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Internships are not only a great way to gain valuable experience in a particular industry, it's also a way to do some exploring and see whether that industry is the right fit for you.

Many internships lead to full-time employment and successful long-term careers. This means that securing your spot in a good internship programme can become the key to having a strong competitive edge.

Here are 6 tips to help you land the internship of your dreams:

1. Get busy now

As mentioned above, internships are there to give you experience, but that certainly doesn't mean that you should sit around waiting for that to happen. Do whatever you can now to build experience while you're still in school or completing your studies. If you want to go into politics, join the debate team. If you're interested in law, volunteer at a non-profit legal agency. If you love technology, do some self-study on the latest software languages or take extra classes. Showing initiative in this way will make you a far more desirable candidate next to someone who only has their basic education to fall back on.

2. Seek guidance

Registering with 10 Minutes With is a great place to start. You'll gain easy online access to companies across various industries, providing you with a space where you can explore and identify industries and roles which match your interests. Finding a mentor is also a good idea. Think of family members who might be able to help, friends of friends, or even previous students from your school who have moved into the the same career that you have your eye on. Career centres at schools, colleges and universities are options as well as they should be able to connect you with industry contacts while helping you match the best internship option to your long-term career goals.

3. Network and network some more

10 Minutes With also offers registered members an opportunity to network online by putting students and job hunters in touch with industry insiders and potential employers. Then check out the video interviews which will save you a lot of time by giving you the answers to key questions you might already have about a specific industry or role. Career fairs are also a great way to connect with people from various industries and do keep a look out for specific networking events within the particular industry you are interested in. Get as many contacts as you can and always be sure to have an updated copy of your CV or portfolio on hand. Social media is another great way to connect with big names in the industry. Make contact with them by asking industry related questions or by expressing your interest in what they do. This type of dialogue might lead to an opportunity you otherwise wouldn't have had access to.

4. Look & sound the part

From your application cover letter and CV to what you say in your interview, it must all be a reflection of your passion for the industry, your commitment to the internship at hand as well as your general professionalism. Make sure your potential employer can quickly see what your key skills are and how they relate to the internship. Also list and explain all the relevant experience you've gained, and where applicable provide examples of previous work.

5. Always follow up

If you made it to an interview it's always a good idea to follow up with a thank you email the following day. Thank them for taking the time to see you and reiterate why you feel you're a good fit. By following up it rubber stamps the fact that you are genuinely interested in the position and it also confirms that you are ready to take on whatever challenges they send your way.

6. Make your own moves

Not finding opportunities that grab your attention? Then take matters into your own hands by showing interested from your side. On 10 Minutes With for example, if you watch a video interview your profile gets flagged with the associated company, and if your online profile & CV impresses, who knows what opportunities might come your way. Also try directly contacting companies you'd most like to work for by offering your services to them and explaining how you feel you could help. It may simply be that they hadn't considered an intern program before, or they might have an opening coming available soon that hasn't been advertised yet. You won't know if you don't ask.