University Career Services
Northwestern University
Internship Search Timeline Research your industry and its recruitment trends in order to maximize the opportunities available to you. Below is a general internship search timeline designed to help you organize and conduct an effective internship search. September/October Register with Northwestern’s CareerCat and iNet. Sign-up for the InternshipInfo Listserv. Create or edit your resume. Attend walk-in hours for a quick review from UCS. Schedule an appointment with a UCS Career Counselor to define your goals and determine the focus for your internship search. Attend the Fall Campus Recruiting Expo. Participate in workshops that cover topics, such as resumes, cover letters, interviewing, etc. Research potential internship fields and employers. Attend company information sessions as part of your exploration process. November/December Meet with an Internship Specialist to critique your resume & cover letter, and to plan your internship search. Develop a list of potential employers you would like to consider pursuing. Frequently search CareerCat/iNet for opportunities. Arrange informational interviews with people in fields that interest you. Attend the InPursuit Internship Conference. Apply to Internships in Asian Countries because many have November deadlines for summer internships. Winter Break Contact organizations to inquire about summer employment opportunities. Network and inform contacts of your internship search plans. Identify potential internship sites and submit application materials
January/February Review CareerCat and iNet for new internship postings. Prepare and attend campus career fairs. Expand the list of potential employers you previously created. Apply for internships and/or contact desired employers that may be willing to create an internship opportunity for you. Attend an information session and apply for NEXT Externship Program to network with NU alumni. February/March Submit additional resumes and cover letters Follow-up with organizations where you have applied. Participate in NEXT Externship Program. Meet with an Internship Specialist to discuss your internship search progress. If planning to apply for an unpaid internship, attend a SIGP information session. April/May Continue checking CareerCat and iNet for internship postings. Send out additional resumes and cover letters if you have not yet secured an internship. Evaluate your internship offer(s) and select the best option for you. Confirm your starting date and other details in writing. Determine living/transportation arrangements – especially if your internship is outside of your hometown. Set goals and discuss mutual expectations with your internship supervisor.
Major Events—Internship InPursuit
Summer Fest
Mock Interview Programs
SIGP
InPursuit is an afternoon conference in Fall Quarter dedicated to preparing you for a successful internship search. Learn how to discover career options that interest you, how to find internships and ways to market yourself.
Designed to help students answer the question, “What are you doing this summer?” by providing information tables and presentations on summer programs, internships, and research as well as providing resume reviews and advice.
In order to prepare for upcoming internship related interviews UCS offers two mock interview events in the Winter Quarter. Registration is required.
The Summer Internship Grant Program (SIGP) provides NU undergrads a $2500 stipend to support internships that are typically unpaid. An application, due in April, is required for consideration.
University Career Services Main Location: 620 Lincoln Street Career Lab: Main Library, Core Reserves, 2nd Flr Phone: 847-491-3700 www.northwestern.edu/careers
Facebook: facebook.com/northwesternUCS Twitter:twitter.com/northwesternUCS LinkedIn: linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=1926036 Blog: northwesternuniversitycareerservices.wordpress.com