According to Cari Sommer, the co-founder of the newly revamped site Urban Interns, a great way to get in the door to a prestigious or competitive career is via a winter internship. Here are some tips Cari shared for snagging one:
Seek out the busiest of companies. Larger companies might be slowing down for the holidays, but for startups and smaller businesses, this can be the busiest time of the year. Boutique retailers need tons of help with inventory and sales. Startups might be working on bookkeeping, strategic plans, and research. When it comes to the end of year and winter time, there are many advantages to “thinking small.”
Don’t wait for the position to be created – make helpful suggestions. Many growing companies have so much on their plate that they can’t even think about hiring. Show that you’ve got great ideas, are excited about working for a company, and can add value during your winter break—all of which will increase the odds you’ll be met with a big YES to your offer to intern.
Don’t think about it as short term. You may be thinking of your new opportunity as solely for the winter, but help a busy entrepreneur out in this crazy time, and you might find yourself in a longer term arrangement in the new year. With the increasingly common practice of virtual internships, a winter gig can be the perfect place to start an ongoing position.
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