I’m sure you’ve heard this many times, but getting an internship is essential to college and career success. Internships are a great tool to show potential employers that your head wasn’t just buried in books for four years. Getting hands on experience in your field will show you can apply your skills outside of a standardized test. In my college career, I will have had two internships. In the summer of 2010, I interned for MasterCard Worldwide, the heart of commerce. This was an informative peak into the corporate world.

Currently, I have an internship at Connex Credit Union based out of North Haven, CT. With Connex, I am the Vice President of Unbanking. I represent Connex in the community, run their social media initiatives, and promote the benefits of credit unions over banks. I sit in marketing team meetings and help brainstorm events and plans. I communicate the message of “Unbanking” through Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and blogging. So far the most rewarding part of the job has been getting to know people in the community at Connex events.

I have learned a lot from my previous and current internship about the application process, how to interview well, and how to thrive in your position. I want to share with you what I believe the secrets to landing your dream internship are.

Be Professional – It is important to be professional from the start. The first thing you should be aware of is your resume. Even if you don’t have much to put on it, be professional and honest. I’ve seen some of the most unprofessional e-mails be submitted on job applications and resumes. Potential employers will see a ridiculous e-mail and not even look at the rest of your resume. Dressing appropriately is also important. I’ve actually seen people go to interviews in jeans!

Be Passionate – When looking for potential internships make sure you’re passionate about the position and the place. In the end, you want to have an engaging experience that was exciting and educational. If you are just applying for the sake of applying, what are you going to get out of the internship? Companies hire interns to ultimately better the young workforce. If you’re not getting anything out of the internship, they aren’t either. If you have passion, it will be noticed in your interview and you will have that much more of a better chance.

Be Informed – Being knowledgeable of the company and the industry they are in before you go in for an interview is crucial. I was told by a MasterCard executive that the best thing you can do before an interview is read the company’s 10-K or Annual Report. When I interviewed for Connex I spent time learning the basic differences between credit unions and banks. I also looked into all the social media platforms they were on and what they have been up to. I was told that Connex was impressed with how much I already knew about the financial industry and how well I could speak to it.

Be Committed – Whether you’re applying for an internship or you already have one, it is important to be committed and remain committed. I drove two hours every morning to get to MasterCard and I will never forget the rush hour drive home. But I loved every second of it, because I knew I was learning so much. Even now I work in the mornings at Connex, go to class, and then work my night job. The out of class marketing experience is worth the effort ten times over!

Be Social – Network, network, network! Get to know your manager, supervisor, and co-workers. Getting to know who everyone is and being friendly with them will create a good work environment for you and them. You never know who you’re going to run into and what you can possibly learn from them. You never know when someone might be your lifelong career mentor. It is also important to have a connection with people who can write you references.

These are the lessons I find most valuable about internships. I have shared them with you and hope you can utilize them to aid you in your career! If you want to learn more about what I’m currently doing at Connex Credit Union, you can check out the websites below.

www.unbanknow.org/unbankvp

www.facebook.com/unbankvp