Internships are a great way to get experience in a career field and have an edge over classmates graduating with the same degree. Yes, a high Grade Point Average is very important to future employers, but nothing proves your worth like showing you can make it in industry. Furthermore, an internship allows a student to put classroom knowledge into practice, making the invaluable connection between academia and industry. When graduation arrives, a student with internship experience will better understand the different directions or tracks of his/her field of study and can pursue the best one for him/her. Some internships are paid positions, providing income for the student to use towards academic or living expenses. While an internship may extend one's graduation by a semester or two, the professional experience gained will be invaluable towards starting a lifelong career.

    If the purpose of high school is to get into college, and the purpose of college is to obtain knowledge and skills to get a successful job, then a career fair might be one of the most valuable events a college student can attend. For the underclassman, a career fair can provide motivation to continue diligent studies, since a student now has a concrete goal to work towards. For the upperclassman, a career fair is the best opportunity to "throw the hat in the ring" and apply for a job in their related field of study. When attending a career fair, remember that first impressions are vital to the entire interview process. Dress to impress, and the employer will understand your seriousness in applying for the position. Bring several copies of your grammatically-perfect, heavily-reviewed resume printed on high-quality paper for your prospective employers. And do not be shy about asking detailed questions concerning the job and its responsibilities (other than salary; omit that for now). One can save himself/herself and the employer much time and money by ruling out jobs that hold little or no interest to the prospective employee. Contact the university's career services program to learn of the career fair's time and location. If one is interested in working in a specific locale, that senior should also look into regional career fairs that are external to the university. Although the competition may be tougher, one will see the types of jobs specific to a region and determine if it is wise to work there after all. Either way, all students should attend a career fair whether they seek motivation for their studies or actual employment after graduation.

Jeffrey Gibson Master of Science in Electrical Engineering University of West Florida

Jeffrey Gibson Master of Science in Electrical Engineering University of West Florida

    For many students, it can be tough adjusting to entering college and thus, in many cases, leaving the financial support of their parents. It is for this reason that approximately 3 out of every 4 college students hold at least a part-time job. At first glance, the thought of holding a job while simultaneously maintaining an exceptional GPA may seem impossible. Through personal experience, I can attest that it is indeed possible. I held close to a full-time job throughout the duration of my undergraduate career in order to finance my education.
It may be hard to believe, but having a job while attending college may ultimately increase your ability to achieve good grades. As an undergraduate, a student without a job has no obligation but going to class and possibly participating in extracurricular activities. This student will find him or herself having more than enough “free” time than they know what to do with. It is for this reason that many of those students develop the habit of procrastination, and if you don’t know how that affects your grades, then you soon will if you continue to pursue a college degree.
On the other hand, a student that must work during the semester finds him or herself having to plan ahead. A typical day may consist of 8 hours of work, 6 hours of classes, 1-2 hours of extracurriculars, and 6 hours of sleep. That leaves 2-3 hours to dedicate to school. If you want to succeed on the collegiate level, you must use that 2-3 hours wisely. Therefore, it is important to know your work schedule for the week, your class and assignment schedule for the week, and exactly when you have that free time to accomplish everything that may need to be done. This can only be accomplished by a student that has dedication, a strong work ethic, and most importantly, the ability to follow a strict agenda.

Lawrence Keith Keniley Jr.

PhD, Chemistry

Florida State University

    Advancement in education can be an exciting endeavor. Financial restraints can be one factor that prevents many from enjoying the benefits of an advanced degree. Therefore, financial planning for an advanced degree is highly important. The financial aspects of furthering your education does not only include the cost of tuition, books and supplies. Educational expenses may also include housing costs, automobile expenses, food, health insurance, personal expenses, etc. Personally, I have learned that there are unexpected expenses that may arise that will often put a damper on your budget. In addition, I often worry about how all of these financial responsibilities may affect my credit rating which foretells my future financial decisions. An easy fix to this dilemma is learning to budget and effective financial planning for your education. Loans are often used to help fund educational expenses, but keep in mind that these will have to be paid back, often times sooner than later when it comes to graduate level programs. Effective financial planning is the key to making sure your are able to cover the cost of school, as well as being able to afford outside expenses while keeping a good credit rating. It is important to learn to budget your money and not overlook the small expenses that often have a big impact on your overall budget. A lack in finances should not prevent anyone from having the opportunity to obtain further education. Saving, effective financial planning, obtaining and sticking to a budget are all keys to help prevent a total financial drought in the long run.

