By Rachel Tyler SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
It’s that time of year again - application season. While we are two weeks into October, now is the best time to start applying for spring internships. The earlier you start, the more likely you are to land that dream job. Applying for internships can be an overwhelming experience. Applications are stressful. You are applying to everything you find related to your major. You are checking your inbox constantly to find out if you’ve received any answers. You feel left behind when it is taking longer to hear back and your friends already have their internship already lined up. Trust me, we have all been there. A big part of application season is managing stress and anxiety. The easiest way to do so is to stay organized.
Create a Spreadsheet
Some might apply to every company when it comes to looking for internships. While this may be a smart decision, it can also be confusing to remember every internship you’ve applied for. To prevent this from happening, create a spreadsheet to organize all the necessary paperwork (cover letter, resume, portfolio), the date you applied and the date you heard back. Creating a spreadsheet creates an easy visual in which to see your applications.
Set up Notifications
There is no need to constantly check your inbox to look for replies. This can cause anxiety, not to mention can kill your phone’s battery. Set up notifications for the internships you have applied for. Your phone will let you know when you have an email and you won’t need to check constantly.
Speak with your Advisors
Applying for internships can be a tedious process. Check in with your advisor and keep them updated. They are here to help you. If you have heard back from a company, your advisor can help you decide if this internship is right for you, and you should take your adviser’s advice into consideration. Your adviser also has a huge list of contacts. If you are struggling to find an internship, they always have a list of employers looking for applicants. Don’t be afraid to seek out their help.
Applying for internships can be stressful, so minimize the stress by staying organized. Keep on top of your applications and don’t worry about hearing back. The process is never fun, but if you stick with it you will find a ton of great opportunities to explore your field. There is a perfect internship out there for all of us. We just have to find it.