BU Student, Sierra Cazassa
What is your greatest piece of advice for international students on how to get an internship? What are some steps students can start to take to find internships?
A great place to start looking for internships is by reflecting on your career goals and interests, and researching local organizations that align with that. I wanted to learn more about the resettlement process for refugees, so I applied to a few organizations that worked specifically with immigrants and refugees.
My greatest piece of advice for getting an internship is start looking as early as you can, and not to limit yourself! Internships are competitive, and it’s never too early to start exploring your options for the future. I would encourage you to also be open to different types of organizations and internships because every experience will teach you something. Learning that you don’t like something is just as valuable as learning what you do like! It’s important to open your mind to different kinds of opportunities and roles where you can build on your skills and challenge yourself to something different.
What resources at BU or elsewhere did you use to help with your internship(s) search?
In terms of searching for internships, BU Handshake and Linkedin were huge resources for me. Employers can post open positions right there, so it’s a great way to have a list of the opportunities available and an easy way to connect with the employer. If there’s a specific organization or company you’re interested in working with, it can also be beneficial to reach out to the organization directly and see if they have any positions available or any other ways for you to become involved.
Once I had a few potential internships in mind, I set up meetings with BU’s Career Development Center to go over my resume, review my cover letters, and talk about potential internship placements and how they aligned with my career interests and goals. Finally, after getting my internship, I applied for an awesome program at BU called the Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program, which provides a living stipend for students doing unpaid internships at nonprofit organizations. After receiving the award, I was assigned a mentor from the CDC who was there for me throughout my entire internship which was a huge help. I would definitely recommend exploring this program, as well as BU’s resources through Handshake and the Career Development Center during the internship process. Everyone is happy to support you!
What is your biggest takeaway from your internship experience(s) that you would like to share with international students?
My biggest takeaway and my advice is to be present in your internship. It’s true that internships are good for your resume, but you should be pursuing a path that makes you feel genuinely excited. Having a clear passion for the work you’re doing and the mission of the organization is going to set you apart from other applications while you’re competing for the position, and it also means that your time at that organization will be much more enjoyable. Also, employers notice when you’re giving your best! I found an organization that I was really passionate about, and it showed. I felt excited to give my best on every task I had no matter how small it was, to take opportunities for leadership, and to work hard to develop relationships with other staff members, interns, and clients at my organization. When the semester ended, the organization offered me a full-time paid position! You never know who’s watching your hard work and effort, and you never know what kind of doors this internship could open in your future. My biggest advice: push yourself to follow your passions, try your best, and make meaningful connections with others!
