It’s no exaggeration to say that an internship experience can change your life—by allowing you to get your foot in the door with a great company or a desired industry; by helping you hone your skills and broaden your perspective; by allowing you to build a network of connections who can help you ascend the career ladder.

But all of this is contingent on finding the right internship opportunity, one that’s aligned with your interests and your career goals. At Alzea India, we’re passionate about the internship search, and committed to helping our students find opportunities that resonate with their passions.

As you seek your internship opportunity, be aware of some of the common pitfalls that await you. Here are just a few internship search errors that may lead you down the wrong path if you’re not careful.

Common Internship Search Errors

1. Not taking self-inventory. The biggest internship search error of all is failing to pause, reflect, and be honest with yourself about what you’re looking to achieve. A careful self-inventory will help you to make a more informed decision about the internship you ultimately choose.

2. Not building self-confidence. For any internship, you have to compete with other interested parties. To win the day, you’ll need to project some self-confidence. A good way to start is by jotting down some “talking points” for yourself, including any strengths or attributes you bring to the table. Keep these in mind as you interview.

3. Settling for a subpar resume. To maximize your competitive advantage, you’ll want to have a resume that’s fully up to date. One way of looking at it is that your resume shouldn’t be a litany of past experiences; instead, it should be more like a marketing document, telling your story and pitching you to potential bosses.