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Business path and your story in it?
Hey! I am a first-student at UC Davis looking forward to interning in areas within the business field. Any tips on finding websites for internships? Also if you're in the business field, I would love to hear more about your story and how you got to where you are now. ie what internships and things you did to score/land your job in where you are now. Thank you!
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Harjas’s Answer
Hello Bernie,
As a proud graduate of UCD, I discovered that participating in business-oriented clubs such as EBSA was incredibly beneficial. It provided me with the opportunity to network with professors from the management school, an advantage I gained through my minor in technology management. These connections turned out to be quite useful in securing internships.
Additionally, I made good use of the career fairs organized by the university. In fact, it was through one such event that I was able to step into the world of consulting. I found that these personal interactions and recommendations were more effective for me than browsing through various websites.
As a proud graduate of UCD, I discovered that participating in business-oriented clubs such as EBSA was incredibly beneficial. It provided me with the opportunity to network with professors from the management school, an advantage I gained through my minor in technology management. These connections turned out to be quite useful in securing internships.
Additionally, I made good use of the career fairs organized by the university. In fact, it was through one such event that I was able to step into the world of consulting. I found that these personal interactions and recommendations were more effective for me than browsing through various websites.
Updated
Aivy’s Answer
Hi Bernie,
I actually was pre-med in college. However, I was not sure if I wanted to go to medical school. Because of this, I reached out to my career office as well as older students to learn more about paths that they chose that, while related to medicine, were not strictly pre-med. I was able to learn about a BA-MPH program that my school offers, and was able to focus more on the intersection between public health and business. Through my MPH program, Deloitte recruited to my school, so I was able to meet the recruiter and apply for a Summer Associate program. This allowed me to learn more about consulting and business strategy, which I am now doing as my full-time career. I hope that this helps!
I actually was pre-med in college. However, I was not sure if I wanted to go to medical school. Because of this, I reached out to my career office as well as older students to learn more about paths that they chose that, while related to medicine, were not strictly pre-med. I was able to learn about a BA-MPH program that my school offers, and was able to focus more on the intersection between public health and business. Through my MPH program, Deloitte recruited to my school, so I was able to meet the recruiter and apply for a Summer Associate program. This allowed me to learn more about consulting and business strategy, which I am now doing as my full-time career. I hope that this helps!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Bernie,
Discovering Internship Opportunities in the Business Sector
To unearth internship opportunities in the business sector, you can leverage a variety of online platforms and resources specifically designed for such opportunities. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively hunt for internships:
University Career Services: Begin your search with your university's career services website or office. They usually maintain a comprehensive database of internship opportunities, job listings, and resources to assist students in their career growth.
LinkedIn: Harness the power of LinkedIn to find internships in the business sector. Set up job alerts tailored to your preferences and network with industry professionals who may have valuable insights or opportunities.
Internship Search Engines: Platforms like Internships.com, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Chegg Internships are dedicated to listing internship opportunities across a range of industries, including business.
Company Websites: Explore the career sections of companies you'd like to intern with. Many companies advertise their internship vacancies directly on their websites.
Professional Organizations: Investigate professional organizations in the business sector as they often maintain job boards or resources aimed at linking students with internship opportunities.
Networking Events: Participate in networking events, career fairs, and industry conferences to connect with business professionals who may provide internship opportunities or guidance on where to find them.
Online Forums and Communities: Become a member of online forums or communities related to business and careers. These platforms often provide internship leads and advice on navigating the job market.
My Business Journey
My journey in the business sector began during my college years at UC Davis, just like yours is starting now. To secure internships and eventually a job in the industry, I followed several essential steps:
Internship Experience: I actively pursued internships during my summer and academic breaks. These experiences not only equipped me with practical skills but also helped me establish a network of professionals in the field.
Networking: Networking was a key factor in my career advancement. I attended industry events, connected with university alumni working in business roles, and networked with professionals for informational interviews.
Continuous Learning: I ensured I stayed current on industry trends, technologies, and best practices by attending online courses, workshops, and seminars relevant to the business sector.
Professional Development: I focused on honing soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, along with the technical skills necessary for roles in the business sector.
Career Guidance: I sought mentorship from seasoned professionals in the business sector, which provided me with valuable insights into different career paths and helped me make informed decisions about my own career trajectory.
