Internship Checklist

Notification

Discover the Complete Sacred Heart University Experience

Come see firsthand how SHU seamlessly combines excellent academics, comprehensive career prep, vibrant student life and cutting-edge facilities. Register today for our Open House on 10/19!

Register Today!

1. Confirm your basics – contact your career counselor for guidance

  • Identify your skills, strengths, interests and values.
  • Identify the skills you need to develop for your career objectives (i.e, writing, developing, researching, analyzing, communicating, problem solving, calculating).
  • Determine internships which will contribute to this skill development.
  • Create or update your resume. Focus on impact & influence!
  • Ensure your social media profile(s) are appropriate for employer viewing

2. Register with Handshake and prepare your tools

  • Upload your resume AFTER Career Counselor approval, understand how to write a cover letter, confirm at least 3 references (for full-time applications)
  • Search job postings for internships that might be a fit.
  • Take note of announcements: employers visiting for information sessions, on-campus recruitment, and employer spotlights.
  • Review Handshake for a list of organizations that have a relationship with SHU.

3. Expand your search

  • Identify your top organizations and develop a system to track your contacts and interactions.
  • Identify SHU alumni, friends, family, and social contacts who might be able to give you advice or connect you to someone affiliated with your target list of organizations.
  • Request information interviews – meetings over the phone or in person where you can ask for advice or suggestions regarding your internship search. Always follow-up with a thank you note and promise to keep them posted on the progress of your search.

4. Utilize the Internet

  • LinkedIn: Find at least 50 connections. Establish contacts, search for SHU alum, follow your top employers and apply to internships.
  • Glassdoor: Find internship postings, salary information, company reviews.
  • Search other websites to find opportunities: com, Indeed, WayUp, Youtern, Idealist, The Muse, Simply Hired, CareerBuilder, NACElink Network Jobs, TeamWorkOnline.
    • Make sure when applying through these sites, you are ALSO applying through “Careers” tab on the company website

5. Prepare for Interviews and Interactions

  • Develop a 30 to 60 second speech for short encounters with employers.
  • Conduct research on the company and the type of internship opportunities.
  • Develop a list of insightful questions for the interviewer.
  • Contact a career coach for mock interviews, help preparing for an interview, or help in evaluating your internship search process.