Landing an internship while you are an undergraduate is a pivotal step to your career journey, not only does it enhance your employability by exposing you to the work world, but it gives you a chance to apply and build your skills in a real-world setting.
For African undergraduates, the process might present unique challenges given the low number of work-based learning opportunities that are available. To increase your chances of finding that opportunity, here are some strategies you can consider;
1. Start Early
Timing is everything, begin your internship search early enough. Starting early not only gives you ample time to research potential opportunities but also allows you to build your resume as you get these opportunities.
Why start early?
- Competition: Many students start looking for internships or work-based learning towards the end of their higher education or right until their first time at NYSC, so there are many people you will be competing with if you wait till this time too. By starting early, you get the opportunity to try out what work is like and get an earlier start on your career journey.
For example, say you started internships in your 200 level, and you get to your 400 level or NYSC, you would have had a headstart on what the world of work looks like and what an employer is looking for, also, your resume would most likely be considered first for an internship or even a full-time position in a company where other applicants have zero experience. In the world of work, experience matters and in most cases, wages are based on experience.
- Preparation time: Starting early affords you the luxury of time to research opportunities properly, it allows you to refine your applications, polish your resume, and prepare for interviews without feeling pressured or anxious. This is so because you have tried over time, you will have reference points when preparing for potential opportunities in your later years in school and even after school.
- More Opportunities: Students who start their internship search and application process early are more likely to find a larger variety of opportunities, giving them a choice to build their professional experience in the field they desire. On the other hand, when you start internships early, you open yourself up to being a potential full-time staff for the position you are interning for, or for other empty positions in the organization. Most companies would first consider existing staff for a position before advertising that position.
2. Build Your Skill Set:
Become a person of value and always strive to enhance your skill set. In a competitive job market, having a diverse skill set can set you apart from other candidates. Identify the skills that are in demand within your desired industry and actively work to develop them. This could involve taking relevant courses, participating in workshops, or engaging in volunteer work.
Additionally, consider soft skills such as communication, collaboration and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers, don’t forget to improve the hard skills (technical abilities) too. The more versatile your skills, the more attractive you become to potential internship providers.
3. Tailor Your Application Materials
Personalization is key when applying for internships, a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Take the time to customize your resume and cover letter for each position and organization you are applying for. Highlight specific experiences and skills that align with the job requirements, and use keywords from the internship description to demonstrate that you are fit for the role.
A tailored application not only shows employers that you have put thought into your application and are genuinely interested in the position but also makes it easier for recruiters to see how you can contribute to their team. A tailored resume will always stand out.
If you are an undergraduate reading this and would love to start immediately, The SESEWA Undergraduate Fellowship Program is offering you the opportunity to practicalize the above tips, luckily the fellowship application is still open, so you should Register Here, for more information on the Fellowship See Here.
For our audience who are not undergraduates, you can share this amazing opportunity with undergraduates you know and encourage them to apply, as this would mean you are helping them kick-start their careers.
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