As summer approaches, more and more people around me are applying to internships and jobs. This is the norm, seeing as everyone around me is a college student, but one thing that I have struggled with personally is my fear of rejection. I constantly find myself looking at internships, bookmarking them on my laptop, and most of the time not applying to them. Why is that?
I’m very good at psyching myself out, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this. With so many other people who are seemingly more qualified and prepared than I am, how could I not?
I always fear that I won’t be competitive enough, but here’s the thing: If you never try, you’ll never know if you’re competitive enough. Maybe the person reviewing your resume or cover letter will see something in you that you don’t see in yourself. The problem with me, and maybe you (if we’re on the same boat), is that I don’t give myself enough credit. Remember—you’re just as deserving of this job or internship as anyone else. And if you don’t get one internship, it shouldn’t stop you from applying to another.
That’s easier said than done; I know from experience. It’s hard not to take rejection personally, and it’s even harder to throw your resume out there a second time. But don’t let intimidation faze you.
Like Eleanor Roosevelt (and Joe from The Princess Diaries) once said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Sure, there will always be someone with a higher GPA, more job experience, and more skills. Should that stop you from applying to Google, or any other workplace?
Your skills and accomplishments are not undermined by the person next to you, and while at UCD, I’ve realized that comparing myself to other people is useless. Competition will always remain, but so can confidence.
Remember, you’ve gotten yourself this far. You’re in college, pursuing a bright future! No employer can ever take your achievements away from you. If you’re having a hard time with applications, or submitting your resumes, know that fear of rejection is definitely a thing. But it’s not something that should deter you because you might miss out on something great in the long run. So go out there, and take a chance on yourself. The only thing keeping you from a great opportunity is you.