The first step in getting an internship is deciding what kind of internship you are looking for. Are you looking for an internship dealing with medicine, law or business? Do you prefer a paid internship or a non-paid internship? How many hours do you plan to work? These are just a few of the questions you should be asking before you start your search.

Now comes the hard part: finding an internship. Four of the most common methods are to search the web for possible internships, call businesses that you are interested in interning at, ask family, friends or teachers about possible openings they may know of or take a visit to the College Career Center (CCC)/Work Experience Office (WEO) here at Gunn.

If you plan on searching the internet for internships, be prepared for disappointment. Some internships may be found online, but internships found through the internet are generally for college students.

Calling up places you’re interested in may prove fruitful, but chances are you’ll be disappointed. Companies and universities often require a certain degree of education beyond the high school level. They might not even have internship openings available. However, a representative will most likely refer you to the department you are looking for and a member of the faculty or a staff member may create an opening for you after further examination of your résumé.

Asking friends, family and teachers is a better way of looking for internships than searching the internet or calling up companies and universities directly. The people around you generally have closer relationships with companies and are more willing to argue on your behalf to help you get hired.

The best way to find an internship, however, is to take a visit to the CCC/WEO. The first stop would be the CCC to check the entries in the internship binder compiled by Information Specialist Leighton Lang.

If you do not find a suitable internship in the binder, Exploratory/Work Experience teacher Meri Gyves, who has established connections and opportunities with companies, organizations and universities is the next best person to talk to. She’ll be able to sift through a list of recommended internships in your field of interest and establish contact with the organization for you. In addition, Lang and Gyves will help you to establish a résumé to send to the organization.

Internships are a great asset to have on your college application, so taking advantage of your summer vacation is crucial. When searching for one, make sure to use the aforementioned methods to find your desired opportunity.