INTERNSHIPS.
A word that seemed so foreign until now. You only heard upperclassman use that word, but now you realize you are a junior. You are an adolescent flowering into a real grown up; an adult (*shudders dramatically). I’m afraid it’s time to have the talk, my friend.
Let’s talk about…work experience.
How do I get an internship? Where do I look? What if I don’t know what I want to do with my life?! OH MY GOD, AM I GOING TO BE A JOBLESS BUM FOR THE REST OF MY DAYS?!
Okay, calm down little Aggie. Everything will be okay. Just breathe.
We know you have a lot of questions. That’s okay! We have plenty of answers.
1. SCOUR THE WEB
The internet may seem overwhelming at this early stage, but a good tip to remember is to limit your search. Type key words related to the job you want or skills you have. For example, if you are a human dictionary and love words, look for jobs that include the words ‘writing, research, or communication.’
2. APPLY FOR EVERYTHING YOU WANT
This is NOT the time to get lazy. It is imperative that you check daily for openings for applications. You may not hear back for a long time or ever, but that does not mean that you quit! Try to be consistent when applying. Keep your resume updated, polished and professional, and ready to go. It also helps to have a general template for a cover letter that you can adjust according to each position you apply to. Shoot to apply for at least one internship per day. Even if you get just one response, it was all worth it.
3. NETWORK
Whether you go through the Aggie Network or you meet potential employers in person, always make your best first impression. INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Leave them with a reminder of who you are, be it your enthusiasm, a shared interest in all things maroon, or your business card. You never know who you could meet!
4. RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH
Ever wanted to work for a specific company like Google, BP, or Yahoo? Look into seeing if these awesome places have an internship program. Almost every company does, and maybe you’ll be the one to land it! And don’t be the buffoon that is stumped on the interview question, “So why do you want to work for (__fill in the blank with company you know nothing about__)?” Always read the ‘About Us’ tab on the company’s website. Familiarize yourself with the culture and the content.
5. BE OPEN MINDED
So maybe there isn’t an internship that allows you to test drive the latest Ferrari on the Autobahn. Tough cookies. Start smaller, think bigger. There might be a really cool work experience opportunity at a car company that could lead to your future career! And don’t fret if there aren’t any openings in your chosen field. Sometimes getting your foot in the door with a company you like in a different department could allow you to move around the company later on in your career until you find your fit. Besides, this is a great way to find out what you like and what you don’t like.
6. BE PATIENT
You may be frantic at this point and believe the only income you will ever receive in life will be from babysitting the Johnsons’ kid or by picking up popcorn from the floor of Generic Local Movie Theater Cineplex. Trust me, you will be just fine. Employers have busy lives and usually hiring interns is last on their list of things-to-do. Fear not, they will get to you EVENTUALLY. And when they do, be enthusiastic and understanding no matter what. You never know what amazing opportunities you can create for yourself!
GO GET ‘EM, AG!