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Are there any tips on getting your first internship? Are there any career recommendations based on my major and certifications?

I am a business management student in my junior year at college, and I am finding it extremely difficult to find any job opportunities. I am completing certifications on Udemy. Some are in marketing analytics and business analysis. I have no job experience besides being a former student assistant and secretary at my college on work-study. Also, are there any career recommendations based on my major and certifications?

Thank you!

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Natali’s Answer

Hello Hilda,

A lot of students tend to focus too much on the job title or the company when searching for internships or work experience. However, with fields like business, business analytics, marketing, and so on, the skills you're acquiring can be used in almost any industry and environment. I encourage you to explore small businesses in your local area and check if they have any available positions in social media marketing or management.
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Chirayu’s Answer

Here are some tips on how to get your first internship:
--Start early. The best time to start looking for internships is during your sophomore year. This will give you plenty of time to research companies, apply for positions, and prepare for interviews.
--Network. Talk to your professors, classmates, and friends and family members who work in business. They may be able to connect you with internship opportunities.
--Use online resources. There are many websites that list internship opportunities, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Internships.com.
--Tailor your resume and cover letter to each internship you apply for. Take the time to highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the position.
--Practice your interviewing skills. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel during your interviews.

Here are some career recommendations based on your major and certifications:
--Marketing analyst: Marketing analysts use data to track and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. They use this information to help businesses make better decisions about their marketing strategies.
--Business analyst: Business analysts help businesses solve problems by understanding their needs and developing solutions. They use their skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and communication to help businesses improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
--Project manager: Project managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects. They use their skills in organization, communication, and leadership to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Here are some additional tips that may help you in your job search:
--Be persistent. Don't give up if you don't get your first internship right away. Keep applying for positions and eventually you will find one that is a good fit for you.
--Be positive. Show potential employers that you are excited about the opportunity and that you are eager to learn.
--Be professional. Dress and act professionally during your interviews and throughout the job search process.

I hope these tips help you in your job search. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Hi Chirayu! You gave me amazing tips to use! I will make sure to keep this in mind. Thank you so much! Hilda
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Marissa’s Answer

Certainly! When it comes to securing your first internship, there are several tips that can help you along the way. First, research and identify companies or organizations that offer internship opportunities in the field of business management. Look for companies in various industries that align with your interests and career goals. Networking is also crucial—reach out to professionals in your desired field, attend career fairs, and join industry-related events or organizations. Building connections and expressing your enthusiasm can lead to internship opportunities. Additionally, make sure to polish your resume and tailor it to highlight relevant skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and project management. Highlight any coursework or projects related to business management. Utilize your college's career services office for resume reviews, interview practice, and internship search assistance.

When it comes to career recommendations, with a major in business management, you have a wide range of potential career paths available to you. Some popular options include roles in marketing, human resources, consulting, operations management, and entrepreneurship. Consider exploring internships or entry-level positions in these areas to gain practical experience and further refine your career goals. Additionally, certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Six Sigma can enhance your credentials and open up opportunities in project management or process improvement roles. Stay proactive in seeking internships and career guidance, and don't hesitate to leverage resources and networks available to you.

Marissa recommends the following next steps:

Research and target companies
Network
Polish your resume and cover letter
Utilize career services
Apply early and broadly
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T.J.’s Answer

Hello Hilda!

I think how you approach getting the first job depends on the industry of business you want to enter.

[Sales, Insurance, Business Analysis, etc.]

To get a job an approach you can do is to apply online and network in-person.

#1 - Job Applications Online

When applying for jobs, employers like to see:
- A resume that matches what they're looking for: They scan your resume for keywords that match the job description.
- A cover letter: A good way to tell them what your niche or unique skills are.
- A good professional profile: LinkedIn is a place you can find work from recruiters. You'll need to tailor your profile to what they're looking for.

For resumes & cover letters, check out this website for advice: https://growthhackyourcareer.com

For LinkedIn:

A good first tip to know --- If you want to become a project coordinator, you should add that to your LinkedIn title

Project Coordiator | [Another job title you're interested in] [2 Skills you have] | I Help [Groups] [Improve something important] | Business Management Alumus.

