There’s an internship available for all grade levels at my school related to public government with few roles open. The application asks for work and activity experience, as well as essay responses (like many other programs) and the communicator at our school said you don’t necessarily need experience. However, I see people around me with lots of extracurricular involvement and I was wondering if people have any ideas how else to stand out.
Has anyone had experiences where they aren’t necessarily the most qualified candidate but communicated interest in other ways?
You may have more experience than you think - have you worked with your church / synogaugue youth group or at a food pantry or walked dogs at the shelter? Babysat??
If not, you can at least express your enthusiasm for the role.
Everyone starts wtih a bare cupboard - and so apply with confidence - but you might have more to your background than your realize.
I have done some of these things, the issue is the students I’m competing against can say they have already done internships, job experience, etc. so I want to put my best foot forward in other ways if possible, through essays for example.
Here’s the thing- you be the best you that you can. Everyone starts somewhere.
Show passion and interest, etc. and highlight what you’ve done.
You can’t go through life looking at others.
There will always be those who have done more, at least on paper - but so what.
You go sell yourself. Be the best you - and make them tell you know vs. just slumping and throwing in the towel up front.
Peer comparison is not fair to you or the process.
Everyone starts somewhere - and you will too!!
Good luck.
I’m not sure if this is the best answer, but I would highlight your passion and the things you want to do, the actions you will take with the experience the internship gives you.
For example, I’m the president of a club in my school focused on community, and what I believe differentiated me from the others running was that I spoke about my passion, as well as what I want to accomplish in detail. Not just ChatGPT or Google’s ideas for what should be done as a president, but unique and extensive. That way, the school knows you’re not just trying to beef up your resumé, but that you have a clear vision and passion for what the internship provides, and you thus would be best fitting for it.
Also, highlight your past experience. While it may seem less impressive, it will at least show your commitment.
I hope this helps!
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Thanks for the advice, I’ll try to articulate really why the role matters in a personal context.
Also, what practical advice is there for interviews? I feel like I might cause too many awkward pauses or ask too many questions. I’ve only been through 1 “official” interview for something else so far over the phone and it was not great.
One thing that’s good is the STAR method - or any other method. Basically, it can help you organize your thoughts.
Come up with 3 or 4 situations -
It may be something you did in the youth group - where you took the lead
Or in a friends situation where you overcame a friction or challenge. How did you handle this?
Or how you deal with a bully? How did you handle that?
What are your passions? How would you pursue or learn about these?
Learn do or three scenarios - and you can pivot to answer many questions.
It’s ok to pause. When you answer, you can read back the qeustion.
Tell me about what interests you? What interests me is…
Look them in the eyes. Write 3 or 4 questions down b4 so you can stay focused.
What types of skills will I develop and learn?
What’s a typical day like?
Do you have a mentor to help explain the why we do it vs. just doing tasks?
You’ll be great!!