How to Get the Best Internships This Holiday

Holiday season is here again, and those ‘efikos’ in your class are already posting “I am happy to start my summer internship at...” on LinkedIn and you’re wondering how that is even possible, being that the holiday just started. Now all your plans have been ruined because you were ready to sleep away the entire holiday or probably catch up on Netflix, but now you have to think of your life and wallow in nothing but excess food and God when!

Even if you wanted to act serious, and you actually DM those guys, they’ll probably tell you it’s too late to get good internships because by now everywhere would be occupied. But if you ask me, I’ll probably tell you the same thing (Lol! E shock you abi?), because this is a safe space, and I won’t have caught lying to you (I can never do such a thing!). Most top tier internships around this period are usually filled up because students gun for those positions from the beginning of the year, or even the previous year, especially when it’s international. 

“So why am I wasting your time?”, you’ll ask me. What if I told you there’s still something for you? There are still so many internship opportunities for you this holiday period. There are virtual internships, there are even on site internships that are as eye catchy, dare I say. There are volunteer roles and so many of that good stuff, that’ll make your CV look attractive. You’re just going about it the wrong way. 

So, without further ado, here's how to get the best internships this holiday:

1. Upgrade your CV:

On your CV, the first thing the HR sees is “course rep since 100 level”, because you put it in bold? You’re not ready! You’ll package yourself very well. Keep it clean, concise, and tailored towards the tole you’re applying for.

2. Make LinkedIn your best friend: 

Ask around, LinkedIn suddenly becomes more interesting than Tiktok when you’re lokking for internships. Most opportunities are on LinkedIn so, make it your padi. Make your LinkedIn look too attractive (in a professional way o, don’t go and be putting unnecessary emojis there) for the employers to ignore.

3. Network with your blood, sweat and tears:

The way you’ll be begging Davido in his DM to reply you, transfer that energy to this side. Talk to alumni, senior colleagues and professionals. Join webinars. A simple and polite LinkedIn DM can sometimes do what your CGPA can’t. Send those DMs. Nobody can beat you. The least and worst are that you’ll get ignored. 

4. Apply smartly:

Don’t just be sending your CV everywhere like a WhatsApp BC. Tailor your applications. You can’t be looking for internships in Maritime law and be sending your CV to KPMG. How now? Show the company why you’re interested in them, and why they should pick you.

5. See beyond pay:

What you’re doing now is damage control, so you can’t afford to be picky. That there’s no salary or allowance should not be grounds enough for you to reject any internship.

6. Apply annoyingly:

Sometimes, the HR might get tired of seeing your mails every workday (even on Fridays when you know they won’t check), and actually reply you positively. So, send those mails. Apply to as many companies as you feel like. Literally shoot your shot and be “annoying” while at it.

At the end of the day, an internship is more than a line on your CV. It’s a chance to learn, experiment, and position yourself for opportunities after school.  Because let me be honest with you, NYSC year is not when you suddenly want to start figuring things out!