Goodbye Internship Blues: Collegiate’s Guide to a REAL job

With the mix of exams, and group projects and then finals, finding an internship may not be your next step for Summer 2013. Sipping wine coolers on the beach? Now that sounds about right. Summer may be your time to relax, take in the heat and enjoy the rest of the year—not contemplating your future five years from now. Sadly, this is not the case in our current competitive work environment. College does not last forever, and its important to remember that those exams, projects, and finals were not all for nothing. An internship may not be a relaxing summer option, but it is key to making sure all your hard work pays off. Also, it can be fun once you get the job you really want. Here are some tips to make the most out of your summer with an internship the fun way:

·      Networking: Take advantage of the career center. They are always having dinners, mock interviews, and socials to let the young hawks meet potential employers. When meeting new people, eating free food, and parties are part of the process, an internship may not be a waste of your summer.

·      Timing: Don’t start you internship search a month before summer. Take time over winter break to scout out what businesses or companies you’re interested in.

·      Wardrobe: A part of landing an internship is shopping! This is an excuse to make your mom buy you clothes. You can tell her you have an important job, and are succeeding in life. Now she will let you use her credit card to get the essentials at H&M. Check our style blog section for tips on the best internship looks!

·      New People: Your first internship, or even second, will probably not be your end career or goal. It’s important to remember, however, to make friends while your there. They may have friends or family in other careers you are more interested in.

Most importantly, Internship opportunities are about asking questions and creating your own moment. You’re allowed a small bragging period to show your friends and family your success. You go girl! This is the time to test the skills you have developed in the classroom into the real world. Although serving ice-cream on the boardwalk may have took minimal effort and acquired a great tan, you will thank yourself now rather than later when you get to appreciate the experience of exposing yourself to the real world. Gaining an internship, you’re able to test what you know, discover more than imaginable and create an experience you will be able to bring to the forefront of your job search in years to come. This summer, I will be an auditing intern with Grant Thornton. Although the search required showing approval on a my resume with positive grades, several clubs and activities—I believe networking and meeting the right people really developed my ability to gain an internship as a sophomore in my collegiate career. Now, if you think you’re behind in the search. Toss that attitude right aside because it is never too late to start asking around—talk to friends, professors and family members. There is always a door ready to open, now it is about finding the right key to access it. Happy Searching, and most importantly—Goodbye Internship Blues.