Now that it is February, internship-applying season is in full force. As a sophomore at SJU, I am trembling with fear of the near future, especially the upcoming summer months. What are you doing this summer to enhance your resume and stand out to your dream job or program?
If you are having trouble seeing a future past this spring semester, you and I are on the same page. Between juggling school and extracurricular activities, finding the time to sit down and search for an internship seems impossible. This feeling of uncertainty is incredibly normal and there are many events and faculty on campus willing to help. Let’s delve into some awesome things you can do at SJU to boost your confidence and resume!
1. Career Center Networking Events:
Two weeks ago, I took a leap of faith and attended my first Health Care and Science Networking Event. It was an enriching experience, however, it was a tad frightening. Business casual attire was mandatory so I put on my dress pants, borrowed my roommate’s blazer, and set off on my hour and a half journey. During my time in the Doyle Banquet Hall South, I spoke with various professionals in the field, obtained their business cards, and simply networked. Whether you have realized it before or not, networking IS key. An internship has not come out of this experience yet, but it did boost my confidence and help me to grow as a person.
Be sure to check with the SJU Career Development Center to see what networking events are coming up. You will not regret it!
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2. SJU Careers Website:
When completely clueless about job opportunities, visit the SJU Careers website. Here is one of many success stories… Joe DeCapua is a current sophomore Actuarial Science and Math Double Major at SJU. One day while scrolling through the website, a post caught his eye and he delved into the job description. He proceeded to email the head of human resources and acquired a phone interview, followed by a personal interview with the president and CEO of the company in one of the many highly esteemed skyscrapers on Market Street in Philadelphia. Joe has just recently been rewarded the position and is awaiting his chance to see “if I have what it takes to be successful in the real world outside of the classroom.”
There are so many job opportunities on the SJU Careers website. All you need is the confidence to apply!
3. Mock Interviews:
Preparing for interviews can be stressful and tedious between sprucing up your resume and preparing for the impending questions. The Career Development Center puts a great deal of effort into giving students the opportunity to prepare for this important career step. Charlie Martin is a Food Marketing Major who recently did a mock interview with Sysco. Before this interview, he researched the company and practiced answering potential questions, just as if he were getting ready for a real interview. “The interviewer gave me feedback, looked over my resume, and told me everything I needed to improve on. Overall, it was a great experience and not as stressful as going into a real interview”.
Thank you Charlie for sharing your experience!
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4. Shadowing:
If you are preparing to go in to the healthcare field, the term “shadowing” is engraved into your vocabulary. These opportunities are very beneficial and mandatory for applying to schools. However, sometimes shadowing experiences can be hard to come by. If you cannot find a professional to shadow on your own, advisors such as Connie O’Hara, the Health Professions Advisor at SJU, will be your new best friend. Jessie Kerns is an aspiring Biology major who has not quite found her niche in the healthcare or research field yet. With the potential career as a surgeon drifting through her mind, Jessie deemed it essential to shadow a prestigious professional in that field. Last Saturday, Jessie shadowed a trauma surgeon for 24 hours and had the chance to talk to two current medical students. As an aspiring medical student, this unique experience will definitely help Jessie to stand out.
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Good luck with all of your future endeavors Hawks!
HCXO,
Mary