As intimidating as the real world may seem, it is first experiences that will eventually help soften the blow. Experience is valuable at any age, and that is exactly what you get from a good internship. Not just for recent grads, internships are for anyone who wants to gain experience in an industry, whether you are still in high school or 10 years out.

• Use the many career sites available online. Web sites like internweb.com, monstertrak.com and wetfeet.com offer highly specialized searches for internships.
• Career-specific organizations, such as the Landscape Architecture Foundation, often have their own internship databases.
• If you are a student, many colleges have resources and counselors that can help you find opportunities in your area.
• If an organization doesn't have an established position, find out if they could use any help. It takes more initiative, but you will reap the benefits when the company sees what an asset you were as an intern.
• Go to the source. Many companies and organizations keep internship information on their websites.

Start your search in an industry that interests you. Whether it is entertainment, health care, or real estate, narrowing down your search will make the process much easier. Sounding too time-consuming? Just consider the years you could potentially spend working a job only to realize it is not for you. You do not often get to see what a job really entails before accepting a position. An internship allows you to get your hands dirty; you will get a real understanding for the industry you hope to join.

You shouldn't worry about finding an internship; it is finding the right internship that can be troublesome. Take time to explore the different options.

• Go on a few internship interviews. Often you can't really get a feel for an internship until you meet with your potential supervisor.
• Treat the interviews as you would for a potential job; come prepared with a list of things you would like to contribute, what you hope to learn from the experience, and a resumé with any references you have.

Many of the internships you will come across will be unpaid and, as you will discover, a paycheck can't always be the biggest factor in your search. Remember, internships are about getting experience. You will network with people that can share industry knowledge and serve as valuable contacts afterwards. These things are priceless compared to what you would make per hour.

• If you have to move to a new city, always ask if the company or organization provides any housing stipends. An organization might own housing they rent at a low rate to interns. If not, they will likely know where other interns have stayed.
• If you are commuting, ask if they would be willing to pay for transportation costs.
• Keep an eye out for internships that offer scholarships or grants to offset internship expenses.
• Also, keep in mind that you might have to work a part-time job to make ends meet while you are an intern. Otherwise, plan ahead and save enough to cover the length of your internship.

Remember, as an intern you might get the mundane jobs that go along with the title: making coffee, end-less amounts of copying, and running to get everyone's lunch. But at the end of the day, if you are allowed to sit-in on a meeting, contribute an idea or even do a little hands-on work, you'll be one step closer to understanding the environment and how you might better fit into it.

If you find yourself doing only grunt work, don't be afraid to approach your boss and voice your concerns.

• Offer to collaborate with other interns. Suggest what you can contribute. Outside perspective and insight from a younger generation is a valuable asset.
• Show them you are willing to work for the team and can make things more efficient.
• Remember, internships are all about gaining experience in a field you are interested in, and not about if you can get their coffee just the way they like it.