Tia Roberts

Marriage & Family Therapy

Mercer University School of Medicine

    Working as a research assistant has been one of the most beneficial experiences for me while in college. I strongly suggest others to become a research assistant no matter their major. As a research assistant I have gotten to know my research advisor well, who is a professor in my field of study. My research advisor has assisted me in many aspects of my academic career by helping me plan my courses, writing recommendation letters, and setting up internships. While conducting research, I have learned more about my area of subject, which has been helpful in classes. Research is a great opportunity to explore possible career paths. Being a research assistant also looks good on a resume.

Caitlin O'Callaghan

Biochemistry and Biology

Roanoke College

    I would say that working is probably not your best option for your first semester of college. I would advise against it. Once you have gotten into the rhythm of things then I think you can consider working on or off campus. I have no real opinion of where you should work besides that I feel it should be related to your degree/final goals. If you want to go to law school, work in a law office, if you want to go to graduate school, work in a laboratory, if you want to be a doctor, work in a hospital/doctors office. Make sure you are preparing yourself not only for the future but checking to make sure this is what you want to do with your life.

Elyse Ulbrich

Chemistry/Biology

University of Michigan

In a day and age where a college degree has become as essential to real-world success as a high school diploma, college students find themselves desperately searching for a way to stand out among the hundreds of others possessing diplomas with the same words printed across them. As a talented writer and artist with much experience in the professional field, one of my journalism mentors once told me, "When you walk across that stage at graduation, all you have is a piece of paper in your hand. Employers don't just want to know what you KNOW. They want to see what you can DO."

Working part-time in my related field was the best decision I ever made in college.

Four years of absorbing textbook knowledge and digesting lecture notes, continually proving comprehension with multiple examinations and trying to foster a real-world perception with all of the above aids in preparation for life after college. However, no late night study sessions or practice exams to keep up one's GPA will ready students for their career better than an internship or part-time job in their related field of study. What better way to gain valuable advice and experience, as well as hands-on practice, than to get paid for stepping into the field where one is planning to, perhaps, spend the rest of one's life? What better way to be certain that an individual is working so diligently toward the degree that he or she truly wants? What better way to gain useful skills and learn how to apply them with confidence?

As a communication major with an emphasis in journalism, I joined the staff of my college newspaper to gain experience writing articles and taking photos for a real publication, rather than for a grade in class. The instruction and insider advice I received from the seasoned director and assistant director of the publication allowed me to drastically improve my journalistic style and former attempts at producing a decent photo. With the guidance of these professionals and the support of a hard-working, real-world staff, eventually, I became head Editor. Seeing my own layout designs, articles, graphics, etc. in print for thousands to read and critique forced me to produce work that I could take pride in and allowed me to build a professional portfolio. Evidence of what I can DO.

I heard the benefits of internships outlined early on in college. Dedicated professors or advisors give the advice to partake in an internship constantly. So why is it that more and more college graduates wind up entering the job market feeling lost and unsure, rather than capable? Why do students ignore the opportunity to gain a leg-up in the competitive foray into the professional realm?

In many cases, students are unaware of how to go about finding an internship. They are not told where to look, what type of jobs are available or simply believe an internship is merely one more obstacle to slow down the graduation process. Students need to realize that there are many internship/co-op opportunities available to fit one's particular lifestyle and graduation plan. Why work at the local video store if you're a math major? Why do retail if you want to be a reporter? Doing an internship does not slow down the graduation process; it enhances it. College students need to take time to be certain they are getting the experience they need while they still have the opportunity to do so. A ten-minute talk with one's advisor could be the first REAL step down the path to success. Find time to DO.

