With so many internships available for MBA students, you might not know where to start. You probably enrolled in the program because you wanted to increase your chances of finding a good job and because you have an interest in the business world. Completing an internship during your program helps you make contacts and network with people who might help you find a job later. Looking at the different types of internships available and how to apply for those positions can help you choose a program that teaches you more about a specific area of business.

Types of Internships

Nearly every type of business in the world offers at least one internship. You can find programs working for marketing firms, consulting firms, retail businesses and finance companies. Most interns work as gophers. They do administrative tasks around the office, including faxing documents, filing information and answering phones. Competition for those open positions is fierce, especially at the corporate level. The earlier that you apply for internships available for MBA students, the better your chance are of finding one.

Summer vs. School Year

Undergraduate internships often take place during the summer months, which give students the chance to take a break from their studies. At the graduate level, you’ll find internships that take place in the summer and internships that take place in the middle of the year. You can work for a company for as little as two weeks or as long as one year. Always check with your MBA adviser about internships. Some programs will give you course credit when you do an internship that lasts for one semester or longer.

Applying for an Internship

When it comes time to apply for an internship, you need to follow the posted rules carefully. If you forget to include a copy of your resume or forget to include any other information, your application can go from the top of the list to the bottom of the pile. As there is a lot of competition for these internships, you need to show why the company should choose you. You might include information about the courses you took and the jobs you had in the past, or you might point out your high grade point average and any extracurricular activities you do. Some internship programs also require that you send in at least one letter of recommendation from a past employer or professor. In an article for Business Week, Francesca Di Meglio recommends that you tailor your resume and cover letter and explain why you are the best fit for each internship.

Interviewing for Internships

The top internships available for MBA students involve an interview segment. After reading the applications the company receives, the human resources department will decide which of those applicants deserves an interview. Your interview gives you the chance to shine. Dress in a business casual manner or in the same clothing that you would wear to a job interview, bring a copy of your resume and show your professional side. Do some research before you go, and make sure that you know more about the company and can ask a few questions at the end of your interview.

Related Resource: Executive MBA

Internships make networking easy. You can meet dozens of different people, gain experience in the business world and make contacts that you can use for years. When you tailor your resume and ace your interview, you can easily land one of the various internships available for MBA students.