By Sharon Feder '06
Summer Opportunities
The school year is coming to a close and though it may seem far away, the summer is fast approaching. But before you run back to your same old summer job you might consider other opportunities -- internships and volunteer work.
Internship experience is consistently ranked as the number one item employers look for when considering college graduates for a full-time position.
Senior Jessika Pasko talks about her internship with Spin Magazine:
"I was able to land an editorial internship with Spin. One of the main projects this semester has been assisting with putting together Spin's 20th anniversary book, co-edited by Will Hermes. I also work on putting together our online database, fact-checking articles, research, calling publicists, scouring for news ideas and more. Although I'm not sure yet whether I want to work in news or arts, newspaper or magazine, Spin will definitely provide me with connections."
Internships
Internships are experiences that give students the opportunity to explore a field that they might be interested in. This means that interns are not getting their supervisors' coffee, but working as an integral part of their company.
Some internships are paid, while others are unpaid. However, don't rule out an unpaid position. "Part-time internships allow time for paying-jobs," explains Career Resource Center assistant director Dawn McCaw. "Students might also be able to get academic credit for their internship experience."
Some great places to start looking for internships are:
Volunteer Work
Many students think volunteer opportunities are unpaid; that is not always the case.
Organizations such as AmeriCorps, a domestic Peace Corps, provide a monetary award for students who complete community service through their organization or will even allot work study funds as a part of their program.
For a full listing of volunteer opportunities, visit the Career Resource Center's Web site.
Get creative
As you search for a summer position, you might find that companies and organizations have already filled their spots. But don't get discouraged!
Summer is a time when you should be exploring your future—interning and volunteering are not the end-all and be-all, they are a means to new beginnings affording you an opportunity to learn more about the field and networking.
Research possible employers and ask if you can shadow them. When shadowing, students observe employers and allow the employers to become mentors to their students.
The Career Resource Center provides one-on-one consultations, mock interviews, workshops, and networking opportunities. For more information, visit their Web site.
Employment Fair 2005, April 15, 2005
Student Union Building Multi-Purpose Room
Internships and full-time job opportunities!