The information you should research can be found on the organization’s website or annual report if the company is publicly traded. Learn the following:

• What products or services do they offer?
• Where do they distribute their products and/or services?
• Who are their primary customers?
• Who are their primary competitors?
• What is their mission? Vision? What do you know about their culture?
• Google the company; look for news updates that might not be on their website.

Research if there are any internships or job opportunities currently being offered by the organization. Specific facts you should learn:

• Review the internship or job description thoroughly
• Know what role this position plays in the hiring manager’s department.
• Apply for the position electronically if possible.
• Determine who will be at the event representing the organization?
  • Try to find and connect with those the individuals via LinkedIn.
  • Learn their names carefully.

• For instance, if this is an Accounting internship and you have just completed a major project in your Audit class, learn how you can “transfer” what you learned in the project to the internship.
• If you have work samples from a previous internship, take them with you.
• If other students have interned there before, contact them for information and input - be resourceful!

Google yourself — what will they learn about you?

• If you are not on LinkedIn, develop a well-written profile and join!
• You will need a professional “headshot,” no “Facebook” style photos.
• Post your resume on your profile.
• Consider updating security settings on your Facebook account so that previous photos posted by friends will not be visible.
• Manage your social media well to avoid any unfavorable images.
• Review this article on LinkedIn Profiles. There are numerous resources to help you build a great profile!

• Have multiple copies of your resumes, suggest 15 – 20 for a large event so that you can distribute to those you meet as appropriate.
• Purchase a portfolio/padfolio to carry the extra copies of your résumé. (approx. $15)
• Prepare and practice your “elevator or personal branding speech” so that you can introduce yourself easily.
• Be cordial and pleasant to everyone you meet.
• Turn off your cell phone! Do not text or answer calls during the interview or event!
• Practice the STAR method
• Develop 5 – 10 questions that you want to ask the interviewer. Review the job description carefully to help you draft your questions. They don’t have to be tough or complex, but it shows you did your homework and want to engage with the interviewer.
  • What have you liked most about working at ____ [insert company name]
  • Will this position allow me to work on projects involving ______ [insert details from job posting/description]
  • What do you think the next 6 – 12 months will bring to the company?
  • What projects have other interns completed successfully in the past

Prepare your outfit;

• Have it ready by being clean and wrinkle free.
• Shoes should be polished and appropriate.
• If the event or interview is at the end of the day and you have class or work, prepare and plan adequate time to change / freshen up before arriving at the event.
• Wear the correct “professional dress” even if the event states that it is business casual. Err on the side of being overdressed, not underdressed.

Get the logistics down!

• Review the invitation and be sure you know where you are going.
• Take a trial run the day before and drive by so you’re sure where it is located.
• Research parking options.
• Arrive 5 – 10 minutes before the event. If you are on time, you are late!

When the event or interview is over, that day, send a well-written and proofed thank you email to your interviewer (s) / individuals that you met at the event.

• If possible, follow-up with a handwritten note.
• Be sure to spell all names correctly—even if you must call and ask the receptionist to help you!
• Use courtesy titles until they indicate you can use first names.