Attention World Travelers,

Congratulations! By reading this, you’re one step closer to landing the most engaging, interactive, internship on this planet. The only papers you’ll be shuffling through will be plane tickets, the only e-mails you’ll be sending will be blogs emphasizing how fun and exciting other countries are, and (with that in mind) you can imagine what an “office party” is like. Toss aside that briefcase for a backpack, picture your cubicle as a hostel, and realize that this internship REDEFINES what it means to be at the “bottom of the totem pole”.

I think by now everyone understands that this internship will restructure the way you think and redefine how you act.

Therefore, the question I’ve received most often via Facebook and e-mail is: “Do you have any tips on how I can be selected as the World Traveler Intern 2009?” So, I’ve decided to compile all my ideas into an easy guide on how to improve your chances tremendously on winning this legendary excursion.

#1: Treat it as a job. It may take an abstract mind to understand how a trip of this magnitude could be a summer job. However, the interns who will be selected will possess high quality writing, filming, and editing capabilities. With that in mind, you should ensure that your application is filled out completely (with proper capitalization and punctuation) and to the absolute best of your ability. With stakes this high, everything should be as complete, detailed, and accurate as possible. (Example: Dooo nawt wryte ur app liikee a 14yrold gurll on AIM. LOLZ <3 <3. Again, this was only for dramatic effect.)

#2: Infuse yourself in your application as much as possible. What does this mean? So, now you’ve made sure you have accurate, clear, well-written text and you’ve gotten rid of any technical glitches that might pop up. The most important part of any job interview is that the employer gets a clear sense of who you are as an individual. With that in mind, spend some time looking at yourself and understanding why you ARE the perfect candidate for the position. Believe me, you fit the description for the position, but the people who CONVEY it the best will be selected. So, take time to make sure that your application really emphasizes what quirks you will bring to your videos and blogs!

#3: Avoid cliches. If you’re application tape sounds like this: “I absolutely love to travel. Traveling is a passion that I have had forever. When I travel I want to cry at how much I love it. It will mean more to me than anything I have ever wanted EVER.” Let’s just say – we already know this! By applying, we know you love to travel and that this will change your life (because if you win, it ACTUALLY will!). Push through the obvious and show us why you are unique. So if STA Travel is the ‘wind beneath your wings’, express it in your own lovely words!

#4: Utilize some marketing and pitch yourself! I’ve entered a lot of video contests, filled out a lot of scholarships, and discovered that there’s really one way to make it to the top. When you apply, think of yourself as a product. In this case, the medium for comparing all of the different products is really the video application (take this part extremely seriously). When you go shopping you only pick things that appeal to you, right? It’s a simple idea, but make your video appealing. Make sure you are presenting yourself in the best light and show off your strengths.

#5: Don’t be boring. It needs to be said. I was asked earlier how strict the 2-3 minute time length is, and I’m going to advise that you stick to it. Unless you have some ground-breaking, revolutionary piece, you should really try your hardest to compel people for the allotted time frame. Travel is exciting, so you should be as well! In your application, show us how you’ll break the mold from everyone else. I decided to get up and dance initially to show how I was different from the crowd. If you notice a formula to how people set up their applications, break it!

I think anyone is capable of getting hired for this internship. Honestly, I cannot reiterate the life experience I’ve gained from working with a company as reputable, professional, and generous as STA Travel. I have full confidence that the next two interns this year will find their journey fulfilling and their experience new and intriguing.

Best of luck to all the applicants, and I look forward to seeing your videos!

Pat Blute

World Traveler Intern 2008