2018-19

January is a great time to start your internship search. There are several events and programs you can participate in now to launch your search. The Career Center is hosting two career fairs this month, the Tech and Innovation Career Fair on Tuesday, January 22 and the Winter Career Fair on Wednesday, January 23. Prior to attending a career fair spend some timing planning your approach to searching for internships. What careers and types of work interest you? What skills do you need to build and what skills do you feel you already have? Log on to Handshake to learn more about the employers attending the career fairs and the internship opportunities they have available. Is your resume ready? Have you reviewed your LinkedIn profile? Take some time to make sure these tools are updated and accurately reflect you. Have a friend proofread these or attend one of the Career Center’s Resume and Career Fair prep labs. You can also schedule an appointment via Handshake.

In addition to the resources available through the university, it is critical to be proactive in your search. Let family, friends, and professors know that you are looking for an internship and ask if they know anyone at the firm or in the career of your interest. Seek informational interviews with the individuals at these firms and be sure to inform them that you are interested in following a similar path. A short 15-20 minute coffee chat or phone conversation could lead to an internship interview or even an offer!

Lastly, it is important not to get discouraged in your internship search! Remember that you are a qualified applicant, and just because you do not receive an interview or an offer from one company does not mean you should give up. A key part to the internship search is making sure you keep applying to different firms and understand that every application and interview can be a learning experience regardless of whether or not you get the offer. Keep being proactive and you’ll find the company and career that is the right fit!