My summer internship search process has been both exciting and exhausting. Over winter break, I contemplated various options for the summer after my first year at Scripps. I considered becoming a counselor for summer travel programs or working at home. After looking on Handshake, I was amazed by the number and variety of attractive internships I could apply for.

By visiting my older sister the past two summers during her internships in New York, I knew I wanted to live in New York for the summer. I love the dynamic environment of the city and am fascinated by how there always seems to be something exciting happening. I also knew that I wanted to target an internship in marketing or social media strategy. I felt qualified for several positions in this field, based on my extracurricular and work experience at Scripps and in high school. While I had no idea if I would actually get an internship offer in New York, I thought it would be worth a try.

I applied to about 20 internships on Handshake and Scouted, an internship search website, and got invited for a first-round interview with five companies. I was shocked to receive multiple offers. Ultimately, I chose to accept the offer an innovative and personalized startup in Manhattan that is using social media and analytics to disrupt the real estate industry. Based on my experience, here is my advice for my fellow college students seeking a summer internship:

Keep Your Options Open

Using Handshake, it is amazingly easy to apply for internships. Some only require a resume. I recommend applying to any and all internships you feel qualified for. It is great practice and you never know who might be intrigued by your resume!

Be Persistent, Not Annoying (there is a fine line between the two)

After not hearing back from several internships on Handshake, I sent a follow-up email to the recruiter listed on Handshake. The brief email demonstrated my interest in the internship and also provided the recruiter with my resume. Through sending these emails, I was offered an interview at one of the startups that I had applied to. It is important not to barrage the recruiters with emails if they do not respond. Instead, gauge whether the recruiter is interested in your resume and follow-up accordingly.

Be Prepared for Interviews

Interviews provide an opportunity for you to show your interest in and qualifications for an internship. I recommend preparing for interviews by writing down some reasons why you are interested in the position, why you are qualified, examples of your qualifications, and some questions for the recruiter. Having these answers written out will help you to feel calm and articulate your answers clearly in the interview. Additionally, including questions for the recruiter will demonstrate that you have done your research on the position and are truly interested in working with the company.

Through the internship search process, I have learned a lot about what positions I am qualified for and what companies truly interest me. Although it can take a lot of time to find the perfect internship, I promise it is an extremely rewarding process as well.