I think at this time of the year, your classrooms are probably separating into the haves and have-nots: you’ve got those few kids who have already landed their internships (and don’t be bitter – sure, some of them probably had family connections, but many of them probably hustled to get where they are).
On the other side of the class are the kids who know they need internships, but haven’t yet landed one. Here are 5 quick tips to maximize your hiring potential as the days tick down toward summer:
1. Update your resume now. I mean NOW – after you finish this, open up Microsoft Word and update your resume immediately. If you’re in dire straits, this needs to be ready to go at all times. You’ll find that this is a rule that everybody needs to follow, even long into their professional career. Funny how that Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” ends up ringing so true, isn’t it?
2. Talk to your professors. If you’re in a professional program, such as advertising or public relations, your professors have career experience, or they wouldn’t be teaching. At the top of your syllabus (dust it off) there’s a little note called “office hours.” Stop by those hours and your professor will lend a hand. That’s why they’re hired.
3. Try something new on campus during the last semester. There are probably competitions and clubs who pick up midway through: it’s another means of networking and resume building. If you’re struggling to get an internship, it might be time to move out of your comfort zone of Thursdays-at-the-pub, Fridays-at-the-club. Put the right priorities first.
4. WIDEN YOUR NET. This is where YouIntern.com comes in. Sure, we have a number of the world’s best agencies on YouIntern.com, but we also have a number of smaller places that might give you a better shot at an internship. Remember that on your resume, your work experience matters as much as your workplace.
5. Keep your chin up and your mind open. Opportunities pop up when you least expect it. Never be afraid to take a turn down what you thought was a predetermined path. If you’re in college, your career is going to change many times as you get older. Might as well get used to it now.
One more note: pay close attention to YouIntern.com over the next few days. We've got big news that'll help you if you're in this spot.