Lauren Ann Helling

Lamar University

Attending college is an exciting time in your life. It is also a time when you have to prioritize tasks in order to succeed. You’re probably going to want to work either on-campus or at an off-campus job. It is important that you find a position which will meet your needs. When looking for a job, be sure to take into consideration the number of hours that the employer is looking for in applicants. It is important to keep in mind that for every hour of class, you should devote at least two hours to complete assignments or study. During my undergraduate career, I chose to utilize my work-study funds and this was the best choice I could have made. The offices where I worked took into consideration that I was a student at the college, and my supervisor made my work schedule accordingly. If I had worked off-campus somewhere, this situation probably would have been very different. Off-campus employers have needs that have to be met and they may not be as flexible to students’ needs. It is important to take into consideration this fact when debating whether to work on or off campus.

Sean Michael Kenney Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling University of Massachusetts-Boston

For any student who is pursuing an elementary education career, I recommend these tips: get into the field early, do not waste your time at part time job that you can not put into your final resume. Get a part time job while you are in college that has some type of interaction with children (day care, YMCA, and even volunteer work). Also, take as many child psychology classes as you can, because you will need them. Four years of college does not prepare you for all of the different attitudes and feelings that these children will have so it is nice to have some sort of psychology background to know how to deal with them. Get your name out to as many schools as possible by substituting, visiting and attending school board meetings. You will have a much better chance if they already know your face and name than someone whom they have never seen or heard of before. Lastly, just be yourself and study the district that you are applying for.

Stacey Lynn Unfried McKendree University

    If you haven't heard this truism before, take note. Someone once told me that if you start looking for summer opportunities in February, you're already late to the game. It's never too soon to start, but a good rule of thumb is to try to have a résumé ready by December, which opens up winter break for job and internship searching. In terms of successfully finding jobs, internships, and so forth, the usual networking advice applies, but there are a few strategies which are also worth trying. Every college has a job bank and alumni networks available for current students to look for summer opportunities and post-graduate work. These are certainly good places to start, but they are hardly the only resources available. In fact, you may be surprised how often you can find yourself a position by contacting an employer directly. That is, if you have a place in mind that you'd absolutely love to work, but have no contacts there (or they have no internship or student programs listed), find a name and get in touch! You'll be shocked at how many times forthright, curious, earnest attention will land you an interview, if not a job. Many businesses will be happy to pay you, if you can present them with a legitimate, useful idea for how you could get involved. In the grand scheme of larger institutions, a few thousand dollars to an intern isn't a major investment, and they'll often give you a shot.

Conor Williams

PhD, Government (Political Theory)

Georgetown University

If you're looking for a job in college to get a little extra cash, it will be important to find a job that doesn't take away from your studies too much. The best jobs are those that allow you time at work to do your other work - your schoolwork. This generally means on-campus employment. Some library jobs can give you plenty of time for homework. The same goes for card-swipers at places like dorms, dining halls, and the gym. Talk to friends who have had these jobs before to see what the work atmosphere is really like. Remember that many jobs - and quite a few of the best jobs - are work-study only.

Are you looking for a source of quick, easy cash without the time commitment a regular job requires? You may not need to look any further than your college's psychology department or business school. Psych departments, economics departments, and business schools often conduct behavioral studies using students as volunteers. Sign up once and you can pick whatever studies sound interesting, profitable, and fun to you - and that fit with your schedule. Don't worry: you won't be put in a maze and asked to race a mouse (probably). The studies are mostly computer-based, fun, and can pay quite heavily.

At my college, we have two options. The psych department offers lots of studies, ranging from 15 minutes to two hours that pay a flat $10/hour. The business school, however, has lucrative incentive-based studies, which average around $25/hour. The business school studies are also more fun, often involving online games of buying, selling, and negotiating. In two studies, I made $65 in 15 minutes - and in none of the dozens of studies I've participated in did I ever walk away with less than $15.

Ask your friends (especially the older ones) about studies. They don't take much time, but they can fund your next dinner out or new pair of shoes.

Alex Harris Harvard University

The earlier you become an active member of a professional community or association, the more opportunities you will have after graduation. Many students (undergraduate and graduate) are unaware of the variety of opportunities that their university provides to them for the purpose of becoming involved.

Most departments, colleges or student governments will pay expenses (hotel, registration and airfare) for undergraduate students to attend conferences and professional meetings. Many graduate students can also receive funding, but they are often times required to present a project or research at the event, in addition to attending. Interested students should contact their department’s student services office or the dean of students’ office for more information. Your schools website can also be a useful resource –using the search terms “travel grants” or “conference scholarships” will help you find relevant information. Remember that deadlines for funding can vary, but are often at the beginning of each semester.

