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Searching for Internships
Websites to Search for Internships
Government Websites:
County and State Government:
| Arlington County | City of Alexandria |
| Fairfax County | Montgomery County |
| Loudon County | District of Columbia |
| Virginia - Statewide |
As for IT companies, the positions are always changing. Usually you will find an “Employment” or “Jobs” section on most IT company websites, so checking the sites frequently is a good idea.
Tips on Searching for a Co-Op or Internship
- Plan six to eight months in advance of when you would like to begin an internship. As you research all internship opportunities write down their hiring and application deadlines on a calendar. For example, if you want to begin an internship in the fall semester, you should start searching for a position in January or February.
- Simultaneously use multiple sources when searching for internships, i.e., local and area newspapers, websites, etc.
- Maintain an organized record of all of your searches, applications submitted and communications with employers. Create a table like the one below and update it for every search you conduct and every job for which you submit a resume and cover letter.
| Date Search Was Conducted | Website Consulted | Keyword Used | Positions Found |
| 6/11/08 | http://www.monster.com | Web design |
- Keep copies of all cover letters, resumes, applications and references that were sent to each employer. Create a chart of all the positions for which you applied:
| Date Position Was Posted | Company Name and Address | Title of Position | Source of Listing (newspaper, website, etc.) | Date Cover Letter Was Mailed |
- Use the search terms "part-time jobs" and "internship" as many companies do not have a formal internship program.
- Determine what descriptor each website uses for your particular professional field. For example, does the site use the phrase "information systems technology" or information technology." Try using all descriptors on each search engine and then note in your records which sites use particular descriptors.
- Follow up with employers to see if they have any other available positions.
- Remember the more applications you file, the more likely you will be able to locate an internship.
- Check various U.S. Government websites as well. A lot of government organizations will offer internships (for example, the Dept. of Commerce or Dept. of Education, etc.) - keep in mind though that most U.S. Government internships will require U.S. citizenship.