When beginning your internship search in college, it’s easy to feel like you’re given thousands of options yet none at all. But with competition for jobs so high, having experience in your chosen field directly out of college is essential in landing that first job. In fact, for many college students, completing an internship is a graduation requirement. But what happens if your school’s department or career center doesn’t provide adequate resources to guide a beginner’s internship search?
Unfortunately, this does happen. So if 
you’re feeling lost in your internship search and your university’s resources are limited, here are five great ways to start from scratch:
1. Connect with your department’s professors and advisors.
When beginning your first internship search, it’s important to remember that your professors and advisors are still knowledgeable contacts. Just because your school doesn’t have the traditional resources you might find helpful doesn’t mean no one there can help you. Ask your professors, who likely have industry experience, where to get started. They might know someone in your field you can connect with to discuss opportunities or networking.
2. Attend career fairs.
Career fairs are a great way to get your foot in the door, even if there isn’t an internship available. Your university’s career center will likely hold a few career fairs each year. Be sure to look at an employer list prior to attending so you can map you who you’d like to target. Bring copies of your resume and a notepad because you’re going to meet a lot of businesses and organizations.
3. Network with university alumni in your area.
Your university’s alumni community is a melting pot of potential contacts and opportunities. And more often than not, alumni are willing to help current students like you. Reach out to the alumni chapter in your area to see if anyone knows of openings or internships in your field. If not, they will likely be able to connect you with someone who knows more.
4. Approach businesses in your area one-on-one.
Do you already have an employer in mind for your first internship? Then give them a call or stop by their office! Don’t hesitate to inquire about internships or summer jobs. If you choose to touch base with employers one-on-one, don’t forget to follow up with them to arrange an informational meeting or interview.
5. Scour the web.
The Internet is a great way to find internships. If an employer isn’t posting their internships on job boards, there are also plenty of resources you can use to find opportunities. Try Internships.com, Indeed.com, or Idealist.org to get started.
Searching for your first internship is overwhelming, especially with limited resources. But the payoff in the end is worth it. In 2007, 67 percent of interns were offered full-time positions and 35 percent of employers’ entry-level hires came from their internship programs. So start looking for that opportunity, even if it is unpaid!
What’s the best resource to aid your internship search?
