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Applying
When applying to specific organizations, please defer to any special instructions or processes that the organization has outlined. If the company does not have a specific internship program or does not indicate special instructions either on their Web site, internship posting, or other correspondence, then follow these steps.
- Research the organization
Read books about the field: the company's, its competitors', clients', and partners' Web sites or any publications or reports distributed or produced by the company. Interview anyone that you know who works in the field. The W Network is a great resource for connecting to alumnae in the field.
- Identify Company Contacts
Based on your research and knowledge of your own skills and interests, determine which area of the organization would best suit your skills, interests, and goals. Consider the size of the company, its departments, and areas that are most likely capable of managing an intern.
Internship and job seekers' first instincts are to contact the human resources department of the organization for which they are interested in working. This impulse is good. However, if you only contact the human resources department, your resume might end up in a large pile and not in the hands of your potential supervisor. This is especially true for large organizations.
Therefore, we highly recommend that you identify and send your information to an employee in the department of your interest.
If you are having difficulty identifying a recipient, any counselor at the CWS would be happy to assist you either via appointment or drop-in hours.
**CAUTION** If the firm specifically directs internship candidates to send employment materials only to Human Resources (or another department), follow their procedure.
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Your resume can include schools, courses, volunteer endeavors, jobs, internships, study abroad programs, leadership positions, awards/honors, exhibitions, presentations, lectures, travel, certifications, skills, languages, etc.
A one-page resume is recommended (see resume section). If you need to shorten your resume, be sure to include those experiences that are most closely matched to your interests and the position. Consider deleting older positions and/or the types of positions which you do not want to pursue further.
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Based on the person(s) to whom you will address your application materials, draft a cover letter keeping that person in mind. Be sure to highlight areas of the company and departments that most interest you. Mention how your course work, other employment experiences, extracurricular activities, or other internships qualify you for the position. Additionally, highlight any projects that they have completed or are currently working on that are of particular relevance to you and how you might contribute to them.
- Counselor Review
Have a CWS counselor review your resume and cover letter either during drop-in hours or by scheduling an individual appointment. Be sure to bring two copies of your resume, cover letter, and job description.
- Transcript
Many organizations will ask that you submit a transcript. An official transcript needs to be requested from the Registrar's Office in advance and requires a small fee. An unofficial transcript can be printed from your Web account or cut and pasted into a Word document and sent electronically (be sure to include your name).
- Writing Sample
Many organizations require writing samples. When selecting a writing sample from a course, chose an assignment on which you received a good grade and received substantial feedback from the professor should they ask to see the teacher's comments. Additionally, select a piece of writing that is pertinent to the company's field and/or reveals something about your character.
- Essay
Some applications contain essay questions. Respond in a concise and poignant manner, revealing your personality and strengths. Additionally, mention experiences that exemplify your theoretical insights to the questions.
- Letters of Reference
Academic and/or previous employment references are often required. Be sure to clarify whether the organization would like a written letter or the contact information for people willing to speak on your behalf. Be sure to properly identify and ask your recommenders for their services, provide any documentation about the position you are seeking, and promptly notify them of your progress. See Guidelines for Requesting Letters of Reference for more information.
- Letters of Credit
If an organization to which you are applying or have been accepted for an internship requires a letter from the college stating that you are receiving college credit for your work, please email Tere Ramos [tramos@wellesley.edu] in the Center for Work and Service. While Wellesley College does not award credit for internships, the CWS is able to issue a letter explaining the college's policy that typically satisfies the credit letter request.
- Send Materials
Title all application materials sent electronically with your NameResume.doc, your NameCoverLetter.doc, your NameTranscript.doc, etc. Attach these materials to the email and either cut and paste your cover letter in the body of the email and instruct the recipient to view the attached documents for the X internship position. As a follow-up, or if the organization requests hard copies of your application materials, print your resume and cover letter on bond paper and send them in matching envelopes.
- Follow-Up
If you have no predetermined date of notification and have received no response within two weeks of sending in your material, calling or emailing the organization to confirm receipt of your materials is appropriate.
- Interview
Some employers require interviews. A member of the company will notify you if you are selected for an interview. Click here for interview tips and preparation guidelines.
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Write letters of appreciation to your interviewers, referees, professors, alumnae, and anyone else who assisted you in your internship search and application process.
- Acceptance
When you accept an offer, be sure to mention how grateful you are for the opportunity and that you are willing and excited to do any preliminary work before you arrive. Additionally, sending a letter of acceptance is a sincere and responsible gesture. The letter is an opportune time to elaborate on projects on which you are looking forward to work, and goals and skills that you hope to fulfill and acquire. It is also a great way to establish communication with your direct supervisor.
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