1. Start Searching Early
Some internships and summer research opportunities open their applications as early as November. Websites such as internships.com focus on finding internships and is a great place to start. The Big Ten Academic Alliance has a Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) that allows you to enhance your academic and research skills by working one-on-one with a faculty mentor from a top research university. This program is great for undergrads who plan on applying to graduate school.
2. Talk to Your Professors
When we first start college, we always get told to attend office hours and often we ignore this piece of advice. I’m here to tell you that that is one of the worst decisions! Office hours not only get you help if you need it, they also give you time to get to know you professors. This helps establish a connection and if the professor is within your major, can make an excellent resource for recommendation letters. Some professors are also doing current research and if they know you and your work ethic, they might allow you to help.
3. Go to Career Fairs and Career Service Office
Your Career Services Office at your college is a great resource and is free of charge! The counselors not only help you identify career and/or internship fairs, they help with resume building and sometimes hold mock interviews.
Top employers attend career fairs to recruit talented students who are eager to gain experience and even if you don’t get one, the practice is amazing for future opportunities. Be prepared to give a 60-second introduction that describes how you can be of value to an employer and follow up with any recruiters you meet at a fair.
4. Contact Employers
After attending the fairs, make sure you call or visit employers in your area of interest and ask about summer jobs/internships. Make sure you have that 60-second introduction together because it can make or break your chances.
If they have summer jobs available or camp/resort opportunities, really consider applying to gain communication skills. Temp agencies can also provide information on potential jobs. Be sure to follow up with employers whenever possible to arrange an in-person or telephone interview.
Good luck out there! You can do it!
By: Amiracle Williams-Anderson