How to land an internship

Scoring an internship in college can be tough. There isn't a one-size-fits-all formula to landing one, and, let's face it: rejection sucks. But whichever field you dream of working in, remember that interning is vital.

How do I know? In seven weeks, I'll be on a plane to New York to intern for my dream magazine. The journey wasn't easy, and it took a lot of hard work, persistence, and, yes, many coffee-runs. Because this will be my third internship, I feel well-equipped to dole out some useful tips I've learned along the way.

Polish up your resume. Have everyone you know review it. A typo or a formatting error is detrimental. Be detailed in your bullet points and avoid using fancy logos and colors. Remember that your resume should represent you - use it to sell yourself.

Reach out. Send emails to family, friends, and coworkers. Mention that you're on the hunt for an internship and would appreciate any suggestions or contacts. Someone is bound to know so and so's hairdresser's aunt and can pass your resume along to a higher-up at that company you'd die to work for.

Keep an open mind. Apply for as many internships as you can. If you only apply to your dream company, you're limiting your options. Plus, interning for a smaller company might be more valuable, since it can be easy to get lost in the shuffle at larger companies, where they can hire as many as 20 interns.

Be patient, but persistent. If you don't hear back in two weeks, don't cut your losses just yet. Employers like aggressiveness, but there's an art to it. Send a polite follow-up email and emphasize that you really want to work at the company and that you hope to hear from them soon. Try once more two weeks later, but after that, move on.

Be professional. If you do get an interview, bring a pen and several copies of your resume. Dress appropriately and familiarize yourself with the company so you don't sit there in silence when they ask why you want to work for them (and they will ask this). Show up early and be friendly to everyone, including the receptionist.

Send a thank-you note. Immediately after the interview, drop a handwritten thank-you note in the mail. This is crucial. It doesn't have to be a fancy one, but make it tasteful. Handwrite neatly and make sure to personalize it.

Breathe. If you get a rejection letter, don't take it personally. Be professional and thank them for considering you. Mention that you're disappointed, but would love to work for them in the future. Maturity goes a long way.

Consider your options. If you receive an offer, don't immediately accept. Take a day to think hard about the position. Are you accepting it because of the name? Will you get more experience elsewhere? Consider other options before making your final decision.

Be a star intern. The difference between a good intern and a great intern boils down to one thing: attitude. Don't act like a diva when you're asked to make copies or fetch mail; your boss will remember if you throw a fit or roll your eyes at menial tasks. Show up early, don't be afraid to ask questions, and, most importantly, be eager and excited to take on anything.