By blending these strategies with commitment and persistence, I was able to advance in my career within the business sector and achieve my current position.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Consulted:
Harvard Business Review
Forbes
LinkedIn
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Discovering Internship Opportunities in the Business Sector
To unearth internship opportunities in the business sector, you can leverage a variety of online platforms and resources specifically designed for such opportunities. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively hunt for internships:
University Career Services: Begin your search with your university's career services website or office. They usually maintain a comprehensive database of internship opportunities, job listings, and resources to assist students in their career growth.
LinkedIn: Harness the power of LinkedIn to find internships in the business sector. Set up job alerts tailored to your preferences and network with industry professionals who may have valuable insights or opportunities.
Internship Search Engines: Platforms like Internships.com, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Chegg Internships are dedicated to listing internship opportunities across a range of industries, including business.
Company Websites: Explore the career sections of companies you'd like to intern with. Many companies advertise their internship vacancies directly on their websites.
Professional Organizations: Investigate professional organizations in the business sector as they often maintain job boards or resources aimed at linking students with internship opportunities.
Networking Events: Participate in networking events, career fairs, and industry conferences to connect with business professionals who may provide internship opportunities or guidance on where to find them.
Online Forums and Communities: Become a member of online forums or communities related to business and careers. These platforms often provide internship leads and advice on navigating the job market.
My Business Journey
My journey in the business sector began during my college years at UC Davis, just like yours is starting now. To secure internships and eventually a job in the industry, I followed several essential steps:
Internship Experience: I actively pursued internships during my summer and academic breaks. These experiences not only equipped me with practical skills but also helped me establish a network of professionals in the field.
Networking: Networking was a key factor in my career advancement. I attended industry events, connected with university alumni working in business roles, and networked with professionals for informational interviews.
Continuous Learning: I ensured I stayed current on industry trends, technologies, and best practices by attending online courses, workshops, and seminars relevant to the business sector.
Professional Development: I focused on honing soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, along with the technical skills necessary for roles in the business sector.
Career Guidance: I sought mentorship from seasoned professionals in the business sector, which provided me with valuable insights into different career paths and helped me make informed decisions about my own career trajectory.
By blending these strategies with commitment and persistence, I was able to advance in my career within the business sector and achieve my current position.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Consulted:
Harvard Business Review
Forbes
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Congrats on getting into UC Davis.
I would encourage to connect with UC Davis Alumni and Affiliate Relations. It's possible that They may be aware of internships or could connect you with alumni that will be willing to help. What you know is important, but who you know can have a huge impact.
I would encourage to connect with UC Davis Alumni and Affiliate Relations. It's possible that They may be aware of internships or could connect you with alumni that will be willing to help. What you know is important, but who you know can have a huge impact.
Updated
Christian’s Answer
Hello Bernie,
It's my pleasure to give this advice.
I've had a long journey for more than 20 years, started as a Customer Service Representative, Team Manager, Operations Manager, Project Manager and now I am a Senior Iteration Manager supporting different project portfolios for the Learning & Knowledge area.
I would encourage you to look for the things you are interested or that you consider you are passionate about. Now, I would like to share the IBM Skills Build in which you could start powering your skills by enrolling to different courses and getting credentials for free. https://skillsbuild.org/
Please start using this page https://skillsbuild.org/ and encourage your friends and classmates to be part of this program for free. I am sure you will have the opportunity to learn and practice new things.
Thanks a lot, my friend!
Sincerely,
Christian Salazar Aguilar
Learning and Knowledge, Senior Iteration Manager
IBM Consulting
It's my pleasure to give this advice.
I've had a long journey for more than 20 years, started as a Customer Service Representative, Team Manager, Operations Manager, Project Manager and now I am a Senior Iteration Manager supporting different project portfolios for the Learning & Knowledge area.
I would encourage you to look for the things you are interested or that you consider you are passionate about. Now, I would like to share the IBM Skills Build in which you could start powering your skills by enrolling to different courses and getting credentials for free. https://skillsbuild.org/
Please start using this page https://skillsbuild.org/ and encourage your friends and classmates to be part of this program for free. I am sure you will have the opportunity to learn and practice new things.
Thanks a lot, my friend!
Sincerely,
Christian Salazar Aguilar
Learning and Knowledge, Senior Iteration Manager
IBM Consulting
Updated
Chase’s Answer
Discovering the perfect business career involves exploring a wide range of job options. Business covers diverse areas such as consulting, banking, and technology start-ups, among others. Instead of limiting yourself to one career type, connect with professionals across various industries, particularly alumni, to discover your true passion.
