Table of Contents
Introduction
First international internships are an important stepping stone to a successful international career. It provides students and new graduates a chance to work in a professional environment, acquire hands-on skills and knowledge, gain exposure to other cultures, and learn the use of organizations in an international setting.
But for students who have never applied for an abroad internship, it can be challenging to find an internship abroad. The great news is that it doesn’t have to be a long work experience or the highest grades in college. Regardless, if you are looking for the right opportunity, with a good application, thorough research and a little effort, you should be able to increase your odds.
This guide covers the process of identifying and applying for your first international internship—including CV preparation, interviewing and preparation for travel.
1. Be an Intern of a Type!
You should determine what kind of internship is right for you before looking for internships.
International internships can be pursued in a variety of areas including:
– Marketing
– Digital marketing
– Business
– Finance
– Technology
– Engineering
– Education
– Research
– Media
– International relations
– Nonprofit organizations
– Hospitality
– Environmental studies
Consider what you want to learn and what sort of work you would enjoy.
If you know what you want to do, you will have an easier time discovering opportunities rather than applying for internships you’re not interested in.
2. Start Searching Early
A common mistake that students commit is procrastination.
The deadline for international internships can be several months prior to the internship. There are even some competitive programs with countless applications.
Do research at least 3-6 months ahead of time if possible.
Make an easy spreadsheet with the following:
– Organization name
– Internship title
– Country
– Deadline
– Eligibility requirements
– Application link
– Required documents
– Application status
This makes it a lot simpler to manage several applications.
3. Do a reliable website search.
There are a number of ways to find international internships.
Look at:
– University career portals
– Official company websites
– International organizations
– Research institutes
– NGO websites
– Government programs
– Scholarship organizations
– Professional networking platforms
– Internship databases
Before providing personal information or paying registration fees, always check an opportunity by the organization’s official website.
Beware of programs that guarantee employment, visa, or extremely high salaries for advance payments.
4. Create an International-Style CV
A CV is likely to be the first thing an employer will look at.
Be clear, professional and easy to read. If you have limited experience a one page CV will usually be sufficient for most internships.
Include:
– Full name
– Contact information
– Education
– Relevant skills
– Work experience
– Volunteer experience
– Projects
– Certifications
– Languages
– Relevant achievements
Avoid listing duties. Demonstrate your results.
For instance, rather than write:
“Social media accounts managed.
You could write:
Developed and planned social media posts to boost engagement and brand communication.
Be sure to employ strong verbs like:
– Created
– Managed
– Analyzed
– Organized
– Developed
– Researched
– Coordinated
– Designed
5.Practice creating a Strong Cover Letter.
Cover letter or motivation letter is required for some international internships.
Your letter should tell three important things:
Why this organization?
Demonstrate research of the organization and understanding of the work.
Why this internship?
Describe how the job fits with your education and objectives.
Why you?
Emphasize what you have to offer that is relevant, what you have done, and your enthusiasm.
Don’t bite the bullet and send the same standard cover letter to every organization. Tailor your application to make it more convincing.
Develop related skills prior to application.
It is not a requirement to be an expert, but it helps to have skills that are of practical use will enhance your application.
For instance, in the field of marketing students could learn:
– SEO
– Social media management
– Google Analytics
– Content writing
– Email marketing
– Basic graphic design
Students who are interested in research can develop:
– Academic research
– Data analysis
– Academic writing
– Referencing
– Presentation skills
You can create evidence of your abilities through your online courses, university projects, volunteer work, or personal projects.
6. Create a Portfolio
Writing, marketing, design, media and technology internships can be really helpful with a portfolio.
You can have some of the following in your portfolio:
– Articles you’ve written
– Marketing campaigns
– Social media designs
– Research projects
– Presentations
– Graphic designs
– Websites
– Video projects
If you are not yet professionally employed, then make your own sample projects.
For instance, a marketing student might design a marketing campaign for a made-up company and describe the rationale behind it.
7. Use the database for your references.
A LinkedIn profile that is ready for the pros can help land you work overseas.
Have a professional profile picture and write a clear headline about your field and interests.
The following elements should be included in your profile:
– Education
– Skills
– Certifications
– Projects
– Volunteer experience
– Work experience
Report on relevant successes and post about projects you’re on occasionally.
It is also possible to get in touch with professionals in organizations in which you would like to intern.
8. Apply Strategically
Avoid sending hundreds of applications if you don’t get better at doing it.
Rather, focus on opportunities that fit the majority of the requirements.
Before applying, check:
– Academic requirements
– Language requirements
– Age restrictions
– Nationality requirements
– Internship dates
– Location
– Visa requirements
– Funding arrangements
Record all applications to follow up accordingly.
Prepare for International Internship Interviews
In case your application is deemed, you may be contacted for an online interview.
Common questions include:
– Tell us about yourself.
What is the reason for your internship?
Why did you consider us your choice?
– What are your weaknesses?
What abilities do you have to bring to the table?
– Share with us about a challenge you’ve experienced.
– What do you hope to learn?
– What is the reason for wanting international experience?
Make answers but do not memorise them verbatim.
Speak naturally and provide concrete examples related to your studies, projects, volunteering, and/or past work.
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