For many students, the internship interview process is an exciting but stressful time. Here's some advice on how to get ready and feel good about how you handled this critical phase of your training:
1. Adjust your attitude
It's true there is an internship shortage, and APAGS continues to work diligently to ameliorate it (Visit the digital edition of this column to see our statement, internship resources and our video on the internship crisis). While the internship hunt can be daunting, keep in mind that a negative attitude won't help you. We all need to vent, but don't let a negative attitude drag you down and influence how you are viewed during interviews. Be optimistic — or at least realistic — throughout the process.
2. Prepare
Whether you have secured one interview or 10, prepare early. First, know yourself as an applicant. Read over your essays and CV so you can easily discuss your research, training and other accomplishments. At this stage of the game, sites are often confident you have the ability to succeed at their site, but they want to get a sense of you as a colleague. So during your interview, talk about your unique skills, talents and abilities — good interpersonal skills will go far. Also, know each site. Read every brochure and brush up on specific training opportunities they offer that fit well with your training needs and goals. A good match is a site that can benefit from the skills and experiences you have while also offering training you need. I've heard training directors say they did not rank someone highly because they felt they could not offer the individual much. Also, it can't be said enough: Dress professionally. If you are even slightly unsure of your outfit, do a dry run for a trusted mentor or supervisor. Anticipate fashion "emergencies" and pack accordingly. (See "Personal Extra from Internship Hunters: Packing 101" for a video on packing tips.) And don't forget to practice. You may think you have interviewing in the bag, but I found the pressure of internship interviews to be a new level of stress. Take advantage of any opportunity to practice in front of strangers and get feedback about your style.
3. Save where you can
Interviewing can quickly become expensive on a student budget. When booking flights, consider forgoing non-stop options or think about driving or taking the bus. Stay with friends or friends of friends. If you do have to book a hotel, stay at one with free breakfast, an airport shuttle and other amenities. Always ask about any discount options. The APA member discounts program includes hotels and car rental companies. Also, pack food, since eating on the road can add up.
4. Take care of yourself
It is more important than ever to take care of yourself. Find time to de-stress, relax and do whatever helps you feel your best. Eat well, sleep and exercise. If you don't, it may be visible to others and impede your performance. Moreover, you could get sick, which is not fun during interviews.
Also, be sure to seek support from your peers and family.
5. Let it go
I found the post-interview wait to be anxiety-provoking. For me, it was helpful to focus on the fact that I had done everything I could. Remember, the Zeigarnik effect suggests we tend to focus more on unfinished or difficult tasks than on completed or easier ones. So, odds are you will be prone to focus on what went wrong instead of all the things you did right during interviews. Spend your post-interview time focusing on your training and doing things you may have let slip, such as spending time with friends or family, hobbies or exercise.
If you don't match, mourn, seek support and move forward. Easier said than done, of course, but find advice from others who have been there at these APAGS sites: "After the Match Results: Planning for your Future" and "Didn't match? Move on."
For more on internships, see "What should you do if you don’t match?."