It's a good way to grab an employer's attention to make your headline detailed.

For your profile Biography/Summary:
Instead of writing: "I am a recent graduate of X university, and I'm looking for work in ___, ___, ___."

Write down how you can serve the business your applying for.

In your biography, write:
- Areas of Expertise: Knowledge that's not a hard or soft skill. Certifications about specific knowledge (such as Agile, or UX Design).

- Hard skills: Technical skills you know. Examples of this are Programming (Python, SQL, R) or Online Tools (Photoshop, Canva, etc).

- Soft skills: Social skills you can do. Examples of this are Self-direction, Empathy, Problem-solving, or Cooperation.

- Impact: You've made through helping others. If you've done clubs, organizations, volunteer work, or group projects, you've worked on something to reach a common goal.
Did you improve efficiency? Did you help find new members for a club? (Recruitment) Think about the ways you contributed to groups.

- CTA or Call to Action: This can be to tell them to look at your website (if you have a industry that requires a portfolio) or to contact you via email (and then you would list your email underneath)
Example: "Interested in knowing more? Feel free to visit my website" OR "Feel free to contact me at [email]"

Take a look at this LinkedIn profile as a model/reference: https://t.co/XhuBCUiMBC

Basically, list the skills you have under each section.
Take a look at different job descriptions. What expertise are they looking for? What hard/soft skills are they looking for? What does the job hope you'll do for them (impact)?

Compare your current skills to the skills they want from you.
Maybe from your assistant and secretary work:
- You're good at problem-solving, conflict resolution, and verbal communication.
- You might know software (Microsoft Office) or another technical software from using it at your jobs.
- You might've helped manage projects, or coordinated with different stakeholders (members at your university).

Use your past experiences to inform your professional profile.
Use what the job description says to inform your professional profile.

You can tailor most things about yourself to match a job. Think about the skills you bring to the table.
You want to show them you're qualified, you can provide value to their business, and stand out among of sea of other candidates.

Once your done creating a profile, you can turn on a setting that says Open to Work for recruiters!
https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a507508/let-recruiters-know-you-re-open-to-work?lang=en

#2 - Networking IRL

In some situations, who you know is more helpful that what you know.
Networking seems scary to some people, but you're just building connections with similar people!

To network, start off local! LinkedIn is helpful with not only advertising yourself, but with finding people who work in your industry near you.

Find alumni in your major under your school. If they seem interesting, reach out to connect! Write a message that explains who you are, what similarities you have, and why you're interested in connecting.

Building connections take time. You want to spend time building professional relationships just like you would friendships.
It's not the best idea to reach out to strangers for a job, so don't ask immediately. However, try to get to know them and learn information about the industry.

You can also build professional relationships in real life. You can start off with local events focused on business.
There's in-person events you can find from websites such as Eventbrite and Meetups.
Check out this search listing! https://www.eventbrite.com/d/fl--miami/networking/

When you network in person, it's okay if you feel nervous! Just get to know people!

Lastly, it's okay if you cannot find a internship yet. The job market's weird. Just build yourself up, and keep trying!
Hopefully, this helps you get started with the job search.

Sending you support with getting a job :)
Thank you comment icon Hi T.J., I want to personally thank you for the amazing advice and tips! This is extremely useful, and I am so glad to have you write it to me. Hilda
Thank you comment icon You're welcome!! I'm glad that it's helpful! :) T.J. Worthy
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Jennifer’s Answer

Hi Hilda,

I would highly recommend starting a LinkedIn account and outwardly enquiring about any available opportunities for internships or entry level jobs. Its a great way to network online and see what companies are hiring or offering internships. And being a student assistant and secretary is experience so don't be shy about talking about the job duties you had to complete for each role.

Best of Luck!
Thank you comment icon Hi Jennifer, I already have a LinkedIn account. Plus, this changed my perspective on many things! Thank you so much! Hilda
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