When students hear that we get nearly 200 applications a year, we’re often asked how they can stand out and increase the chances of moving on to an interview. While there isn’t a magical formula, you will have greater chances if you:
Follow directions.
We have directions on the website and the application. Read them! They are there to help you navigate the application, documents you’ll need to gather, and questions you’ll need to answer. We want you to be successful and this is the fastest and easiest road to success.
This also applies to qualifications (we have them for a reason and can’t make exceptions). If you don’t meet the qualifications or don’t provide all the information we need, we won’t review your application. Save yourself some prep time by reading everything carefully before you start the application.
Ask for help and use all the resources available to you.
Did you know that we have a Canvas site with resources on preparing your application? Pay special attention to these and then ask us if you don’t understand something.
We don’t review resumes and cover letters for applicants; you should seek assistance from your school career office or the Office of Student Employment. It’s their job to help you with these documents and, as a bonus, you’ll get a head start on getting to know the campus services and staff who can help you for the rest of your time here.
Read all the project descriptions, you never know when you’ll find a hidden gem.
There is a search bar for the descriptions but we encourage you to read as many of them as possible. You might overlook a great mentor or project if you narrow your focus too much, like on a major or specific pre-professional area.
You have up to four options on the application. Take advantage of that to really explore areas you’re curious about. And be sure to tell us specifically why you chose those particular projects!
Take your time thinking about the short answer questions.
We are often asked how long the responses need to be. More words does not necessarily equal a better answer, but don’t be so brief that you don’t tell us much about yourself and your goals. The application reviewers are looking for information about who you are and what you want, in specifics. Make connections back to the projects and mentors you chose. Career staff can help review these responses too.
LHSI is for exploration. Tell us how you will use the internship to gain skills you’ll need or narrow down career options. It’s normal for interns to leave the year on a different path than they started. The key is to know how you’ll use the internship to make decisions and what other things you’ll be doing outside of the internship to explore and learn.
Submit well before the deadline.
What’s early? Noon the day of the deadline isn’t early, that’s for sure. Many students have the application ready and then wait until the last minute because they might want to change their minds. We encourage you to submit as soon as you’re ready.
Technical issues can occur. Submitting early gives you time just in case something happens. The application automatically closes at the deadline and we won’t extend it for any reason.
Our deadline is always during the week before spring break, which is also exam time for a lot of students. Don’t get caught in the rush of competing responsibilities! Submit the application early, pat yourself on the back, and go enjoy break while our Advisory Team reviews applications.
Applicants who have done these things have a much greater rate of acceptance to LHSI and these are good habits to get into for ANY job search. Make yourself stand out among the hundreds of applications!
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