Frequently Asked Questions about Internships

For Students

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• How can I find an internship?

  • View the list of companies that offer internships in the Nashville area.
  • Visit our job board! This site lists internships with the Nashville Chamber and other opportunities specifically in the Nashville area.
  • Other ways you can jump-start your internship search:
    • Network with family, friends and former employers.
    • Talk with the Career Services Center at your school.
    • Visit Nashville-area job fairs or internship fairs.
    • You can always contact an employer directly to ask if a position is available. This will show great initiative.  

• When should I start looking for an internship?

  You should start looking for an internship in the semester BEFORE you want to intern.

  • Fall semester: If you want to intern in the fall semester, you should start looking as early as January of that year, and no later than July 1. Students need to secure a position before returning to school in August or September.
  • Spring semester: If you want to intern in the spring semester, you should start looking as early as August of the previous year, and no later than October 1. Students need to secure a position before leaving for their holiday break.
  • Summer semester: If you want to intern in the summer, you should start looking as early as January of that year, and no later than March 1. Students need to secure a position before the end of their spring semester.

• How do I write a resume?

  A resume is not only about work experience. It should show your unique qualities, skills and background. It is important to highlight items that demonstrate your value. Most resumes are one page, so be concise. You can provide more details in the interview.
  
  Resumes can include such details as:

  • Experience: Include other internships and part- or full-time employment.
  • Education: List any degrees you have earned. If you are currently enrolled, include your expected date of graduation, major and GPA (especially if it's higher than 3.0).
  • Technical and computer skills: Include basic Windows or Mac programs, in addition to any special computer programs you know.
  • Relevant coursework: For example, an art class may not be beneficial for a bank, but it would be relevant if you are applying for a graphic design internship.
  • Clubs or activities: This will show that you are well-rounded and also give a glimpse into areas that interest you. Be sure to include any leadership positions!
  • Other related accomplishments: Recognition, awards, etc.

  Provide prospective employers with multiple ways of getting in contact with you. Some may prefer to email information to you, while others may set up a phone interview. You also want to ensure that your email address and voicemail greeting are professional.
  
  Use the Internet or word-processing programs to find a template to help you create your resume. This is an easy way to get a professional look.

• Should I quit applying for internships after I have an interview lined up?

  No. You should not slow down or end your search because you have an interview scheduled. Often, companies will interview more than one candidate; therefore, being invited to interview does not mean you have secured the position. In fact, we recommend that you contact other companies soon after scheduling an interview because your confidence level will be high.

For Employers

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• What are the areas my company should consider when evaluating if we are ready to bring on an intern?

  • Budgeting
  • Tools and work environment
  • Who is going to supervise the intern
  • Goals and projects

• When should I start looking for an intern?

  • Fall semester: Internship description should be posted no later than July 1. Students need to secure a position before returning to school in August. Deadline for receiving applications should be on or before August 1. Internship begins September 1.
  • Spring semester: Internship description should be posted no later than October 1. Deadline for receiving applications should be on or before November 15. Students need to secure a position before leaving for their holiday break. Internship begins around the second week of January.
  • Summer semester: Internship description should be posted no later than February 1. Deadline for receiving applications should be on or before March 15. Internship begins by June 1.
  • International students: Companies that employ international students may consider a different timeline. These students may be available during holidays or breaks to interview when other students are away from campus, and the company may have additional time.
  • Special short-term assignments: Occasionally, night and weekend students are available to fill a short-term need.

• How do I advertise my internship?

  • InternNashville - Make sure your company's name and web site are listed on InternNashville. This comprehensive list of companies that offer internships is searched by students in all types of career fields, and best of all -- it is free to you!
  • Chamber job board - Post your internship for free on our online job board. Thousands of students and job seekers use this site every month looking for opportunities specifically in the Nashville area.

• I know of an employer that offers internships, but is not listed on this web site. How can I get their information added?

  Fill out our InternNashville employer form with their company name and web site.

• How can I provide additional training or coaching for my interns?

  Many companies in the Nashville area provide targeted training for college students and entry-level workers. This training can be essential to helping interns make a smooth transition into the workplace. Click here to access a list of these companies.

For Educational Institutions

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• How can I help my students find an internship?

  • InternNashville - Click here to view the list of companies that offer internships in the Nashville area.
  • Chamber job board - Hundreds of companies post on this site every month with opportunities specifically in the Nashville area.
  • Encourage your students to:
    • Network with family, friends and former employers.
    • Talk with the Career Services Center at your school.
    • Visit Nashville-area job fairs or internship fairs.
    • Contact employers directly to show initiative.

• How can I promote a job fair or internship fair that my school is hosting?

  E-mail the details to Rebecca Leslie at least one month prior to the event. Your event may be promoted in the Chamber's HR Notes e-newsletter, on our online job board and to individual companies or job seekers who call the Chamber for assistance.

• I know of an employer that offers internships, but is not listed on this web site. How can I get their information added?

  Fill out our InternNashville Employer form with their company name and web site.

• Where can I direct my students for resume-writing tips?

  A resume is not only about work experience. It should show your unique qualities, skills and background. It is important to highlight items that demonstrate your value. Most resumes are one page, so be concise. You can provide more details in the interview.
  
  Resumes can include such details as:

  • Experience: Include other internships and part- or full-time employment.
  • Education: List any degrees you have earned. If you are currently enrolled, include your expected date of graduation, major and GPA (especially if it's higher than 3.0).
  • Technical and computer skills: Include basic Windows or Mac programs, in addition to any special computer programs you know.
  • Relevant coursework: For example, an art class may not be beneficial for a bank, but it would be relevant if you are applying for a graphic design internship.
  • Clubs or activities: This will show that you are well-rounded and also give a glimpse into areas that interest you. Be sure to include any leadership positions!
  • Other related accomplishments: Recognition, awards, etc.

  Provide prospective employers with multiple ways of getting in contact with you. Some may prefer to email information to you, while others may set up a phone interview. You also want to ensure that your email address and voicemail greeting are professional.
  
  Use the Internet or word-processing programs to find a template to help you create your resume. This is an easy way to get a professional look.