Updated
Shayla’s Answer
How exciting! I would say be as open-minded as possible, surround yourself with people that are smart and interested in similar fields, ask your network, and utilize the resources and connections at school.
In my experience, I took a sales course in college. My professor brought in a tech company to speak to our class and I jumped on the opportunity to chat with them after the presentation. That led to an interview and eventually my first job working in sales in tech. Make sure you are connecting yourself with a network and people that can help open opportunities for you.
In my experience, I took a sales course in college. My professor brought in a tech company to speak to our class and I jumped on the opportunity to chat with them after the presentation. That led to an interview and eventually my first job working in sales in tech. Make sure you are connecting yourself with a network and people that can help open opportunities for you.
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Michele’s Answer
Great question! I would say start by targeting the companies in your area of interest or passion. Most companies have an internship program- both big and small and even those who don't might be up for it.
When choosing the right place to intern, I recommend identifying those where the work you'll be doing really allows you to make an impact and learn. I also love a company where there is alot of opportunity to "color outside of the lines"- so engage in things outside of the internship, meet with people and network informally beyond the program.
An internship can be what you make of it- you want a place that will let you make it bigger than it is.
My career has been beyond anything I could have ever hoped for. I love the book 5 Patterns of extraordinary careers and have followed it for MANY years.
One of the patterns that I have leveraged the most (hence my internship answer) is the Permission Paradox- "Do it not because someone said you could, but because no one told you you couldn't" This led me from a career in Retail Management into my first HR job...I just started doing the HR work that needed to be done and that no one was doing. They gave me the HR job and almost 30 years later I am an HR executive, former CHRO and have lived all over the world.
When choosing the right place to intern, I recommend identifying those where the work you'll be doing really allows you to make an impact and learn. I also love a company where there is alot of opportunity to "color outside of the lines"- so engage in things outside of the internship, meet with people and network informally beyond the program.
An internship can be what you make of it- you want a place that will let you make it bigger than it is.
My career has been beyond anything I could have ever hoped for. I love the book 5 Patterns of extraordinary careers and have followed it for MANY years.
One of the patterns that I have leveraged the most (hence my internship answer) is the Permission Paradox- "Do it not because someone said you could, but because no one told you you couldn't" This led me from a career in Retail Management into my first HR job...I just started doing the HR work that needed to be done and that no one was doing. They gave me the HR job and almost 30 years later I am an HR executive, former CHRO and have lived all over the world.
Monique Borland, MBA, PMP, CMC, PMI-PBA, CSM
Technology Management Consultant
1
Answer
Updated
Monique’s Answer
Hello Bernie,
Excellent inquiry!
During my undergraduate years, I was somewhat uncertain about my exact career path, but I was convinced that I wanted to venture into the business realm. To this end, I became a member of a business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, which provided me with a network of like-minded individuals who were also business-oriented. This fraternity offered us practical, business-specific training that equipped us to confidently navigate professional business environments. This training included aspects such as professional dressing, dinner etiquette, networking, and more.
To gain a deeper understanding of the specific career paths that might suit me, I made a deliberate effort to secure internships in the business field. I also took up a part-time job within our school of business. These experiences provided me with invaluable exposure and helped me narrow down my search. My journey then led me to discover the world of consulting. This happened when I had the chance to meet the Managing Director of a local consulting firm who was a guest speaker in one of my classes. I seized this opportunity to discuss my business interests with him, followed up afterward, and managed to land an internship at the local office of one of the Big 4 firms.
What I found most appealing about consulting was the diversity it offered (in terms of varied project assignments) and the chance to collaborate with other intelligent individuals to solve our clients' business challenges. I dedicated myself to perform well during my internship, and made it known to my superiors that I was keen on securing a full-time position with the firm. They agreed to hire me, and I've been in the consulting field ever since!
Remember, it's perfectly okay to explore different types of internships. Such experiences will bolster your confidence in your career choices. Most people experience some degree of uncertainty when choosing a career. However, don't let this deter you from gaining varied experiences that will help you uncover what's truly right for you (and by 'you', I mean you personally, not your parents, friends, or society at large).
All the best!
Excellent inquiry!
