Searching for the Elusive Internship (or Job or Co-Op) What I learned so far

Like many  students, I am currently on the hunt. The target? The elusive internship. Gone are the days when lifeguarding by the pool or relaxing with friends can be our main activities during the summer. Instead it is time to take the first steps into the professional world. I was fortunate enough to have finally landed my first on-campus job during the coming semester (technically not an internship but bear with me). Throughout the countless applications sent, interviews, and times editing my resume, I learned several important facts:

1. It is important to make the most of your time during the school year

The school year is definitely a hectic time for a student. Papers, exams, extracurriculars, responsibilities may take up the majority of our time but it is also prime time to hone our skills. There are so many opportunities for students to get involved. Taking a leadership role at a club. Joining a volunteer or professional organization. Going to office hours and talking to your professors. All of these things can help in some way. Many positions say they are looking for self-motivated, accountable, and flexible individuals. Show how you are self-motivated, prove how you are accountable, and demonstrate you are flexible.

2. Prepare before applying

Early last semester, I applied to a certain position. I figured that by applying early I could improve my chances. The problem was that I rushed through the application and cover letter which, in turn, produced a rather generic and lacking application. The moral of this story is to be prepared and never sacrifice quality for convenience. It is important to make use of your resources; that is going to your universities career center and getting your resume or cover letter critiqued and, more importantly, tailoring your resume and cover letter to the specific position (that means actually reading the job description and doing research on the company/position).

3. Do not give up

It is difficult to accept rejection and failure. However, as cliche as it sounds, you never know unless you try (and keep trying). Inevitably, everyone will face failure at one point but it is important to keep being motivated and to not place limits upon yourself. The fact that you are actively trying to gain professional experience puts you at an advantage.

As I continue my hunt to make the most out of my sophmore summer, I will likely learn more. After all, learning is a continued process. For now, I am looking forward to the coming semester and the challenges it will bring. To all my fellow students out there, good luck on your own hunts and remember getting started is oftentimes the hardest part.

#StudentVoices 

Stock image taken from google images