Finding an internship takes time and effort. When you are overloaded with assignments, a semester can slip away quickly and the search for something you don't really need until later gets postponed.
If you are a freshman, an internship seems forever away so you likely aren't thinking about it too much just yet. As a sophomore, it may be starting to cross your mind as you plan your course schedule for the next three years. Juniors see it looming on the schedule (and are too busy to think about it) but think they still have time to look and seniors, if you haven't started looking yet, you may be in for a surprise!
So when is the best time to start looking for an internship? No later than two semesters before your need to intern is minimum. Even earlier is better! It is never to early to start looking.
Now notice I said "looking" for your internship, not contacting companies or applying for positions. What I mean is to start getting familiar with companies out there. Start searching the internet, phone books, and chamber of commerce for names of companies in your industry and make a list of those who interest you. Note their application deadlines for future reference.
An early search is especially important in a down economy when internships are few and applicants are many. The more time you put into your search, the more likely you are to find hidden gems others have missed. An early search also helps you avoid the last minute rush from procrastinators and may get your application to the top of the pile. You might even land the position before the others begin to search!
Enjoy what you are doing in school but always look ahead to the future. Keeping one step ahead will keep you from falling behind....and not getting the internship you want or possibly not getting one at all. Now you know why they say "the early bird gets the worm."
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