Career Center Peer Advice: Internship Search Archives

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 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 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)

January 24, 2008

Use the Momentum!

Tuesday and Wednesday of this week were great days for those of us looking for an internship this summer. We had some great companies come to flourish their programs, and AMAZING turn out from students who impressed all of the recruiters!

We took the time to pass out info sheets regarding this blog to employers with space to give their two cents, so expect their tips and responses in the near future.

Most importantly - you dropped off resumes earlier this week, but you can't simply sit back and wait for those recruiters to call you! Grab that card they gave you and send an email expressing how great it was to talk to them! And finish that application to their post on the Career Center Connector or directly at their website.

Just because you "schmoozed" the recruiter doesn't mean the job is done! It has just begun! Use the momentum of the fair to get on top of those positions and one step closer to that acceptance email or phone call.

-Nick
Peer Advisor

Posted by glauchni at 06:47 PM | Comments (0)

January 22, 2008

Internship/Multicultural Career Fair

Yes, prospective full-time job/internship seekers, today is the internship fair. Over 80 companies from a wide cross section of industries are convening in the Michigan Union to recruit University of Michigan students. Here's a link about the Internship Fair and the Multicultural Career Fair. Here are a few tips:

1. Dress well - This doesn't mean you have to wear a pricey Italian cut suit, nor does it mean that jeans are acceptable. I'd say wearing at least business casual, but most people will be a little bit dressier.

2. Bring resumes - Definitely have a copy of your resume handy. Employers might ask for them and you might want to look over it in the hallway before you enter the ballroom.

3. Do your homework - Having a little background on employers you want to talk to is a good idea. Knowing about them will give you fodder for conversation and you want have to waste time discussing what is already listed on companies' websites. A list of participating organizations can be found here

Also, definitely go to both days of the fair. Different employers will be here on different days. Bring your M-Card! The fairs are today and tomorrow from 2pm-6pm.

Posted by ntambe at 08:54 AM | Comments (0)

December 26, 2007

Have some time over the Holiday?

For Michigan students, any time without responsibilities is welcomed with open arms. However, all of this time shouldn't go to waste just because your tests and papers are all in.

Next semester begins the internship season, kicking off with the Career Center's Internship Fair on January 22nd, but there are a lot of things that one should have done before than in order to take full advantage of every opportunity. Its a great idea to look over your resume with the help of Optimal Resume, but even better to actually send out some applications before that time gets lost to classwork.

If you already have some internships in mind, definitely put in the time now to get the applications done, especially if the organizations are planning on being at the Internship Fair. If you have already applied to the programs that these recruiters are advertising when you walk up to them, it gives you an even better edge because it shows you are truly interested.

If you aren't that far in the process and don't have a list of internships to apply for, now is a great time to get started. Internship season usually begins right about now because most companies have just finished filling their full time positions and are ready for the temporary ones. So now is the time to act! Becoming aware of the internships available is almost the most important part of the internship search because that is where it all starts. To do this, log on to the Career Center Connector to see which companies and organizations are recruiting Wolverines specifically, and also the Internship Listing Websites to see all that is out there.

Whether you have been looking for internships for months or haven't even thought about it, now is the time to get moving to ensure that your summer is one you and your resume will remember for a long time to come.