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February 24, 2008
Spring Break: Its Not Too Late
I had my last shift at the Career Center before Spring Break and saw a spike in people asking about internships, so I thought I might pass on the same words of advice I was giving them.
Spring Break is a great time to get internship applications in!
Everyone is really busy throughout the school year, and often a break is a welcomed relief. But a little cover letter, personal statement and resume writing goes great on a beach! (Ok, that might be a little of a stretch)
But truly, the week off is a great opportunity to catch up in many different ways - including the applications for the opportunities that will define your summer.
And now, more than ever, is the time to get started because we are in the middle of the internship season, with deadlines approaching in the next month or two.
So if you haven't started or aren't quite finished - now is the time to get your applications in.
AND if you haven't started, it is by no means too late. (I just sent in two more applications just yesterday!)
-Nick
Posted by glauchni at 09:15 AM | Comments (0)
February 20, 2008
From Today's Michigan Daily
In today's Michigan Daily, columnist Emmarie Huetteman discusses internships and the prospect that meritocracy may be dead. Really interesting read!
Posted by ntambe at 02:10 PM | Comments (0)
February 18, 2008
Interviews: Time Especially for Me
I have been in the thick of an internship competition for the last couple of weeks, with it all ending very soon. Having gone through a few interviews already, I have one more, for a single position!
Even if the opportunity doesn't turn out, it has been a great opportunity to refresh my interview skills, and my appreciation for the institution that is the interview.
The interview is great because it is some thirty to forty minutes dedicated to discussing YOURSELF with people with some amazing credentials.
Can anyone think of a better topic?
I think that this mindset is actually the most important thing to bring into the interview. When you walk in there, ready to talk about yourself and how well you are going to fit into the position because of your background, how can anything go wrong?
Further, if you are excited about the topic, that excitement will be conveyed to your interviewer and leave a positive air after you leave.
Even better, if you are excited, rather than gripped with fear, you are going to be able to build so much more rapport with your interviewer, such that the whole process will be much less stressful.
So if I could give one piece of advice to people before they walk into the interview it would be to BE EXCITED - because your interviewer is someone already involved in something you are interested in, and is interested in talking to you, about you!
-Nick
Posted by glauchni at 09:32 PM | Comments (0)
February 12, 2008
Deciding Between Summer Opportunities
Here at the Career Center we are in the thick of internship season. Just yesterday Target was interviewing for their Business Analyst Intern position, and we have more interviewers using our facilities soon.
But as recruiters' decisions start being made, very soon you will have to make some decisions of your own as you sift through the "yes" pile.
Before you accept any offer, be sure to ask yourself (and your recruiter) some specific questions, because your decision should only be made with the most information possible.
But that information is more than the name of the office! A good internship isn't one that is with a prestigious company, its one that is filled with great opportunities to learn and grow within an industry you are interested in.
So be sure you are fully aware of what those opportunities are going to be before you give up other opportunities for one.
For example, last summer I had to turn down interview invitations with Congressional offices because I had already accepted a criminal law based internship. Despite how great it would be to work on Capitol Hill, I was confident in nicely saying "no thank you" because I knew my "less prestigious" opportunity was going to be filled with better opportunities to get involved and have an impact than on the Hill.
So think about what the experiences entail before you give any answer, because a good experience is only so if it truly is one that provides you with opportunities to develop and exhibit important professional skills.
Posted by glauchni at 01:39 PM | Comments (0)
February 10, 2008
Opportunity: Summer Academic Peer Advising
The Career Center has been connecting with LSA Academic Advising to put on joint Career-Academic Advising Sessions. They really are great opportunities to get two points of view at once.
So, I had a second here in the basement of Angell Hall at the PAAO office and heard about their Summer Academic Peer Adviser position. It sounds like a really neat program if you are planning on staying in Ann Arbor this summer.
Academic advising (to me) seems similar to Career Advising, but with a slight twist - answers to academic questions and study tips, etc.
The application is available here.
If you are interested send an email to Rob Gordon at rwgordon@umich.edu or call at (734) 936-1551
Posted by glauchni at 03:38 PM | Comments (0)
February 06, 2008
A random thought about employer dinners
I was at a pre-interview dinner event yesterday at Pizza House. A very random thought crossed my mind and I thought I would share. The thought occurred to me when I was drinking a glass of ice-water.
Never hold your glass in your right hand.
Why? Because your hand will be cold when you go to give a handshake and you'll have to (perhaps awkwardly) shift your glass from one hand to another. The risk of spilling is completely unnecessary.
Also, while standing, never try to consume a beverage and an appetizer at the same time. It's a difficult balancing act to have both (a plate in one hand and a glass in another), and having one item is just a little bit smoother and relaxed. You can always grab a bread-stick after you are done conversating!
-Neil
Posted by ntambe at 12:55 PM | Comments (1)
February 05, 2008
SCA Conservation Intern
I was in class today and I was handed a little flier for SCA, which looks like some sort of conservationist organization. It might be of interest to some people if you wanna be outside during the summer ;). The flier says that you can work in national parks, forests and historic sites.
Allegedly its expense-paid and is based out of New Hampshire (I think...).
The website is www.thesca.org, I haven't checked it out, but let me know what you think.
-Nick
Posted by glauchni at 03:53 PM | Comments (0)
February 01, 2008
Job-Fair Wrap Up
I was speaking the other day with a student about internship/job fairs. The student was rather apprehensive about the ordeal. I definitely relate to job-fair anxiety, they really can be intimidating. However, they are really worthwhile. I wanted to relay some tips to make your next job-fair excursion less stressful and more productive. Also, if those reading have advice, please DO leave a comment with your insight!
1. Get your resume out of the way
It's really frustrating to burn the midnight oil working on a resume the day before the job-fair. It is stressful, and it's difficult to get your resume critiqued if you are working on it at 1am.
2. Figure out who's attending
Before the career fair, the list of participating organization is posted. If you figure out who will be there, you can organize your time and make sure to visit the organizations you are most interested in. It will also allow you to develop some questions, which brings me to the next point.
3. Ask questions!
That's what the companies are there for. You don't have to ask 100 questions or even an extremely insightful, thought provoking question. Some possibilities are:
What training do you give your hires?, How many of your interns do you hire full time?, What's the best part of working at your firm?...the possibilities are endless. They key is to have a little bit of conversation and to learn as much as you want or desire.
4. Be prepared for them to ask you questions/Bring your resume
Some companies will ask questions about your experience, sort of like an impromptu interview. Be ready to speak about the experiences on your resume and bring several copies with you. Don't expect to be questioned for longer than a few minutes, but be on your toes.
If an employer doesn't ask for your resume, you aren't doing anything wrong...some companies just do not request them. If you wish, you can ask them (politely) if they accept resumes before you leave their table.
5. Dress Code
Although there is no official dress code, plan to be presentable. My recommendation is to dress at least business casual. Many will be wearing suits too. When in doubt, err on the side of dressing more formally.
6. Be excited!
Job fairs are a great way to meet with employers. Do the best you can and move on. They can be a great spring board, but if the fair doesn't go as well as you hope, don't fret. There will be plenty more opportunities to make an impact on an employer.
Visit the Career Center's Fair page to learn about upcoming career fairs!
-Neil
Posted by ntambe at 12:23 PM | Comments (1)