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Embarking on an internship journey in the U.S. is an exciting adventure, but finding an internship that is the right fit for you can be challenging. At InterExchange, we understand the complexities of the search process. To inspire and guide you, we’ve gathered insights from four current Career Training USA interns who successfully navigated their internship searches.
Networking: The Key to Hidden Opportunities
Julia – Intern in South Carolina
Julia, a student from Ghana studying Smart and Resilient Cities, found her internship through networking. Her experience highlights the importance of reaching out to peers and thinking beyond traditional job postings.
“I applied to a lot of companies, but I heard that internships might not always be advertised on company websites. So I knew it’s important to speak to other people like my classmates. My classmates and I share information to help each other, and I told them I was looking for an internship in urban planning. Luckily, one of my classmates had previously done an internship at a government agency in the U.S. So, she let me know about the opportunity to intern at the agency. I was very interested because I want to see how government agencies manage projects rather than private companies, which may have smaller budgets or more limitations for projects than government agencies. And since my classmate had done an internship there, I was able to directly ask her about what the internship was like. I felt reassured that the internship would be a good fit for me because I heard from my classmate that she had a great time and that the internship was very hands-on.”
“I knew it’s important to speak to other people like my classmates. We share information to help each other.”
Persistence: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Matias Alfredo – Intern in New York
Chilean intern, Matias Alfredo, found an internship that combined his architecture studies with his love of art. With perseverance and a positive attitude, he found an internship at a company in New York that focuses on landscape architecture!
“In February I took a month to prepare my portfolio. Next, I googled for companies and started sending out applications to companies every week in March. When I contacted a company in Massachusetts they gave me some advice. They suggested checking the American Society of Landscape Architects website because that website has a list of companies in each state that are in the field of landscape architecture. So, I visited that website and saw a list of all the companies available. From that list I stumbled upon my host company. I looked them up and watched interviews of the director, which helped me learn more about the company and make sure their interests are a good fit with my own. For example, I really like how their focus is on their relationship to the art world and how they allow art to influence their practice. So, next I emailed the company to ask if they have any openings. I thought to myself there’s nothing to lose because the worst thing they can say is “no”. Fortunately, they replied back and we talked further. Then, I had an interview and they made an offer. I’m really looking forward to interning there because their appreciation for the art world is exciting to me because I studied at an artistic institute in Vienna and I want to keep involving art in my work in the future.”
“I emailed the company to ask if they have any openings. I thought to myself there’s nothing to lose because the worst thing they can say is ‘no’.”
Preparation: Your Best Friend for a Successful Interview
Jamie – Intern in New York
Irish intern, Jamie, is studying business and law. He put in the effort to learn all he could about potential host organizations and he found an internship at a nonprofit in New York that specializes in immigration law and civil rights advocacy!
“A family friend put me in contact with a woman in New York who is in the law field. She helped me spruce up my resume and put me in contact with some law firms. I did background research on each law firm before getting in contact with them. I thought that my host company stood out because they are active in the Irish community and they advocate for human rights, civil law reform, and educating people. I really like how their work is meaningful and for a good cause. And when I interviewed with them they told me they had a clear plan and structure for the internship, which made me feel like it would be a valuable opportunity.”
“I did background research on each law firm before getting in contact with them… when I interviewed with them they told me they had a clear plan and structure for the internship, which made me feel like it would be a valuable opportunity.”
Resourcefulness: Using All the Tools Available to You
Jules – Intern in New York
French business and finance student, Jules, utilized a variety of websites in his internship search. Ultimately, he found an internship with the Financial Planning & Analysis department of an advertising agency in New York!
“There are lots of websites to look for internships. I found my internship on the website JobTeaser. I think JobTeaser is very useful for students searching for internships because the platform offers internships in a variety of fields. So you can look for the field that you want and you’ll have a lot of choices to find an internship. I also recommend using LinkedIn because it’s a platform where you can easily contact people directly to help network and find opportunities. I like the internship I found because interning at the Financial Planning & Analysis department at an advertising agency will give me the chance to learn about communication and marketing in addition to finance.”
“There are lots of websites to look for internships. I found my internship on the website JobTeaser… I also recommend using LinkedIn because it’s a platform where you can easily contact people directly to help network and find opportunities.”
Creating Your Own Path to Success
As these Career Training USA participants’ stories show, there’s no single path to finding your ideal internship. Each journey is unique, but your approach should be intentional and well-planned. As you embark on your own internship search adventure, keep these key strategies in mind:
- Research Thoroughly: Dive deep into potential host companies to ensure they align with your interests and can offer valuable learning experiences.
- Leverage Your Network: Don’t hesitate to reach out to classmates, teachers, friends, and family. Your next opportunity might be just one conversation away.
- Craft Your Story: Tailor your resume and cover letter to showcase your unique skills and passion. Remember, your application is your chance to shine!
Ready to start your own internship search journey? Explore our resources below to guide you through each step of the process. And remember, the Career Training USA team is here to support you as you pursue your J-1 intern visa and embark on this life-changing experience.
- Searching for Internships in the USA
- Creating Successful Resumes and Cover Letters
- The Ultimate Guide to Interviews
- The Benefits of Finding Your Own Internship
Your perfect internship is out there waiting for you. Take the first step today and open the door to a world of possibilities!
Already found your U.S. internship? Sign up today for J-1 Visa sponsorship with Career Training USA.