During my undergraduate years, I was somewhat uncertain about my exact career path, but I was convinced that I wanted to venture into the business realm. To this end, I became a member of a business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, which provided me with a network of like-minded individuals who were also business-oriented. This fraternity offered us practical, business-specific training that equipped us to confidently navigate professional business environments. This training included aspects such as professional dressing, dinner etiquette, networking, and more.
To gain a deeper understanding of the specific career paths that might suit me, I made a deliberate effort to secure internships in the business field. I also took up a part-time job within our school of business. These experiences provided me with invaluable exposure and helped me narrow down my search. My journey then led me to discover the world of consulting. This happened when I had the chance to meet the Managing Director of a local consulting firm who was a guest speaker in one of my classes. I seized this opportunity to discuss my business interests with him, followed up afterward, and managed to land an internship at the local office of one of the Big 4 firms.
What I found most appealing about consulting was the diversity it offered (in terms of varied project assignments) and the chance to collaborate with other intelligent individuals to solve our clients' business challenges. I dedicated myself to perform well during my internship, and made it known to my superiors that I was keen on securing a full-time position with the firm. They agreed to hire me, and I've been in the consulting field ever since!
Remember, it's perfectly okay to explore different types of internships. Such experiences will bolster your confidence in your career choices. Most people experience some degree of uncertainty when choosing a career. However, don't let this deter you from gaining varied experiences that will help you uncover what's truly right for you (and by 'you', I mean you personally, not your parents, friends, or society at large).
All the best!
Updated
Elsa’s Answer
Hi Bernie!
I attended Cal Poly Pomona in undergrad and had no clue what I wanted to do with my career! I just knew that I wanted to enter the corporate world and eventually end up in a management position (I know, vague goal!)
What helped me narrow down my career choice and lead me to my career now was taking advantage of the career center resources and opportunities available at my school. I spent a lot of time looking for part time internships while attending undergrad and ended up at an aerospace company during the sophomore year of college. I started my career in HR & Compliance and decided to stay at the same company for 2 years after graduating (total of over 4 years at the same company). The experience I gained at a young age helped me understand early on what I liked and did not like in a career, which led me to pursue my MBA and eventually end up in Consulting, which is what I currently do. I love my job and it is because of the experiences that I took advantage of when I was going to school that helped me distinguish what is right for me. Do not be afraid to try new things and determine what you like and don't like in a career! Best of luck to you.
I attended Cal Poly Pomona in undergrad and had no clue what I wanted to do with my career! I just knew that I wanted to enter the corporate world and eventually end up in a management position (I know, vague goal!)
What helped me narrow down my career choice and lead me to my career now was taking advantage of the career center resources and opportunities available at my school. I spent a lot of time looking for part time internships while attending undergrad and ended up at an aerospace company during the sophomore year of college. I started my career in HR & Compliance and decided to stay at the same company for 2 years after graduating (total of over 4 years at the same company). The experience I gained at a young age helped me understand early on what I liked and did not like in a career, which led me to pursue my MBA and eventually end up in Consulting, which is what I currently do. I love my job and it is because of the experiences that I took advantage of when I was going to school that helped me distinguish what is right for me. Do not be afraid to try new things and determine what you like and don't like in a career! Best of luck to you.
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Olga’s Answer
If you're a student aiming to land an internship at one of the big four accounting firms (Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG), there are numerous online platforms that can help you find the right opportunity. Here are some of the most trusted and widely-used resources:
1. Official Company Websites: Begin your search by exploring the official websites of the big four accounting firms. These sites usually have specific career sections where you can discover details about internships, application procedures, and prerequisites. These sites are the most dependable sources as they offer direct entry to the firms' internship programs.
2. LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking site that provides a broad spectrum of job and internship opportunities. Set up a profile and look for the big four accounting firms. Follow their company pages and join related groups to stay informed about internship vacancies. You can also network with professionals in these firms for insights and possible referrals.
3. Internship Aggregator Websites: There are various websites that compile internship opportunities from different companies, including the big four accounting firms. Some well-known internship aggregator websites include InternMatch, Internships.com, and WayUp. These platforms enable you to search for internships based on location, sector, and company.
4. University Career Centers: Many universities have dedicated career centers that offer resources and support for students looking for internships. These centers often collaborate with big four accounting firms and can provide information about internship opportunities specifically aimed at students from your university. Check out your university's career center website or visit them in person to explore the options available.
