Fall is here already and that means, football, pumpkin spiced lattes, sweaters and the start of the summer intern process. It seems as though students all over had just ended their internships and already we are told it’s time to get the process started yet again!
Valley believes it’s never too early to begin searching for that perfect internship. No matter what year you are or what you are looking to do in the future, it doesn’t hurt to put yourself out there for an experience of a lifetime. Here’s how you can get started.
Make a LinkedIn
This is Facebook for the networking scene. It’s an easy way to connect with people from all over the world and start a conversation. Valley thinks this is an way to network, find connections, add to your work experience and build a network.
Go to everything your college has to offer
Valley knows everyone has a million things to do and it could be a pain to dress business casual and go to informational meetings and get your resume checked. However, it helps. Your career and internship office is there to help you. They are professionals and know what they are talking about. Go to the meetings, get your resume checked and build a relationship with them. It will help to know the people who can help you when you are looking for a full time job.
Email, Email, Email
Especially as a communications major a lot of companies are not thinking about summer interns just yet. That doesn’t mean you have to wait! It never hurts to email a company introducing yourself and expressing interest in a future internship. It will show your interested and determined early on.
Don’t get discouraged
It’s a stressful time for everyone. The worst thing you can do is lose hope. Especially when your friends get offers and interviews and you are at a stand still. Never lose hope, trust the process, be confident and open to new possibilities.
When you do get that dream internship, remember to enhance every skill you can. Those two months can go quickly and you want to learn as much as you can about the work environment and the company you are interning for.
“My first internship [Newsradio 1070 WKOK] taught me real world skills that I never would have acquired by just taking classes. I got my first internship by applying online and interviewing in person for it. The long process was definitely stressful and frustrating but was well worth it in the end, said junior, public relations major, Emily Engle.
Fall semester can be fun but also stressful. Take it day by day, create a schedule and plan your time for your school work and for your obtaining your next summer internship.
