Why are we here at college anyways? When you think about it, were all a little crazy to be here. What is the point of studying for four, if not five years at a place where you have to pay thousands of dollars just to eat and sleep? The answer, my dear friends, is sadly not partying or meeting the future hubby. Instead, the answer to this question is what we all know deep down: to get a job. And that, of course, starts with an internship.
Ah! The dreaded internship. Something to fear, mull over, and ultimately gnash our teeth at. However, it is a beast that must be conquered if we are to meet success. Thankfully, there is some advice that can help: that of the recruiters.
Straight to you from the Summer Job and Internship Fair, advice from the people who have seen it all. On February 16, I moseyed on over to the Kellogg Center where 90 employers were gathered, perched at their tables, waiting to snap up the best and the brightest. Though intimidating and full of competitive young adults, some more cutthroat than others, I dove in head first, reemerging all the wiser.
After interviewing several recruiters, I began to hear a familiar trend in their answers. It was if they had all gotten in cahoots with one another and come up with a list of what they were looking for. Either that, or they have just had a lot of experience. You pick.
Anyways, let us dig in. The first and most common piece of advice was that of having passion. Employers are looking for someone with not just an ability to do the job, but with a want to do it. That is what sets one person apart from the next. “The best quality [in an intern] is just like the passion for TV, or film, or anything like that,” said Melissa Jarosz, a recruiter from HOM-TV. “If you have that, we’re signing you on to try and get you here.” Emma Haley, a recruiter from Red Frog Events said the same thing, “Basically what we are looking for is someone who is passionate and really open to like learning and trying new things.” Are you seeing the trend? Passion and desire is not only wanted, but seems to be essential.
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Another key tip is to know the company before you meet a recruiter or go to an interview. This may seem simple, but fewer do it than you think. “Even with full time positions, people still need to do research,” said Benjamin Phan, a Kroger recruiter. “If you do. . .then you are way above everyone else.” It seems as though this is a key element, as it was reiterated by others. “They should have looked into who we are, what we do, where we’re located. . .,” said Jane Hodak, the news director of ABC 12. So before rushing in head first, be smart and sit down at your laptop to research the company or companies.
As well as all of this, I also began to hear that while experience is not everything, involvement is. “It’s nice to see when you look at a student’s resume and they’re involved in community groups,” said Shavonne Singleton, a Public Relations Specialist at Peckham. Hodak echoed her, “[We are looking for] somebody who’s well-rounded with their education.” These employers know you may not have a lot of job experience. However, involvement was a big deal to all of them. “Just have some kind of participation in [an organization] and [be] willing to show that leadership skill and that you are motivated to do more,” said Erin Halpin, a recruiter for Kohl’s. The point? Go out and start participating.
Now enters the topic of resumes and cover letters. Whether you like it or not, these are highly important in the whole ‘job and internship’ realm. They allow employers to get to know you and will let them determine if they should continue to pursue you. So, putting together a successful resume or cover letter is vital in today’s job market. However, one must go beyond just following a cookie-cutter formula. “Especially in cover letters, I look for students that really go away from the formal and kind of tell a story, something personable about them and why this is something that would be important for their future,” said Hodak. Haley’s words were similar, “Your cover letter is kind of that unique opportunity for you to stand out. . .we wanna know who you are and what you are passionate about.” As for a resume, Phan put it simply, “A good resume goes a long way.” Three different people at three different ends of the room, all saying the same thing: good resumes and cover letters are necessary.
Finally, one last tip. When you land that swanky internship this summer because you took this advice, do not treat it like another check on your list. “[The successful interns are] those who are there to really learn, who are really excited about what we do and learning from us where it can take them in the future,” said Hodak. Singleton said the same thing, “Take every opportunity seriously and count everything as a learning experience.” And put simply by Jarosz, “It’ll get you a job somewhere when you show that you work hard.”
So there you have it, advice from those who know. When your next opportunity arises, whether it be today, in a week, or next summer, think about what you just read and most importantly, apply it. I wish you luck and will say adieu with one final tip: be calm and intern on!