Tips for a successful internship

An internship abroad is not one for the faint-hearted, it is challenging but ultimately rewarding. It requires you to be open minded, independent and adaptable. The experience gained from your internship can be as varied as the internships themselves .

In order for you to make an impact as an intern, you need to be self motivated, focused, confident and be able to take initiative. When you think you are ready to take the leap, also consider the following tips:

1. Customize your resume for your intended field, highlight your skills and interests that specifically relate to the field you are planing to get an internship in. This may include any prior experience at school or work or specifically related coursework, such as classes.

2. Some internships may require a face to face/ phone or Skype interviews. Practice your interview techniques to assure the employer that you have the skills necessary for the field. A lot of internships require excellent communication skills while dealing with clients, do not be shy about exhibiting these qualities in your interview.

3. Be inquisitive. Do a deeper research about your potential host companies that you are targeting as an intern by going to their websites and doing a web search to familiarize yourself with their presence in the field. Ask specific questions about the company, such as their goals and what kind of responsibilities will you be involved in and see if they match your goals and expectations.

4. Provide your potential employer with examples of how you managed a crisis and emergencies in the past. Most internships involve working on an extremely tight schedule and problems often spontaneously arise. Having this skill will definitely set you apart from other candidates by showing that you are equipped to deal with these situations in a calm and confident manner.

Good luck!