Your Summer Internship: What are you waiting for?

It happens every spring immediately after Spring break. The CALL.  It comes from a stressed college student or a concerned parent asking for help in finding an internship for the summer. As a parent of teenagers myself, I empathize with both parent and student balancing busy schedules, workload and aspirations. The fact that time can get away from us is no surprise in our house. 

Panic usually sets in for young adults around six weeks before summer begins when they realize just how much goes into the process of securing a fulfilling internship. Often this involves multiple steps including creating and delivering a resume, personalizing cover letters, creating a Linked In profile, preparing for interviews and follow up. 

Generally speaking people want to do what they can to help the next generation. However when the texts and phone calls start so late in the season, the first question we are often asked is “Where were they when my firm was on campus?”. Second question: “Why did they wait so long?”  Always legitimate questions but never easy to answer.  

Candidates are starting out with a strike against them when they apply so late in the season. This narrative needs to change!

Wayfind provides an alternative. Put yourself in the driver’s seat and begin your search NOW. Top internships within every industry are competitive with deadlines in early and mid November. Go to your College Career Services office and look at opportunities. Go to Linked In and search for unique internship programs nationwide.  This is important for rising juniors, especially since some firms extend full-time job offers at the end of these summer internships.. You are Top Talent - employers want you in their programs and ultimately as part of their firm. Go for it. If you do not apply you will never get the opportunity! 

No matter what your plans are for the summer, a resume is your first step. It is your first touchpoint and should be professional and polished.

Be Resume Ready- Have your resume ready. Qualify & Quantify your experience.

Example: Jewish Community Center of Greater Metro Area

• Largest community center in the Midwest; 5,000 annual members and 900 campers.
• Bunk 1 Co-Counselor: Responsible for health and welfare of 18 six year olds for 8 hours a day. 
• Daily maintenance and attention to camp schedule of activities. Mindful of last minute changes.
• Responsible for the care of several campers specific health and dietary restrictions.
• Responsible for strict safety protocols; specifically at swim and camp wide dismissal. 
• Share bunk information with camp director for weekly newsletter. 

Qualify & quantify your participation in group projects in your college courses. Discuss your community service,, fraternity/sorority activities, etc.

These are just a few tips to get you started. Don’t let these opportunities pass you by. As always, Wayfind is here to help in any which way that you might need. As we say at Wayfind-your career your way.  

Stay tuned for information on workshops in NYC soon.. Workshop series include a session on resumes, interview prep and linked in networking. At the last workshop you will receive a professional headshot. 

If interested in learning more about our workshops and or services please email: [email protected] .