5. Job Boards: General job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster also post internship opportunities. Use appropriate keywords like "big four accounting internships" or "accounting internships" to refine your search. These platforms typically allow you to filter results based on location, duration, and other preferences.
6. Professional Associations: Accounting professional associations, such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), might have internship listings on their websites. These associations often collaborate with the big four accounting firms and can provide useful resources and networking opportunities.
When applying for internships, remember to customize your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences. Moreover, consider contacting your university's career services office or professors for advice and potential industry connections.
Best of luck with your internship hunt!
1. Official Company Websites: Begin your search by exploring the official websites of the big four accounting firms. These sites usually have specific career sections where you can discover details about internships, application procedures, and prerequisites. These sites are the most dependable sources as they offer direct entry to the firms' internship programs.
2. LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking site that provides a broad spectrum of job and internship opportunities. Set up a profile and look for the big four accounting firms. Follow their company pages and join related groups to stay informed about internship vacancies. You can also network with professionals in these firms for insights and possible referrals.
3. Internship Aggregator Websites: There are various websites that compile internship opportunities from different companies, including the big four accounting firms. Some well-known internship aggregator websites include InternMatch, Internships.com, and WayUp. These platforms enable you to search for internships based on location, sector, and company.
4. University Career Centers: Many universities have dedicated career centers that offer resources and support for students looking for internships. These centers often collaborate with big four accounting firms and can provide information about internship opportunities specifically aimed at students from your university. Check out your university's career center website or visit them in person to explore the options available.
5. Job Boards: General job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster also post internship opportunities. Use appropriate keywords like "big four accounting internships" or "accounting internships" to refine your search. These platforms typically allow you to filter results based on location, duration, and other preferences.
6. Professional Associations: Accounting professional associations, such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), might have internship listings on their websites. These associations often collaborate with the big four accounting firms and can provide useful resources and networking opportunities.
When applying for internships, remember to customize your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences. Moreover, consider contacting your university's career services office or professors for advice and potential industry connections.
Best of luck with your internship hunt!
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Bernie,
It's fantastic that you're showing such initiative in exploring internships at this stage! Your campus career center is an excellent starting point. They typically have a roster of partner companies that regularly provide internships and full-time positions to students, and even participate in their career fairs. They can certainly assist you in connecting with recruiters from these companies to explore potential internship opportunities.
In addition, I recommend conducting a Google search for companies that pique your interest or where you envision yourself working. Browse their websites for internship listings and see what catches your eye. If something sparks your interest, consider reaching out to "college recruiters" from these companies on LinkedIn. They can discuss opportunities with you, provide insights on what you've found, and potentially help you prepare for interviews, should you be shortlisted.
As for my personal journey, this is exactly how I secured my three internships. The first one was through my campus career center, where I was selected for a sales internship with a company that was conducting interviews on campus. The second one was a result of a Google search. I found an internship with a highly respected company on Indeed, applied, and was chosen for a role in transportation sales and management.
My third and final internship was facilitated by my college of business. By then, I had identified a company I wanted to work for after graduation. I had met them at a career fair during my first internship and had been in touch with a recruiter there for two years via LinkedIn. So, I started my final semester with a job already lined up for after graduation. One of my personal ambitions was to intern at a Fortune 500 company, and as luck would have it, they were launching an internship program on my campus. I applied and was accepted for a role in retail management.
My advice to you is to have a plan and identify companies that excite you. Research the companies you'd like to work for after graduation and understand what they seek in candidates. This could help you customize your internship search to align with the requirements of your dream companies. My three internships provided me with diverse experiences across different industries, and the lessons I learned continue to benefit me in my career. I'm eternally thankful for these experiences.
It's fantastic that you're showing such initiative in exploring internships at this stage! Your campus career center is an excellent starting point. They typically have a roster of partner companies that regularly provide internships and full-time positions to students, and even participate in their career fairs. They can certainly assist you in connecting with recruiters from these companies to explore potential internship opportunities.
In addition, I recommend conducting a Google search for companies that pique your interest or where you envision yourself working. Browse their websites for internship listings and see what catches your eye. If something sparks your interest, consider reaching out to "college recruiters" from these companies on LinkedIn. They can discuss opportunities with you, provide insights on what you've found, and potentially help you prepare for interviews, should you be shortlisted.