In addition to funding, professors and instructors recognize these development opportunities and will excuse absences and provide make-up assignments. Involvement in professional associations plays an important role in supplementing professional skill development for students in academic programs. These skills, which complement those taught in academic settings, include networking, management and communication.

This often overlooked support can help you overcome the two most common barriers to getting involved –time and money. Many students are not aware that the development of these professional skills is an important aspect of being a productive member in the field. Speaking from personal experience, if you become involved within an association as a young professional you will be more likely to accept positions of leadership and remain a productive and valuable member of the community.

Jon E. Berg Masters of Forest Resources and Conservation University of Florida

If you are inclined to hold a job during college or a forced to by a work study program or your parents, I would suggest looking for a job which allows you to do homework. For example I have worked at a gym during college and I usually got about four hours of homework done in a six hour shift. I have had friends who worked at the front desk in the library and were also able to study during these shifts. The only down fall is that jobs that require minimal work usually pay the worst. A good alternative would be to look for an on-campus job or a job that you can bike/ walk to in order to cut down on transportation costs. I worked as a teaching assistant during my senior year of college and not only was the pay pretty good, but it fit in with my class schedule and it was just a short walk to the lab. I would caution against working restaurant or bar jobs. Although these jobs may pay more and may be more fun, they usually leave you drained at the end of a shift.

Rachel Beck

University of Virginia

The Perfect Internship/Job

There are many reasons why every undergraduate and graduate student has to consider applying for an internship before they graduate.

When I was working on my undergraduate degree in Organizational communication, I was required to complete 3 credits of internship. All my friends and me were so frustrated with this policy. It seemed useless and just one more thing you had to do in order to graduate. I knew it would be difficult to find the perfect internship. The process is as difficult as any job hunt. So, prepare yourself. The first step is the resume.

Your Resume and Cover Letter

If you don’t have one, the best way to start is to find someone in your college or university who is experienced in this area. Most schools have a Career Development center that focus on helping students achieve their career goals. Stop by their office and sign-up for resume workshops or schedule a private consultation. Another option is asking your professor or experienced family members for advice.

My resume was corrected by two Communication professors, my mother, and a Career center worker. The most valuable tips I received on how to write an excellent resume and cover letter were:

1. Be unique. Use your resume and a cover letter to introduce yourself and your experience to the potential employer. Think how you are different from all other applicants and make a strong emphasis on these unique aspects. One of my good friends who was pursuing a career in computer programming got a job because of his unique objective he put on a resume, which was something like, “Passionate and persistent computer guru is ready to help your company become the best in the word.”

2. Be concise. Try to keep your resume at one page. Most employers stop reading if it too long.

3. Be honest. Even if you don’t have a lot of experience and your resume is shorter than one page, don’t lie. Nobody likes to be fooled, especially job interviewers.

4. List classes as your experience. If you don’t have enough experience outside of school, make sure to list the college classes you have taken. Your college experience is valuable and important.

5. Be memorable. Tell a story of your success or a project that you did in class in your cover letter. This will impress and make the potential employers remember you.

6. Write a separate cover letter for each company. In order to get a job or an internship, you need to show your employer that you took time to learn about their company and write a unique cover letter. Go to a company web-site and use the information to guide your cover letter.

After you are done with both your resume and cover letter, you need to get an invitation to the interview.

Getting an Invitation Proactively

When I was applying for my internship, I sent applications to more than 30 companies. I knew that they would not respond right away, so I waited. Even in two weeks, there was no response from any of them. So, I decided to be proactive and not wait for them to come to me. So I went to them. I chose three companies I was the most interested in and wrote them a follow-up letter or e-mail in which I provided more reasons why they should hire me. The letters seemed up-front and a little aggressive. I got an e-mail back from a director of one company in 2 hours asking me to come to the interview. The most important tip I learning about getting an invitation to the interview was: 1. Don’t Wait. Be Proactive. Send follow-up e-mails, letters, or even call the companies you want to work for.

