Why am I not good enough? What dont I have that they want? What did I do wrong? Does this mean I am going to work at the mall the rest of my life? What am I going to do if I dont get an internship?

These are questions that a frustrated internship seeker may think when the search goes dry and the outcome looks bleek.

While many students may already have their internship plans locked up for the summer, not everyone does.

This can be frustrating and everyone needs to vent from time to time, but that is not the way to solve the problem and get an internship.

Dont give up. The only way to find one is to keep looking and stay positive.

Its OK to vent to get feelings out, everyone does, but then move on. Thinking that one is not good enough will not help get an internship, so why continue to do it?

Staying positive is the best way to deal with internship frustrations, even when it is hard and giving up looks easier.

Continuing on a path of negativity will only lead to more frustration and possibly lower motivation to finish the search.

Just like a dream job, the dream internship may not be available, but that does not mean there is not an internship out there.

There are a lot of companies looking for hard-working college students to work for little pay.

Luckily many companies are still looking for interns. Yes, the bigger named companies probably had their interns confirmed months ago.

Many smaller companies do not hand out internships until a month or two before summer, right around now.

Working for a smaller company might provide more experience than being a paper pusher at a big named one. So do not rule out a company that is unknown.

Plans for the summer may not be thrilling at the moment, but the experieince will surely be rewarding.

It will probably be benefical in the long run in areas yet to see.

Perhaps it will be helpful in learning what kind of company is desirous, or the realisation of of occupational bliss may be found.

Do not just passively send out resumes. Remember to do follow-ups.

Companies get hundreds of applicants and letting them know you care enough to call might give you an advantage.

Keep the search strong. Use a different way to search, as friends or professors if they have ideas. Try looking in your favorite newspapers and magazines or the Internet.

Consider looking for internships in differnt cities other than home; Think about looking at internship around Elon or Greensboro or living with a friend for the summer.

If the company is local, go and visit, let them know who you are and why you are interested.

Have a friend look over cover letters and resumes to be sure there is not something wrong that might have be looked.

Anything is better than nothing. Do not be as picky or specific.

Dont give up, keep looking and stay positive and something will come up.

Vent when you need to, but remember negativity will not get you the internship.

Hard work and a drive to win will get you the job that you need and deserve.

Copy Edtior: Mary Cunningham - 03/15/07