As a senior, I’ve done my fair share of Jan Plans. Freshman year I took a class, sophomore year I did an internship for credit, and junior year I took a class again. While I think taking classes during Jan Plan is a great way to get ahead in credits so you can have an easier senior year, Colby’s Jan Plan also gives students a unique opportunity to try something new and exciting. This year, I decided to pursue an internship in the fashion industry in New York City. After being in New York this summer and last, I completely fell in love with the city and jumped on the first chance I had to go back. So this January I’m starting where I left off and continuing to work for the same company as I did this past summer. I am not only building a stronger relationship with the company I loved interning for, but I am also getting more hands-on experience for my future. Instead of sitting at home, which I could have done considering I only need three Jan Plans to graduate, I am out learning, experiencing, and building my résumé. Here are some tips and ideas for landing a good Jan Plan internship and making it as productive and worthwhile as possible.
1. Reach out to someone you’ve already worked for. You’re already at an advantage. He or she already knows who you are and what your strengths and weaknesses are, so you don’t need any real training time before you start working. I was able to jump right in on tasks without my employers having to prepare me in any way. A lot of times, companies are hesitant to hire people just for one month because it can be more work than benefit for them. But if you work for someone you’ve already interned with before, you have a good opportunity to get to know them better and build on your relationship; if they liked you and you proved yourself as a helpful addition to the office, chances are they would want you to come back.
2. Network. If you’re in a city where you know you would want to work post-graduation, send your résumé out and try to meet people. Being in Waterville, Maine doesn’t always give us opportunities for face-time with employers. So if you have the time, get in some meetings. Even if they don’t go well, at least you’re getting practice!
3. Stay with friends. If you’re going to do an unpaid internship, it’s probably not very economical to pay for a place to stay for a month. Luckily, NYU, FIT, Columbia, etc. students tend to get out of town during their holiday, so apartment-sit for a friend! If they let you stay for free, get them a bottle of wine or a cute coffee-table book to show your appreciation. Rack your parents’ brains for family friends who might let you crash. Maybe they’ll even cook for you if you’re lucky!
4. Connect with alumni. Whether it’s a friend you want to catch up with or someone working in an industry that you’re interested in, Colby grads love to hear from current students. It’s easy to make a connection and a great way to build up your contacts. You can always ask them about what their friends do and get new contacts that way. Don’t hesitate to call them, either!
5. Be Flexible and work hard. Especially if you’re a senior, it’s time to show the employer that you’re ready for a full time job. Don’t ask to leave early; stick around and wait to be dismissed. And most importantly, do your best work. Even though the internship is probably unpaid, doing your best work will at least get you a good recommendation. This is your chance to prove to someone that you deserve a job, so make a positive last impression. On that same note, don’t be afraid to inquire about being hired. Let them know you’re interested in future positions opening up!
Spending time in a city between semesters is a great change from Waterville. For me, being in New York in particular is perfect not only for getting a change of scenery, but also for meeting new people. The vastness and diversity of the many areas of New York gives me so many things to do and so many opportunities to take advantage of. I’ve learned that the most important thing to do is to give my time in New York City my all while I’m here for Jan Plan. So if I had to leave you with one piece of advice, it would be to get out there, work hard, and have fun. It will pay off; take my word for it.
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