More and more companies and employers are looking for job candidates with at least one internship experience on their resume. Internships often make the difference between landing your dream job and continuing to job hunt.

In addition to being a game changer in launching your career, internships provide real life work experience that can help to clarify your passions and career aspirations and refine your work related skills.

As internships are increasing in popularity, so is the competition for many internship programs. Much like applying for any job, taking the time to perfect your internship application and make yourself stand out will be worth the effort when it comes to landing your internship position.

Here are a few tips for creating a stand out internship application!

1. Do Your Research

Before sending your internship application or scheduling an interview, do some research on the company. Learn about the company’s history, their mission and goals. Any information you are able to bring up in an interview shows that you care enough to do some research and know what you are talking about.

2. Create A POWER PACKED Resume
When drafting your resume, the words you use to describe your experience are just as important as the experience itself. Describe your related experience using power words such as delivered, achieved, and impacted. Check out this list of action verbs to boost your resume.

3. Write An Engaging Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your chance to show off your passion and make a meaningful connection. Write a letter that clearly describes why you are excited for this opportunity and why you believe that you are the best candidate for the position. Do you have any personal experiences with this organization or similar organizations? Use the cover letter to give more detail about what sets you apart from other applicants.

4. Use Your Networking Connections
Employers are more likely to select applicants that come highly endorsed from someone they know. Think about your personal connections…chances are, you know somebody who knows somebody. Ask them to put in a good word for you. With their permission, be sure to mention their name in your application or interview.

5. Collect Quality Reference Letters
Once again, the endorsement of qualified professionals can make you stand out from the crowd. When applying for a competitive internship, it’s a good idea to have 3-4 letters of recommendation from other employers or college professors.

6. Practice Interview
Interviews can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done one. Before your official interview, take some time to prepare. It’s a good idea to prepare answers to common interview questions. If you are a student, reach out to your counselor or career center about setting up mock interview. Practice interviews are a great way to release your nerves and get some good feedback before the official interview.

7. Send A Thank You Card
After attending an interview, write and send a card to your interviewer thanking them for taking the time to consider you for the internship position. This is an excellent way to keep your name in front of their eyes and to show that you are the kind of considerate person they would probably enjoy having as a part of their program.

It’s not easy to land competitive internship spots. These positions are reserved for the individuals who are a cut above the rest. As you prepare to apply for your next internship, consider the tips listed above to make your application stand out from the crowd.

Participating in an internship program is a common practice among college students and recent grads. Many students take their summer breaks to work in an internship abroad. Others take entire semesters to learn the ins and outs of different companies and industries.

Adding an internship to your resume is an excellent way to stand out from the crowd when it comes time to apply for jobs.

There are internships available in every industry, from business and marketing to teaching or photography. It’s important to consider your options when choosing an internship program.

The ideal internship is one that fits well into your personal and academic life, and aligns with your career goals. Here are 6 things you should consider when choosing an internship program.

1. A Schedule That Fits Your Life

Every internship program has different requirements regarding the time spent working in the program and when you can begin. Some programs require a commitment of 12 weeks or a year. Others have flexible time frames, allowing you to spend anywhere from a few weeks to a few months working in their program.

It’s also important to research when the program is scheduled to begin. Some programs have predetermined start dates. Others allow you to begin whenever is convenient for you.If you are in school or working another job, you’ll want to double check the time requirements and make sure your ideal internship fits with your schedule.

2. Alignment With Your Career Goals
One of the greatest benefits of taking an internship is the impact it can have on your career trajectory. Internships often make the difference in receiving the job offer you are looking for.

In choosing your next internship, think about your long term goals. The programs you apply for should correlate with your career goals. For example, if you are hoping to work in marketing, look for internships within the marketing departments of larger companies. If your goal is to become a doctor, medical internships are a great addition to a med school application.

3. Mentorship Opportunities
As you prepare for your career, having a quality long term mentor is an invaluable resource. A good mentor can teach you new skills, provide you with critical advice, and can serve as an important networking connection as you progress in your career.

As you consider different internships programs, look for opportunities that include mentorship programs. You won’t regret the time you spend working with a career mentor.

4. A Passion Project

Your time is valuable. If you are choosing to spend your time working an internship, it should be something you are excited and passionate about.

As you consider internship programs, look for opportunities to do something in a field you are passionate about. Ask yourself, “Would I be excited to wake up every morning and go to work?” As with anything, you will learn more and be more effective as an intern when you are passionate about the work you are doing.

5. The Chance To Learn New Skills

The purpose of an internship is to learn and refine your skills. It’s a waste of your time and company resources to take an internship doing something you already know how to do.

Instead, look for opportunities that stretch you. Find a program that gives you opportunities to practice or learn skills that you haven’t already mastered. In an ideal internship experience, you’ll come away knowing more than you did when you began.

6. Cost V. Compensation

 Each internship is structured differently when it comes to cost v. compensation. Some programs will require you to pay for your own transportation to and from work. If your program is an international internship, you may also have to find and pay for housing.

Other programs will cover your transportation costs. They may also provide meal vouchers and other benefits. Some programs even pay their interns a salary.

Before choosing an internship, evaluate your current financial position. Can you afford an internship that costs you money? Do you need to be compensated financially? Choose an internship that aligns with your current financial situation.

Internships are incredible experiences for personal growth and career advancement, but not all internships are created equally. As you consider the countless internship opportunities available in your field, consider the 6 things above to ensure you are finding the ideal internship for you!