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The end of spring break means summer is right around the corner! As you make plans for how and where to spend those upcoming summer months, why not consider putting yourself one step ahead of the competition and apply for an internship?

Interning boosts your resume and makes you stand out from the crowd because employers look for extracurricular activities on top of your degree. Working at an internship will also help you develop the skills employers look for, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, making you a strong candidate for today’s competitive job market.

Don’t know where to begin your internship search? Check out the following tips on ways to find a summer internship:

1. Online

Check out internship specific websites, like chegg.com, internmatch.com and internqueen.com. You can also visit your community’s website (through the chamber of commerce) for local internships and trade association sites and job search sites for opportunities that relate your major.

2. Your school’s career center

Career centers often have lists of available internships in the community. Get to know the staff; be friendly and enthusiastic and you’ll find them very helpful.

3. Your academic department

Professors may know of internships specific to your major or degree that may be perfect for you.

4. The local government

Community centers, schools, even the mayor’s office need interns. Visit each individual place, or see if there’s a centralized job bank where you can apply for a public service opportunity.

5. The local newspaper

You know that local newspaper you get every other week? Don’t throw it away! Local publications often list good internship opportunities in local offices. Small-time entrepreneurs, such as caterers, party-planners, personal organizers and public relations agencies also typically advertise for help in the community paper.

6. Network

Networking is HUGE. Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for a summer internship! Be prepared to say what you can do in a few memorable words. You might also consider printing up business cards (so quick, easy and inexpensive these days!), showing your name, phone number and email address along with your most important skills/talents/experience. Once you’ve got them, hand them out freely.

Internships are one of the best ways for students to gain “real-world” experience. Before the countdown to finals begins, jump start your summer internship search and prepare yourself now for success later.