SIGP Internship Search
Students planning to apply for SIGP should get a head start on their internship search. SIGP recipients are responsible for applying for and securing their own internship. NCA is here to help. Use the resources below to get started.
Guidelines for Beginning the Internship Search
- Think about your goals for pursuing an internship. This can help you narrow down the search and make it less overwhelming. Some sample goals might be:
- To experience a new industry or job function
- To gain a specific skill or set of skills
- To move back home for the summer to gain experience
- To “try out” job roles to determine potential interest for the future
- To gain a foothold into a certain industry
- Start EARLY: be aware of general industry timelines (PDF) and set filters on Handshake to receive the most recent listings. Do NOT wait until the internship application deadline to apply.
- Be persistent and consistent:
- Use multiple methods of finding internships (e.g. networking, listings, direct application)
- Reserve time each day/week to engage in the process (even if it’s only 15 minutes a day)
- Set daily/weekly goals for yourself (e.g. I will apply to at least 5 internships per week)
Starting the Search
Follow the NCA Internship Search Roadmap (PDF) and the NCA Career Guide (PDF) to make your search more manageable. The roadmap will give you an overview of the steps typically involved in finding an internship.
Internship Search Resources
- Handshake is a great place to start: Use best practice for handshake. If you are a McCormick student, also make sure to use McCormick Connect
- Use the SIGP collection in Handshake to find internships (Collection coming soon)
- NCA Industries page: Use the “Resources” section of each industry page to find industry-specific internship resources
Networking
The purpose of networking is to help you connect with professionals in your field to build relationships and to get information about careers, industries, and opportunities. In the SIGP process, you are using networking to source possible opportunities.
Networking Resources
- NCA Networking page (a “how-to” guide)
- LinkedIn (start with Northwestern alumni page and look for specific companies/organizations)
- Our Northwestern (try contacting alumni here in addition to reaching alumni via LinkedIn: Our Northwestern allows you to email alumni directly)
- Northwestern Network Mentorship Program
Direct Application
You can also apply directly to companies and organizations. Typically, you will find internship information under the “careers” section of a website. You may want to send an email to a company letting them know that you have applied for and/or been awarded SIGP. This may help to persuade companies and organizations to consider you more closely for an internship.
Application Materials
You will need a resume and possibly a cover letter to apply for an internship. Use VMock for an initial resume review. VMock is an AI resume review tool that is available 24/7. You can also use NCA Walk-in hours for application reviews or make an appointment through Handshake.
Sample Emails to Send to Potential Employers
Sample Email 1: (Prospect Email)
My name is __________ and I am a junior at Northwestern University studying communications and integrated marketing. I recently came across your company when researching marketing firms in New York, and I was impressed by __________________ or excited to see ___________________. I am looking for a summer internship/opportunity and was wondering if you have any positions? I would love to bring my marketing experience and/or (name a few other qualities here) to XYZ company. Additionally, I thought it might be helpful to share that I’ve been awarded $3500 in grant money from Northwestern to do an unpaid internship and just have to have it secured by May 20. I would be happy to provide you with my resume if you’d like (OR attached is my resume for your reference).
Sample Email 2: (Directly Applying to a Posting)
I am very excited to submit my application for ___________ summer internship. I thought it might be helpful to share that I’ve been awarded $3500 in grant money from Northwestern University to do an unpaid internship and just need to have it secured by May 20. I would love the opportunity to interview for a summer internship with _______, and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sample Email 3: (After Applying to Posting)
I’m following up to inform you of a development in my financial situation, as well as to reiterate my interest in a summer internship opportunity. I've recently been awarded $3500 in grant money from Northwestern to do an unpaid internship, but the caveat for accepting the money is that I need to have it secured by May 20. I would love the opportunity to interview for a summer internship with _______. (Optional: I’m attaching a revised version of my resume as well.)