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Landing an internship in which coffee-making isn't top priority these days is like finding a parking spot at the mall around Christmas time -- you have to be quick to spot the openings and sharp enough to beat your competition.

However, landing an amazing job placement isn't as easy as parking your car. You can't just drive around for any spot; you want the space closest to the door. So, in order to get as close to your internship destination -- one in which you'll get the ideal experience in your field of choice with an impressive company -- you have to have a gameplan. Especially since you're not the only one on the hunt.

About the Game
Whether an internship is required or not, most students are sleuthing after them earlier than ever before. Which means, you should probably start searching six to 12 months ahead of time if you're going to be ahead of your opponents. But is that soon enough? According to Vault, Inc., a leading media company focused on careers, 60 percent of students started their internship hunts this early. Their survey also reveals only eight percent are waiting until the last minute.

Are you going to be a procrastinator when it comes to your internship search? Or, will you be a proactive early bird?

Put off your apps, and you're probably doomed to work at The Gap for yet another summer. Be ahead of the game, and you may land one of the most exciting opportunities of your scholastic career.

Need some help during your internship chase? Read on for the gameplan.

Designate a Target
For Catherine Brescia, a sophomore at the University of Scranton (Scranton, PA), her intended target was the media industry. So when she landed an opportunity with the television show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, as a production intern, she was psyched. "In order to master your craft, you have to have a hands-on experience," she explains. "Having worked there definitely gives me an edge. This may ensure that I will get a [good] job after graduation."

Catherine advises students to hone in on their career aspirations and apply for internships that pertain. "It's the best way to get the connections that would be helpful to you in what you want to do," she says.

Use Your Resources
Samer Hamadeh, Vault co-founder, says to utilize your resources. "There are a number of [tools] for students to use -- exhaust them all," he explains. "Ask family and friends for connections. The [main] way people find these great internships is by referrals -- this will get your foot in the door."

You can also combat your foes and score points in the internship game by taking advantage of published sources like The Vault Guide to Top Internships (Vault Inc., 2004). This handbook covers everything internship-related, from top-notch companies to the types of internships they offer. This guide also points out some lowdown information like how many interns certain big-name employers accept, the pay and length of internships up for grabs, the responsibilities that the jobs entail, and application deadlines.

Helping ensure your chances further, the guide also provides some application and résumé tips so your search doesn't end up a "game over" before you can even get your foot in the door for an interview.

Strategize
Once you've chosen a target industry and a handful of companies with internship opportunities, it's time to shine on paper. There are a few things to keep in mind:

Instructions: These are meant to be followed. Make sure you hand in what is required of applicants -- nothing more, nothing less.
Cover Letter: Present a persuasive case about your desire to work with a particular company. Do your research, be specific, and explain why the opportunity is right for you.
Résumé: Check for spelling errors, and make sure everything's up-to-date like your contact information and references. You should also have more than one version of your résumé highlighting different strengths (depending on the internship you're applying for). "Make sure to include something to connect you with the [particular] internship you're seeking," says Hamadeh. "Spruce it up!"
Deadlines: Don't wait until the last minute. Sending your application a few months before the deadline is key. As a matter of fact, Vault says some organizations might just take the first qualified applicant.
Follow Up: Hamadeh also advises to send a thank you note to the companies you interviewed with. "An e-mail within 24 hours of the interview would probably work best," he says. "By doing this, it shows you're really interested; you'll really stand out."

We can't ensure you'll land the best internship just by playing by these rules. After all, there are lots of challengers vying for the same spots. But putting in a great effort may bring you steps closer to the door than those who dilly-dallied down the internship parking lot.


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Ysolt Usigan is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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