As for my personal journey, this is exactly how I secured my three internships. The first one was through my campus career center, where I was selected for a sales internship with a company that was conducting interviews on campus. The second one was a result of a Google search. I found an internship with a highly respected company on Indeed, applied, and was chosen for a role in transportation sales and management.
My third and final internship was facilitated by my college of business. By then, I had identified a company I wanted to work for after graduation. I had met them at a career fair during my first internship and had been in touch with a recruiter there for two years via LinkedIn. So, I started my final semester with a job already lined up for after graduation. One of my personal ambitions was to intern at a Fortune 500 company, and as luck would have it, they were launching an internship program on my campus. I applied and was accepted for a role in retail management.
My advice to you is to have a plan and identify companies that excite you. Research the companies you'd like to work for after graduation and understand what they seek in candidates. This could help you customize your internship search to align with the requirements of your dream companies. My three internships provided me with diverse experiences across different industries, and the lessons I learned continue to benefit me in my career. I'm eternally thankful for these experiences.
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Shreya’s Answer
Hi Bernie,
I graduated from Rutgers about 3 years ago. So I understand the stress of finding interships/ jobs. I went about it in a few different ways.
First is to figure out what general area of business you like/ understand. Whether that be Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain etc. I can speak to Finance as that was my major.
I attended a lot of leadership days/ diversity days that companies would host. I also attended my school's career fairs and networking events. I did 2 internships in college and was able to successfully land a consulting job at the end of my senior year.
I found both my internships thru these avenues. I would simply just apply via the company's career portal.
So don't stress if you aren't able to secure a freshman year internship.
Good luck with your journey.
I graduated from Rutgers about 3 years ago. So I understand the stress of finding interships/ jobs. I went about it in a few different ways.
First is to figure out what general area of business you like/ understand. Whether that be Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain etc. I can speak to Finance as that was my major.
I attended a lot of leadership days/ diversity days that companies would host. I also attended my school's career fairs and networking events. I did 2 internships in college and was able to successfully land a consulting job at the end of my senior year.
I found both my internships thru these avenues. I would simply just apply via the company's career portal.
So don't stress if you aren't able to secure a freshman year internship.
Good luck with your journey.
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Kiara’s Answer
Hi Bernie,
I work in tech now but have a business degree. I would say the most impactful thing I did to score internships is networking. At your school, be sure to use all of the free resources they offer including resume workshops, constructing elevator pitches, and attending networking sessions. I would also look into joining professional clubs and programs at your school because they typically host their own networking events in smaller groups, which would allow you to have more 1-on-1 time with prospective employers.
I would also recommend trying to discover what specifically you would like to do with your degree once you graduate. Are you interested in sales or marketing? Or being in the business analysis realm? Or even doing something more technical that is a happy medium between business and technology? The decision you make drives the path you should take in regard to your career. It will also help you to focus your studies. For instance, if you're interested in business analysis, it would be helpful to learn the Agile framework, etc.
Good luck on your journey!
I work in tech now but have a business degree. I would say the most impactful thing I did to score internships is networking. At your school, be sure to use all of the free resources they offer including resume workshops, constructing elevator pitches, and attending networking sessions. I would also look into joining professional clubs and programs at your school because they typically host their own networking events in smaller groups, which would allow you to have more 1-on-1 time with prospective employers.
I would also recommend trying to discover what specifically you would like to do with your degree once you graduate. Are you interested in sales or marketing? Or being in the business analysis realm? Or even doing something more technical that is a happy medium between business and technology? The decision you make drives the path you should take in regard to your career. It will also help you to focus your studies. For instance, if you're interested in business analysis, it would be helpful to learn the Agile framework, etc.
Good luck on your journey!
Updated
Ramapriya’s Answer
Hi Bernie! I'd suggest you start by checking out the websites of companies that offer internships in areas like consulting, healthcare, social welfare, and banking. Specifically, look for roles related to data analysis or engineering. Also, don't forget to network! Reach out to people through your university's career services, LinkedIn, or even your university's alumni network. They could provide valuable insights. Best of luck with your hunt for the internship!
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Grace’s Answer
I'm currently a business analyst in cybersecurity, and I majored in Business Administration at the University of Michigan. I applied to many internships during my sophomore year of college, which helped me have a finance internship at a bank in one summer, and another financial advisory internship the next summer. I used a lot of my university's resources, such as their networking events and job boards. I also used other well-known sites such as Handshake. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so I applied to a wide variety of business-related internships, and I would recommend the same if you are not yet sure of what you want to do.
