So, you want to do an internship….

Eileen KraemerFeb. 1, 2005

Outline Why do an internship? Finding an internship The application process The interview process

Why do an internship Earn money Obtain valuable experience Make contacts that may lead to

future full-time employment Fun

Finding an internship Deadlines

January – March, usually 2/15 or 3/15 Apply widely … Web Search NSF REU, NIH, HHMI, NASA Other companies and government

agencies

NSF - REU National Science Foundation, Research

Experiences for undergraduates. To search for a program: http://

www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm Programs in Alaska, Florida, California, Idaho, & more Supercomputing, Robotics, Computer Vision, Human Technology

Interaction, & more Some at UGA in biology, physics, etc. -- CS students

are welcome to apply Don’t limit yourself strictly to CS programs Some have deadlines this month (2/28) !!!

Other good resources AT&T Bell Labs:

http://www.research.att.com/academic/#SIP

ACM listing of internship opportunities: http://info.acm.org/crossroads/resources/internships.html

Massive listing of many internship possibilities, plus links to other databases and listings

Professional Scientific Organizations: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/sbrowne/sistahs/final/organizations.shtml

Government Lab Internships: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/sbrowne/sistahs/links/government.html

Google it!

The application process Typically, fill out an application, often online Some may require resume, transcript, etc. Often require letter of recommendation

find faculty or employers willing to write a letter supply them with “ammunition” for letter –

resume, bulleted list of info about yourself you’d like to see in a letter

Start now

Interview? Not always required Some use phone interview Some may have in-person

interview

If you do have an interview …. Appearance Before the interview Day of interview During Common mistakes Questions to ask After the interview

Appearance… Make sure clothes are clean,

pressed, etc. Well groomed Conservative dress

Before the interview… Research the company

You may be asked to talk about the company in the interview. Be prepared.

Know about the position. Read the job requirements very carefully.

Find out the location of the interview, Don’t be Late!!

Decide how you will dress and make sure clothes are in proper condition

Practice Questions and Answers to improve your skills.

REST!!

Day of Interview Eat before you leave home. An empty

stomach or too full stomach is not advisable.

Don’t get distracted or too excited. Arrive early Say hello to everyone (guard,

receptionist, secretary, etc). Bring any certificates or records you

think the interviewer may want to see. Bring extra copies of your resume,

reference letter or list.

During the Interview Be yourself and smile. Be confident (or feign confidence)

Warm smile, firm handshake, eye contact, and good posture all counts

Speak clearly and avoid “uh”, “you know”, and slang…

Do not argue or try to prove the interviewer is wrong.

Avoid answering with “yes” or “no”, elaborate and answer to the point.

Stress accomplishments. Do not bore the interviewer with unnecessary details.

Don’t bring up bad experiences or weaknesses voluntarily. If asked, answer truthfully but briefly.

Mistakes Candidates Make… Bad appearance or presentation. Poor expression of thoughts, including incorrect grammar. Not sure about job position or not prepared for the

interview. No confidence or lack or interest. “I know everything” or “better than you” attitude. Immature or non-courteous, overaggressive or

overbearing. Poor attitude. Failing to listen Inconsistency in answers Arriving late. Too concerned about salary and benefits. Speaking negatively about previous employer or others.

Questions to Ask… Never say you have nothing to ask!!!

May think you are not interested or doesn’t care Ask Questions to show that you did some research

about the company Ask about the position, and what is expected from

the candidate, etc… If there is one interviewer, ask about his/her

position and show genuine interest about what is said.

Ask questions to show your interest in the company DO NOT talk about salary or benefits, unless they

start.

After the interview Thank the interviewers. Shake their hands

individually and thank each interviewer by name. Show confidence and interest, no matter how the

interview goes. Once you leave, write down all the questions and

your answers for future reference. Write down your experience, including all the

good points and the bad points for future reference. Write all the information you may need in case they call you for a second interview.

Send a thank you note to the interview.