5 Important Internship Tips You Should Know!

Internship in Malaysia has been a highly debated topic regarding allowance payment in that South-Eastern Asian country. 

The issue gained widespread attention and feedback from netizens since it was posted on Twitter. 

While some viewed it positively as a crucial matter needing immediate resolution, others criticized it based on their internship experiences. 

It is evident that discussing internship allowance is a sensitive topic, though not taboo. 

However, disclaimer ahead, this article does not take sides on who is right or wrong. 

Instead, it offers valuable tips on how to create effective resumes and cover letters for internships. 

What You Need For An Internship? 

As a final-year university student, finding an internship can be difficult. 

However, it's more complex than just sending a resume to a company and being done with it. 

Even if they submit an application, attend an interview, and follow up with an email, there is no guarantee of success. 

These steps are appropriate and important, but the main factor is themselves. 

They represent themselves as a final-year student prepared to enter the professional world. 

Speaking of the professional world, they must improve various aspects of their professional skills. 

For instance, developing good manners, creating a solid resume and cover letter, building a professional network, and more. 

5 Important Internship Tips 

1. Do company background check

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Before starting an internship, students need to research the company thoroughly to ensure that it is a safe and supportive environment. 

By knowing the company's history, culture, and reputation, students can gain valuable insights into the organization they are considering. 

Conducting a comprehensive background check allows students to evaluate the company's values, ethics, and commitment to employee welfare, allowing them to make informed decisions about their internship experience. 

Learning more about the company's track record and success can give students confidence in their association with the organization. 

Furthermore, understanding the company's industry standing, financial stability, and growth prospects can help students identify potential opportunities for learning and advancement. 

Doing so, internship students can choose an organization that aligns with their career goals, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding experience that contributes positively to their professional development.

2. Build professional resume

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Creating a professional resume is essential for students as it is a valuable resource to demonstrate their abilities, achievements, and credentials to prospective employers. 

A compelling resume can significantly impact the job market, improving the likelihood of securing internships, part-time positions, or launching a career. 

There are various reasons why students should dedicate time to developing a professional resume: It is all about first impressions.

The first impression is crucial, especially when it comes to applying for a job. 

A resume serves as the initial introduction to the employer. 

Therefore, having a well-crafted resume that showcases the candidate's professionalism and attention to detail is essential, leaving a positive and long-lasting impression.

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Did you know that a solid interview can increase your interview opportunities? 

One of the main criteria for creating a resume is to follow a specific order. 

For example, your resume should include your name, contact number, address, and social media LinkedIn. 

Additionally, include a brief, objective statement specifying the job type you seek. 

For instance, if you are looking for an internship, you should state your main objective. 

Do not make your potential employer guess what you are looking for; it wastes their time.

Alternatively, when creating a resume, it's important to focus on skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. 

For instance, if you're studying English Literature and Linguistics, consider including accomplishments such as contributing to departmental writing content, speaking at events on relevant topics, or serving as a mentor. 

By highlighting these relevant achievements, you can make your resume stand out to potential employers.

All in all, your resume should contain precise information, including your contact details, education, achievements, and extracurricular activities.

Therefore, you must organize your resume using appropriate headings, bullet points, and white space to enhance readability. 

Hence, always proofread what you have written on the resume carefully. 

Eliminate errors and correct spelling and sentence tenses so your potential employer knows how you relate to their company. 

3. Write a cover letter

When applying for an internship, interns must submit a cover letter for several reasons. 

Firstly, a well-crafted cover letter allows interns to express their genuine interest and enthusiasm for the internship. 

It is a chance to demonstrate their motivation for applying to the specific company and role, highlighting their strong sense of purpose and dedication.

A cover letter lets interns showcase relevant skills, experiences, and educational backgrounds that may be absent from their resume alone. 

It provides context and explanations for any career shifts or gaps in their academic journey, increasing their chances of being considered for the internship.

It also serves as a writing sample, showcasing interns' communication and language skills. 

It offers a glimpse into their ability to articulate thoughts concisely, professionally, and persuasively – all crucial qualities in a successful internship candidate.

Moreover, a cover letter allows interns to align their values and aspirations with the company's mission and goals. 

This alignment can resonate with potential employers, demonstrating that the intern genuinely cares about contributing to the organization's success and is not merely seeking any available opportunity.

4. Practice your interview skills 

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When applying for internships, it's essential to have strong interview skills to stand out in a competitive job market. 

To prepare, interns should research the company and role they're applying for to understand their values, culture, and expectations. 

This information will help them tailor their responses and demonstrate genuine interest during the interview. 

Moreover, interns should practice answering common interview questions and prepare anecdotes that showcase their skills and experiences. 

This will boost their confidence and allow them to articulate their strengths clearly and concisely. 

During the interview, it's crucial to maintain good body language, eye contact, and professional etiquette. 

Engaging actively with the interviewer, demonstrating good communication skills, and asking relevant questions will create a positive impression. 

To improve interview skills, interns can seek feedback and conduct mock interviews with mentors, friends, or career advisors. 

This feedback loop will help them fine-tune their responses and polish their techniques effectively. 

Lastly, staying calm under pressure is crucial. Remember, interviews are also an opportunity to learn and grow, even if an offer still needs to be received. 

Embracing a growth mindset and using each interview experience as a chance to improve will enhance overall interview skills in the long run.

5. Follow-up after the interview

Following up after an interview is crucial to leave a positive impression on potential employers and reinforce your interest in the internship opportunity. 

There are several reasons why you should follow up after an interview:

Firstly, expressing gratitude by sending a thank-you email or letter is a polite way to show appreciation to the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. 

It also shows respect for their time and consideration.

Following up allows you to reiterate your interest in the internship position. 

You can show your genuine passion and commitment by demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

Next, following up is a gentle reminder to the interviewer about your candidacy, which can help keep your application fresh in their mind in a competitive hiring process.

Plus, if there were any questions you felt you could have answered better during the interview, following up provides an opportunity to provide more comprehensive responses or clarifications.

It showcases your professionalism and initiative as you demonstrate that you are proactive and genuinely interested in the internship opportunity.

In conclusion, these internship tips are designed to equip you with the tools for a successful and fulfilling internship experience. 

Remember to be proactive, seeking out opportunities to learn and grow. 

Embrace challenges, seek feedback, and continuously hone your skills. 

Professionalism and a positive attitude will set you apart, making a lasting impression on employers. 

Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application, showcasing your passion and alignment with the company's values. 

Lastly, remember to follow up after interviews, expressing gratitude and reinforcing your interest. 

With these tips, you'll embark on an enriching journey toward a promising career.