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Pamela’s Answer
JC's advice hits the nail on the head. You might consider showcasing this on your LinkedIn profile or social media posts. I've noticed an increasing number of individuals promoting their unique situations and seeking referrals. It's a positive trend that you can join too!
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Shannan’s Answer
Hi Bernie,
I hope you had a fabulous first year at UC Davis!
I agree with the advice above that your university career services will be a great resource to understand the types of internship opportunities that might be available and recruiting on campus in your areas of interest. One you have a feel for the types of opportunities you are looking for or types of companies you might be interested in interning for, you could also work with your University to understand if there are alumni at any of these companies that you could reach out to learn more about the type of work and what the company is like, concurrently, i'd agree that LinkedIn job postings as well as Indeed are a great way to understand what opportunities may be available. If you can combine an alumni connection to a particular company with an opportunity, or can find someone in your network with connections to that company, even better as they could potentially refer you to the opportunity!
As for my personal journey the internships I had in college were at companies local to my hometown which was a couple hours away from my university. I made a list of a few companies in town I was interested in interning for and reached out to them along with my resume. When I was in business school I really leveraged our University's Career office but added my own networking to learn more about the opportunities and find connections within the organization that could advocate for me.
Best of luck to you in your journey!
I hope you had a fabulous first year at UC Davis!
I agree with the advice above that your university career services will be a great resource to understand the types of internship opportunities that might be available and recruiting on campus in your areas of interest. One you have a feel for the types of opportunities you are looking for or types of companies you might be interested in interning for, you could also work with your University to understand if there are alumni at any of these companies that you could reach out to learn more about the type of work and what the company is like, concurrently, i'd agree that LinkedIn job postings as well as Indeed are a great way to understand what opportunities may be available. If you can combine an alumni connection to a particular company with an opportunity, or can find someone in your network with connections to that company, even better as they could potentially refer you to the opportunity!
As for my personal journey the internships I had in college were at companies local to my hometown which was a couple hours away from my university. I made a list of a few companies in town I was interested in interning for and reached out to them along with my resume. When I was in business school I really leveraged our University's Career office but added my own networking to learn more about the opportunities and find connections within the organization that could advocate for me.
Best of luck to you in your journey!
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hi Bernie!
I graduated from UC Davis in 2022 and I actually did no corporate internships during my time in college. I only had tutoring/teaching experience as that was something I was interested in for some time. However, after graduating I stumbled upon an information session about Deloitte on Handshake. I was intrigued and didn't know what to do with my life so I joined and ended up applying for the job. I actually didn't know it was a consulting job until after I applied; the title was Data Analyst and my major was Statistics so I thought it'd be a good fit, but turns out Analyst is just a title for junior consultants at Deloitte Consulting. I went through with the interview anyway and prepped a whole lot and was lucky to get the job in the end! I never really had a dream job but I like where I am right now. My advice is to keep your eye on job hunting sites such as Handshake, which is specifically tailored towards students. Also, attend information sessions and jot down the recruiter's name or other presenters so you can network with them later on! I'd also say don't be afraid to apply to something and don't confine yourself to your major. I never thought I'd get this corporate job having no office internship experience, but it worked out in the end. There's so much for you to explore out there, and your major is not your end-all-be-all. Be confident in what you can bring to the table! Best of luck :)
I graduated from UC Davis in 2022 and I actually did no corporate internships during my time in college. I only had tutoring/teaching experience as that was something I was interested in for some time. However, after graduating I stumbled upon an information session about Deloitte on Handshake. I was intrigued and didn't know what to do with my life so I joined and ended up applying for the job. I actually didn't know it was a consulting job until after I applied; the title was Data Analyst and my major was Statistics so I thought it'd be a good fit, but turns out Analyst is just a title for junior consultants at Deloitte Consulting. I went through with the interview anyway and prepped a whole lot and was lucky to get the job in the end! I never really had a dream job but I like where I am right now. My advice is to keep your eye on job hunting sites such as Handshake, which is specifically tailored towards students. Also, attend information sessions and jot down the recruiter's name or other presenters so you can network with them later on! I'd also say don't be afraid to apply to something and don't confine yourself to your major. I never thought I'd get this corporate job having no office internship experience, but it worked out in the end. There's so much for you to explore out there, and your major is not your end-all-be-all. Be confident in what you can bring to the table! Best of luck :)