Winter Break Tips for College Students: How to Secure a 2024 Summer Internship?

As winter break unfolds, many college students find themselves contemplating the pursuit of a summer internship. While it's common knowledge that numerous internship programs fill up during the fall, the season doesn't mark the end of opportunities. Contrary to the belief that everyone is on vacation, the slowdown in activities can present an ideal time to establish connections and secure a summer job. Companies often use this period to make decisions about their hiring needs for the upcoming year. If you're still on the lookout for a college internship, consider these updated do's and don'ts:

DO:

1. Make Connections: Utilize holiday gatherings to speak with friends and family about their professional experiences. Seek advice on how to navigate your internship search.
2. Maintain Professionalism: While connecting with family and friends is beneficial, ensure professionalism in your communication, whether through writing or conversations. Prefer email over text, and think about showcasing your skills with relevant experiences.
3. Be Open-Minded: Explore a variety of opportunities across different roles and industries . Talking to individuals in various positions can open unexpected doors.
4. LinkedIn: This platform is a valuable tool for making connections, researching companies, and learning about internships or jobs. Here are our top tips on how to navigate LinkedIn to help land a job or internship .

DON'T:

1. Delay Your Outreach: Contrary to the assumption that everyone is on vacation, many companies actively hire for internships during the winter break and the spring semester. Take advantage of the slower pace and increased availability.
2. Overlook Professionalism: Avoid using emojis, texting language, or incomplete sentences, as these can negatively impact your chances. Dress appropriately for meetings, as first impressions matter.
3. Skip Relationship Building: Building credibility and relationships takes time . Avoid approaching strangers solely to ask for an internship, as being too abrupt or desperate can be off-putting to employers.

Securing a job or internship requires persistence, and if you stay focused during winter break, you will be a step ahead of your peers. If you would like to learn more about how Next Great Step helps college students and recent grads land an internship or first job, let’s talk. Schedule a complimentary consultation today .

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