Summer internships

If you weren’t sure about applying for an internship in the fall—when companies traditionally recruit their summer interns—you are in luck.  Just-in-time internships are the latest trend these days. Think of applying for an internship as a rolling process.  There is no definite deadline.  It all depends on finding the opportunity that fits you.

Along those lines, here are three main big picture ideas to help you make the most out of your internship experience…should you decide to pursue it.

Start with the end in mind.  What do you want from this internship?  Money?  A reputable name in your resume? The opportunity to work in an entrepreneurial environment? You must decide first what your key priority is.  It’s kind of working backwards.  Think of next September and ask yourself, what would make me the happiest when I think back about my summer internship? Once you have an answer (e.g. money, big-name company) then zero in on those companies that could make your goal a reality.

Make sure you will learn one new skill (at least).  When looking for an internship, one minimum requirement I usually advise clients is to find an opportunity that will challenge them in some way.  If you can do spreadsheets in your sleep, and this job is about Excel 90% of the time, you are going for the easy job.  But if the internship allows the learning of other similar programs or building on the skills you already have, then you will not only have something to show on your resume but your brain will also get a workout.  Now, if your main priority is to earn as much money as possible (remember, point 1?), then not learning a new skill may be the trade off you have to pay.  Your decision.

Seek opportunities to expand your network (responsibly).  An internship experience is a natural way to meet new people who may become future peers or bosses.  And more importantly, references.  Be open and available to social events with you summer colleagues.  The goal here is to build a professional image or dependability and likeability.  Stay away from careless and reckless behavior which can be easily captured on camera.

Remember the saying, "tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are?" The same applies to internships.  Tell me what kind of internship you are after, and I will tell you where you will end up.

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Career milestones while in college

As you may know from previous posts, I am a relentless advocate for a proactive mindset when it comes to managing your career.   In my opinion, college students who seek out opportunities to develop their own professional paths --while in college—will ultimately increase their success rate to find internships and jobs. 

In order to be proactive, one has to become goal oriented.  The same intent placed in writing a great paper or being an outstanding student while in college needs to be applied to creating and opening doors that ultimately will lead to jobs.  With this in mind, I offer you a few suggested goals—or milestones—to accomplish at each year of your college experience. 

Freshman Year. This is a year of transitions.  Students leave the high school lifestyle—familiar and structured-- and embark into college life—individual and unknown.  The focus during this period—in addition to academic achievement – needs to be in two areas:  social skills and managing time. Developing social skills while in college means to learn to interact with others—not only as friends and buddies—but also as team members.  This is the time when your professional reputation starts to take shape.  Time management is a key ingredient of that reputation.  Whereas in high school most of your classes were scheduled for you, in college you pick what you want to take and when.

Sophomore Year. At this stage, you know the law of the land.  You know who is a lazy student or who is a good team player.  You also have a better idea of professors’ preferred way of teaching and grading.  This is the time to up your game.  Start to consider a few majors, areas of interest, internships, companies—if have not done so already.  Get involved in student organizations, and expand your horizons beyond your immediate residence hall, or study group.  If possible, take classes or cross register at a different school.

Junior Year.  Start to get serious about internships, jobs and professional relationships.  Take calculated risks.  This is a good time to start an entrepreneurial venture if you want to.  You know enough not to leap into a dark hole and still have a one year cushion in case it doesn’t work.  The same applies to internships.  Explore internship opportunities in different areas if you have several choices.

Senior Year.  During this period focus on communicating the value you bring to hiring companies.  Showcase all the skills you have developed in the past four years.  Your resume is only one of the tools to help market yourself.  Networking events, information sessions and tapping into your school’s alumni network are a few other avenues to reach out to your prospective target employer.

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The benefits of joining professional organizations

When I suggest to college students to join one or two professional associations, they usually give me a look of disbelief and confusion.  “I am not a professional, yet,” is a usual response.  Or, “It’s too expensive.”

They could not be more wrong!!

Professional organizations are one of the best sources for college students to explore career options, expand and enhance a professional network, and identify and develop leadership skills.   Some skeptics may argue that student organizations fulfill a similar role.  I beg to differ.  Although student organizations offer an excellent forum for students to develop as leaders, the experience is mainly at the peer level.  Meanwhile, professional organizations provide college students with the chance to interact with peers from other schools and professionals who could later become mentors or, better yet, employers.

If I were to summarize the benefits of joining a professional organization in one word, I would choose opportunities.  More specifically, professional organizations offer college students significant benefits such as:

Resources.  In the form of scholarships, supplies (e.g. notebooks, phones), free training and professional development, tutoring, and mentoring.  Human resource departments of large corporations usually have a college liaison that works with colleges and professional organizations. 

Jobs and internships.  Future employers welcome the chance to get know and to groom their prospective employees.  Every networking event creates an opportunity to meet decision makers from companies that could lead to an invitation to an open house or an interview.

Leadership development.  Becoming a member of a professional organization places college students at the forefront of leadership roles.  By getting involved in committees, members learn about collaboration, team work, delegation and accountability—all while developing and executing a project.

So, next time you hear about an upcoming event hosted by a professional organization in your field of interest, think twice before turning it down flat.

In terms of cost, most student memberships for a year period are on average $25.  Imagine:     How much would you invest to increase your chances of getting the job of your dreams or finding the mentor you always wanted? Would that value be $25?

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