By Jocelyn Torres-Barbosa

Are you starting your search for a 2024 summer internship? Winter and early Spring are good times to be searching for healthcare and science industry based opportunities. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when you are preparing for your applications! Some things to keep in mind when applying are ensuring you have all your application materials ready, knowing where and how to start your search and keeping yourself organized. 

One way to prepare yourself for your internship search is having all your materials prepared. Having a master resume and cover letter can ensure that you are set up for success. Many companies and organizations require a resume and cover letter before you are further contacted for possible interviews or next steps. Having those materials ready will allow you to be able to edit and tailor them for each specific opportunity. Need help or feedback on your resume and cover letter? Feel free to schedule an appointment with a Career Center Advisor or Student Ambassador on Handshake or come into the office and check out their availability too!

Now that you have your materials prepped and ready to go, knowing where to search is your next step. Utilizing our Handshake Platform to start your internship search is a great place to begin. Instead of looking for specific titles and keywords, try locations first. This can be helpful especially when you may not be too sure on what you may be looking for. Searching for internships by location can help you see what kinds of companies are looking for interns near you. Keep in mind that it is better to search broadly for internships, then you are able to work your way through which ones you are interested in and which ones you are not. 

Another thing to consider is when deadlines are and when the job was posted. Especially if the application may require additional materials. By checking if the job was posted recently, this can ensure that your application will be received and that you may be considered for the position. It also provides you ample time to gather any additional information you may need for the posting. Checking when deadlines are is crucial. Some applications may require you to have letters of recommendation or a reference. You want to provide time for yourself to ask for those letters and for permission to include your references on your applications. 

Lastly, keeping yourself organized is recommended. When you are applying to multiple internships, it can be hard to keep track of which applications are submitted, when deadlines are, or even where you may have to submit your materials. Utilizing documents or spreadsheets can help you track all the information you may need when applying. Check out our handout on how to organize your progress!

Interested in learning more about the internship process, setting goals and exploring options? Join our Designing and Activating your Job and Internship Search Workshop on Thursday, February 22nd, 3:00-4:00 PM. Visit Handshake for more information and to register for the workshop!

Here are some DePaul summer research opportunities: 

DePaul’s College of Science and Health Dean’s Undergraduate Fellowship is a 10-week paid summer research internship program for CSH undergraduate students. They offer research projects at multiple sites throughout the Chicagoland area. Check out the Handshake postings about what sites they offer, the deadline is February 23, 2024. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Need more guidance or support on your internship search? That’s exactly where we come in. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, it’s never too early (or too late) to utilize our services. Book an appointment with Jocelyn, or another member of the advising community through Handshake, or by calling the front desk at (773) 325-7431.