The last 3 summers I worked at a camp, because it made me really happy and the pay was decent — certainly better than most unpaid internships. I am now getting really worried going into senior year that I won’t have a good foot in the door for a job in PR or marketing, which I think I’m interested in. Any ideas for how to boost my resume or to make contacts without an internship?
Great question- you are not alone in having experience that may not be a perfect stepping stone for the path you’re looking to follow. That said, there are two things I would focus on. First is that it is not too late- many students have their first internships their senior year. Work towards a goal of two- one in the Fall semester and the other in the Spring.
Let’s start with who you know already to leverage your existing network. When school starts again, make an effort to meet with your favorite professors and TA’s in their office hours. Often, they are willing to provide advice and introductions to people that they know in their field for students that are really making an effort. It also sounds like you’ve proven to be a trusted asset to the Summer camp for the last three years. And many many parents have been grateful for your time with their children- parents that either work in Marketing or Public Relations or likely may know someone within the field. Work on developing an email or a soft request to them via the website LinkedIn. If you haven’t established a profile there, do so as it is the Facebook of the professional world.
Resources like your school Career Center and websites that focus specifically on listing internships like InternQueen.com are great places to start. Don’t get overwhelmed, stay focused on the fields you want. Finding a job or internship is about being patient and relentless at the same time.
The Wall Street Journal reported recently that 90% of jobs are filled through referrals. You’ve worked hard for the network you already have- start leveraging those contacts first and good luck!