The Intern Queen

The dreadful internship process seems to haunt every college student. We continue to submit resumes and cover letters to as many companies, in hopes to receive at least one email in return. Internships have become a vital part of our college career, but there is one UCF graduate that has made the process easier for us all.

Lauren Berger is truly the queen of internships. She has created Intern Queen Inc, an online destination to help students find and apply for internships while also educating them on how to make the most out of their experiences. She has interned for top-notch companies across the country, such as NBC, MTV, and FOX. Lauren was named number 5 on Business Week Magazine’s annual list of Young Entrepreneurs 25 Under 25. She works with over 500 companies throughout the U.S and Canada to offer students the best internship opportunities.

Lauren is now a National College Speaker, allowing her to share insight and advice with thousands of students all over the country. Just last week, students at UCF had the chance to listen to her inspirational words of advice. Lauren was extremely friendly and helpful; I was honored to have the chance to meet her.

Intern Queen has always been my number one source for internships. Lauren is an inspiration to all, and her success continues to grow. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to ask Lauren about her internship experiences, college life at UCF, and Intern Queen Inc. Be sure to check out Intern Queen at www.internqueen.com and follow Intern Queen (@internqueen) on Twitter for more updates.

Q: How did you create the idea of Intern Queen Inc?
A: I went to FSU and UCF and realized a lack of internship resources. I wanted a website where I could ask someone my questions and directly connect with the internships of my dreams…..enter InternQueen.com J
 
Q: How many internships did you complete during college?
A: 15
 
Q: Name one of your most memorable internship experiences?
A: The Daily Buzz, Nationally Syndicated Morning Show Internship – In Orlando!
 
Q: At what age did you complete your first internship and where?
A: Age 19 at the Zimmerman Agency in Tallahassee, Florida – spring semester of my Freshman year of college.
 
Q: Why are internships during college so important today?
A: You are gaining relevant job experience and building connections. Internships are priceless. An employer wants to hire someone that has experience.
 
Q: What type of degree did you earn at UCF?
A: Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Business Communications
  
Q: What was your dream job before starting Intern Queen Inc?
A: To be a marketing/branding executive.
 
Q: What was your favorite thing about attending UCF?
A: The location, the opportunities, the people.
 
Q: What are the top three qualities that you look for in an intern?
A: Dedicated, hard-working, sparkling personality J
 
Q: How important of a role is social media/Twitter in today’s internship search?
A: It’s becoming extremely important in fields across the board. Find the employers you want to work for on twitter. Engage, connect, and start a conversation.
 
Q: Do you believe it is acceptable to tweet companies regarding internship opportunities?
A: Yes, but make sure all of your tweets are appropriate first. They will check your twitter stream. I’ve had several students land internships because they reached out over twitter.
 
Q: What is the best advice you can give to a student starting the internship search?
A: Don’t stop your search until you land an internship. Become a person that makes things happen and doesn’t take NO for an answer.
 
Q: How many campus ambassadors do you have on your team?
A: Today we have about 90 Intern Queen Campus Ambassadors on college campuses worldwide.
 
Q: How does a student become a campus ambassador if interested?
A: We have one per campus. They can email kayla@internqueen.com with their graduation year and why they are excited about internships and internqueen.com.
 
Q: I know you recently started Intern Queen Phone, can you tell us how this program works?
A: Intern Queen Phone is an exclusive conference call series that I host. Each week we have a different internship coordinator that answers student’s personal questions on the call. These are the people looking at your resumes and you can ask them anything you want. These calls are usually less than 20 people and cost $4.99 to attend. To sign up email kayla@internqueen.com.
 
Past guests have included the internship coordinators from Conan, Marie Claire, CollegeCandy.com, and more.
 
Q: What is InternChat and how does one get involved?
A: InternChat is a Twitter Chat every other Tuesday on Twitter. It’s your opportunity to directly interact with myself and Heather Huhman (Career Coach). Ask us your questions about anything internship or career related and hashtag it #internchat. The next #internchat is Tuesday at 7PM
EST.
 
Q: What type of internship advice do you provide on your website and blog?
A: All of our advice is geared towards the college student who makes the most of every situation –per sonal, academic, and professional. Our content helps students make the most of every situation – both inside and outside of their internship.
 
Q: What is your favorite part about the job?
A: I wake up every morning and I’m in full control of my day. That is a feeling like no other.
 
Q: If you had to choose one mentor in your life, who would it be?
A: Tracy Brennan – head of MP Talent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
 
Q: What is the next step for Intern Queen Inc?
A: Become a household name – tell your friends J

Kacey, Lauren and Kelsi 

If you weren’t able to make it to hear Lauren speak at UCF, I compiled a list of quick tips below that I gained from the experience.

• Before starting to apply for any internship, compile a dream list (10-20 companies that are your dream jobs)
• After applying, follow up in 2 weeks
• Keep your resume to 1 page
• Include your expected graduation date on your resume
• In a cover letter, always reference the employer (make sure each cover letter is individualized)
• After every semester, find one professor to write a letter of recommendation
• Keep your Facebook appropriate at all times
• Create a LinkedIn to connect with employers
• PR majors should be taking full advantage of Twitter and Blogging
• Stay in touch with employers three times a year (Fall, Spring, Summer)