how big or small the company may be, how boring or exciting the work may be – the goal is to become a sponge and absorb everything you can in order to learn more about yourself and your future.

The question I always get is, “How do I land an amazing internship?” Follow my five tips below and you can find an internship in ANY city, ANYWHERE in the world!

Identify Your Surroundings
Take one week to become familiar with the companies that are headquartered or have branches in your area. Use Google to identify the top 50 companies in your city. Drive around and see what signs and venues you can find. Attend a career fair at your school and become familiar with the local businesses. Speak with your career counselor about local opportunities. If you are from the area, ask your parents what type of companies their friends work for. Check out the weekly publication and look to see who is advertising their company. From there, make one huge list of your options.

Create Your Intern Queen Dream List
Narrow your large list down to twenty local employers. I suggest using Microsoft Excel to organize this list. Make a few columns that read “Company Name,” “Company Phone,” “Company E-mail,” “Contact,” “Requirements,” and “Status,” and fill in your spreadsheet accordingly.  These are the companies that you are going to go after.

Conduct Your Research
Pick a day and set aside at least three hours during the business day (9AM – 5PM) to get all of your research done. I believe in doing each step at the same time to better organize yourself. Use the internet as best you can to fill in this information. Most employers will have career/internship information on their website under “Careers,” “About Us” or “Employment.”  However, if you cannot find the information on the website, go ahead and call the company. Remember to be polite and ask to speak to the internship coordinator.  Introduce yourself to this person (stay brief - you should assume they are very busy) and ask how you can apply for internships at their company. Document all of your research on your Intern Queen Dream List.

Don’t Sleep Until All Applications Are In!
Internships require planning. Again, I want you to set some time aside to send out your materials. Most companies will accept materials via e-mail, so when you have another two - three hours, sit down and focus on sending out your materials. Most employers will require a resume and a cover letter. Certain employers will also want a reference list or a letter of recommendation. Normally, larger employers require more materials. Make sure to address each cover letter to a specific person at the company (you should have this information listed under “Contact” on your Dream List). Write the date that you send your materials out in the “Status” column of your Dream List. I really encourage you to get these all out on the same date to keep things organized and easy to follow up.

Only Fools Don’t Follow Up
The song goes, “Only fools rush in.” I say, “Only fools forget to follow up!”  Follow up is key in any internship or job situation. You never want to be the one to “drop the ball” on an opportunity.  Follow up should be done two weeks after your materials are sent. A quick e-mail that politely asks if your materials were received and if the company requires any additional information will do just fine. YOU shouldn’t be the reason that you don’t get an internship. If the employer never responds – fine - but always follow up. People are busy and internships aren’t always the first thing on their minds.

Internships should be the first thing on your mind!  For more internship advice and to view the Intern Queen’s Internship Listings please visit http://www.internqueen.com.

Please Vote!  Lauren Berger was recently named as a finalist for Business Week’s “Top 25 Entrepreneurs 25 and Under.”  Votes must be in by November 2 and a winner will be announced on November 9. Please spread your Phi Mu love and vote for the “Intern Queen” here: http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/10/1009_entrepreneurs_25_and_under/27.htm