A good internship program can have outstanding benefits. Those accepted into such programs can learn a great deal and may be presented with a number of beneficial opportunities. For this reason, if you are planning to apply for the most reputable internship programs, you should do your research and apply early. Expect a lot of competition. Also, increase your chances of making the best decision by using your school's careers office and comparing the internship position to your goals.
The internship program you're considering may reward you with experience, college credit, or money. It's best to find a program that provides all of these benefits. If you are enrolled in a program with the goal of using it as an alternative to certain curricular requirements, be sure to verify that the employer and the position being offered are acceptable before you begin work.
Choose an internship program that places you as close as possible to the path you plan to follow. For example, a laboratory may offer an internship to anyone who specializes in chemistry or forensic science. However, both fields can be broad and the position offered may not directly involve the branches of these sciences that applicants wish to study. If you have time and options, try to avoid taking an internship for the sake of it.
Always ask for and accept offers for internship programs sponsored by potential employers. If one internship program offers a stipend and another does not, but you plan to apply for a permanent position that does not offer a stipend, show a preference for that program. Don't let petty factors sway your decision when long-term benefits are at stake.
Former interns can be a great resource to help you determine which programs may benefit you the most and which ones you should probably avoid. Not all internship programs are right for everyone, just as no single employer is right for all workers. Therefore, you should consider what other people say, but you should not base your decision entirely on this information.
Another good source of help in choosing the best internship program is your school. In general, there is a job or career office that helps students with situations like this. It can provide you with more options than you knew were available. You may also have agreements that allow your students to have preference over other applicants.