Landing your first internship can feel like landing an airplane without any experience. Making those first steps in your career can be challenging, but Zions Bank and Zions Bancorporation’s interns are here to give their best pieces of advice in taking those difficult, but important, early steps. Here are 4 important steps you can take to land the perfect internship.

#1: Apply to Multiple Internships

Entry level positions can be competitive. With jobs on LinkedIn and Indeed showcasing high numbers of applicants, it can feel discouraging to apply to that first professional job with limited experience. A piece of advice that data analytics intern Tanner Greenwood has is to keep your head up and keep applying.

“If you don't have work experience in something, apply to tons of internship openings, even if they aren't exactly what you want to do.” He said, “Once you get through your first one, it makes it miles easier to land interviews at following internships.”

Applying to internships outside of your dream job title can be enriching and can expand your opportunities within the entry level playing field.

Data analyst intern Ty Hawkes suggested that keeping an open mind is important in the internship and entry level job search.

“Be open to internships that may not perfectly match your dream internship,” he recommended. “The most valuable part of this internship, to me, has not been my title, but has been the opportunity to work with a high-caliber team and leave a positive impact.”

#2: Do Your Research and Come Prepared

Caroline Luman, a financial analyst intern, recommends taking time to learn about the company you are applying to work with.

“In an interview, always come prepared with knowledge about the company,” Luman said. “When they ask you if you have questions at the end, mention specific things the company has done recently to show that you've done your research. For instance, when I interviewed with Zions, I asked many questions from their quarterly and annual reports to show that I was interested in what the company has been doing.”

Interviews offer a valuable opportunity for displaying your industry knowledge, skills, personability and work-ethic. However, without practice, it can be tough to highlight these things in a way that will impress an interviewer.

Project analyst intern Braden Ritchie suggests, “You cannot expect to do well if you don't practice a lot. Interviewing is a skill that needs to be practiced and refined.”

#3: Find Ways to Make Yourself Stand Out

Credit risk analysis intern Joseph Maples recommends taking some time each week to build your resume.

“To stand out does not take that much effort, you just have to go the extra 10% to make your resume pop!” Maples said, “Take certifications to round out your skills, become an ambassador at a club you enjoy, work in job positions that will stand out to employers. These extra steps only add a few extra hours a week but will push you well ahead of your peers.”

Most universities offer resources and advising centers to guide students in finding relevant certifications, volunteer and job opportunities. Getting involved on campus is a great way to start building experience and adding to your qualifications. By making yourself stand out with additional qualifications you can increase your chances of landing that perfect internship.

#4: Don’t Underestimate the Power of Networking

“Networking is crucial to getting an internship,” said credit analyst intern Jarren Robinson. “Not every connection you make is going to lead to an opportunity, but if you get in the habit of asking if they know anyone else that would be willing to meet with you, you can increase your network and chance of getting an interview.”

Spending time developing your personal network is important in securing quality opportunities in your early career. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with alumni of your university, professionals in your industry and peers who have goals that are similar to yours. Making an effort to attend career fairs, mixers and networking events will aid you in forming these valuable relationships.

If you’re ready to land that first internship make sure you follow these 4 useful tips to be successful. If you are currently looking for internship opportunities be sure to spend some time looking into internship programs at Zions Bank and Zions Bancorporation.

Marlie Hansen is Zions Bank’s Corporate Marketing and Communications summer intern and is a junior in communications at the University of Utah.