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I am graduating from college in May and am currently applying for internships. Is there anything else I should be doing before graduating?
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Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
APPLY FOR INTERNSHIPS EARLY
Securing an internship is a bit of a numbers game, the more places you apply, the better your chances. However, that shouldn’t keep you from doing your research on prospective employers. Your time is finite and you can only do so many internships–so make them count. Where you apply should depend on your career ambitions. Make a list of your favorite organizations or companies that reflect your interests and values. Explore websites like Glassdoor and Canary that have reviews from interns and fellows. Talk to your college career office and classmates to discover which employers have the best internship offerings.
You should also weigh other key factors like the location and compensation. While online internships offer great convenience, they also limit your ability to engage in the office culture and develop deeper relationships with potential mentors and future references. Moreover, whether an internship is paid or unpaid can significantly impact your experience. Studies have shown that paid internships have a greater chance of leading to full-time employment. There’s also a correlation between paid internships and higher entry-level salaries. Yet only six in ten internships are paid.
HAVE YOUR RESUME READY
After you’ve determined your dream list of employers, it’s time to get your application materials in top shape, starting with your resume. Your resume should succinctly summarize your experience, including prior internships, jobs, academic credentials, and relevant extracurricular activities. It should not exceed one page. If your resume is longer, keep revising. The average recruiter spends less than 10 seconds reviewing a resume. You may have a million accolades, but the only ones that matter are the items that pertain to the application before you. As you read your resume, ask yourself: Does this bullet make it significantly more likely someone will hire me. You should update your resume with every application to reflect the keywords in the job description. Tools like Skillsyncer and Jobscan can help identify missing keywords so your resume doesn’t get buried in the applicant tracking system.
BE PREPARED FOR A INTERVIEW
Most employers require internship applicants to provide 2-3 references. Start collecting these names well in advance. Consider who will be able to speak to your personality, skills, and work ethic. Good references from teachers, professors, or previous employers are like gold in the quest for an internship. Some internships may also require applicants to provide a portfolio. This collection of your best, most relevant work provides companies with concrete evidence of your skills. A few fields that typically require a portfolio include graphic design, web development, writing, and marketing. Even for internships that don't require a portfolio, submitting this extra bit of proof of your talents can help you stand out. Consider highlighting projects relevant to the internship, and select a sample of your best work.
Securing an internship is a bit of a numbers game, the more places you apply, the better your chances. However, that shouldn’t keep you from doing your research on prospective employers. Your time is finite and you can only do so many internships–so make them count. Where you apply should depend on your career ambitions. Make a list of your favorite organizations or companies that reflect your interests and values. Explore websites like Glassdoor and Canary that have reviews from interns and fellows. Talk to your college career office and classmates to discover which employers have the best internship offerings.
You should also weigh other key factors like the location and compensation. While online internships offer great convenience, they also limit your ability to engage in the office culture and develop deeper relationships with potential mentors and future references. Moreover, whether an internship is paid or unpaid can significantly impact your experience. Studies have shown that paid internships have a greater chance of leading to full-time employment. There’s also a correlation between paid internships and higher entry-level salaries. Yet only six in ten internships are paid.
HAVE YOUR RESUME READY
After you’ve determined your dream list of employers, it’s time to get your application materials in top shape, starting with your resume. Your resume should succinctly summarize your experience, including prior internships, jobs, academic credentials, and relevant extracurricular activities. It should not exceed one page. If your resume is longer, keep revising. The average recruiter spends less than 10 seconds reviewing a resume. You may have a million accolades, but the only ones that matter are the items that pertain to the application before you. As you read your resume, ask yourself: Does this bullet make it significantly more likely someone will hire me. You should update your resume with every application to reflect the keywords in the job description. Tools like Skillsyncer and Jobscan can help identify missing keywords so your resume doesn’t get buried in the applicant tracking system.
BE PREPARED FOR A INTERVIEW
Most employers require internship applicants to provide 2-3 references. Start collecting these names well in advance. Consider who will be able to speak to your personality, skills, and work ethic. Good references from teachers, professors, or previous employers are like gold in the quest for an internship. Some internships may also require applicants to provide a portfolio. This collection of your best, most relevant work provides companies with concrete evidence of your skills. A few fields that typically require a portfolio include graphic design, web development, writing, and marketing. Even for internships that don't require a portfolio, submitting this extra bit of proof of your talents can help you stand out. Consider highlighting projects relevant to the internship, and select a sample of your best work.
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
126
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Find a professor with industry connections. Some professors have only academic experience. Locate the ones that still have industry experience and ask them what they would do in your situation. Start building up your resume and linkedin profile. You may not have much work experience but include class projects and specific courses that you are proud of. Even if your work experience is not industry related, include it. Work on your interview skills. Look up the STAR interview method. That is an excellent way to practice. Be on the lookout for career days and if employers are visiting your campus soon. Good luck, you will do well.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
You could start building your online presence as well. Set up your LinkedIn and start building it out. Add professors and ask for referrals and references.
You should join clubs at school. Great way to build your list of connections and increase your visibility. You could also pre-connect with your alumni association for help. They are there to help you find success post graduation.
You should join clubs at school. Great way to build your list of connections and increase your visibility. You could also pre-connect with your alumni association for help. They are there to help you find success post graduation.
Agree with Jerome's answer - leveraging LinkedIn early to build an online presence and start networking is crucial to your career path. There are also groups of your interest you can join and network and start building relationships.
Mia Lee