The Interview

After I got an invitation to the interview, I began my preparation. I started with the company web-site. I spent three days examining every little detail, every project of the organization; I even read the CEO’s biography. I found out the CEO wrote three books on the topics similar to the communication project I finished recently. I knew that that information would help me during the interview. I also realized that the organization was a perfect fit for me, which took away my nervousness and added excitement before the interview. Also, the day before I came up with a list of how I can help the company with my skills and knowledge.

The interview went smoothly. I was impressed with how easily I could connect with the CEO. I could tell he was surprised that I knew about the books he wrote. We ended up talking about our common interests for an hour. In three days I received a job offer.

After looking back at the interview I think that the most valuable tips for the successful interview are:

1. Know the company. Learn about the organization and its employees as much as possible before the interview. It will help you impress the interviewers and connect with them on a personal level.

2. Know how You can help them. You should know specifically how you can improve the company. Make sure you have an answer to the question, “Why should I hire you?”
I hope my tips will help you get this perfect internship or a job. Don’t forget the most important tip, “Believe in Yourself!”

Lyudmyla Petrenko Masters, Speech Communication Minnesota State University

There are many amazing educational opportunities just waiting for applicants. I am a public school teacher. Last November, I flipped through our association magazine and found an opportunity for teachers and school administrators. It was a Japan Memorial Fund Fulbright scholarship for a three week, all expenses paid educational tour of Japan. I applied and was accepted from a pool of 1,700 applicants. I will be going to Japan with 160 other educators and administrators in October for the Fulbright program. While there, we will be involved in seminars and meetings with teachers, school administrators, and government officials. We will visit elementary, middle, and high schools, and also a college. We will enjoy a “homestay” experience with a Japanese family. Did I ever imagine this would happen to me? Not in a million years. But in a couple months, I’ll be enjoying a once in a lifetime experience in Japan.
Most professions have a magazine that circulates on a regular basis. Many times there are cool opportunities related to that line of work. If you are in education, there are countless similar opportunities to many different countries. Don’t think it is impossible. Try for it, and you might be pleasantly surprised.

________________

Interviewing 101

Well, if you’ve come this far in any process that requires an interview, that’s a good sign. It means the company or institution is interested in you. There are several tried and proven techniques to conquering the interview process.

1. Realize that your life is not in the balance. One interview will not make or break your life’s goals. Take the interview for what it is: an opportunity.
2. Research the company or institution before your interview. Know their goals, basic structure, and what they want in an employee.
3. Research online or buy a book on basic interview questions. Know your answers to these questions by heart. You should be able to answer almost any interview question with confidence based on your answers to the basics.
4. Practice, practice, practice. You’ve heard the saying “practice makes perfect.” However, I say that only perfect practice makes perfect. The more you simulate a real interview, the more comfortable you will be during the actual interview.
5. Wear new underwear. No, seriously. It has been proven that wearing new clothes (or at least freshly pressed) will increase your confidence level. While we are on the subject of clothes, be sure to dress appropriately - one step up from the normal attire of the company.
6. Know where the interview is and give yourself plenty of time to get there. You can always sit in the parking lot for a half hour. But it is very stressful to try to make up time when you’re running late. Walk in 15 minutes before the interview.
7. Be sure to come prepared. Bring a few copies of your resume, any relevant certifications, or a portfolio if necessary.
8. Proper personal hygiene is required. Bring your breath strips or mints, but no gum.
9. Upon entering the interview room, shake the hand of every person in the room, even if you have to go out of your way. Make sure it is a nice, firm handshake.
10. Allow the interviewer to direct you when and where to sit. Sit comfortably in your chair, but maintain good posture.
11. The time between being seated and the first question being asked is always the most stressful. Take a deep breath and remember Tip #1.
12. During the interview, maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s). Answer all questions with confidence; this is exactly what you practiced for.
13. When answering questions, be precise and don’t overdo it. When you’re finished answering a question, stop talking. If the interviewer needs more information, he will ask.
14. During an interview, the interviewer will often ask if you have any questions for him. Come prepared with one or two questions you can ask about the company or position. This will demonstrate your interest in the job.
15. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. The last thing an interviewer wants is a robot. When you can answer questions using a personal story or example, do so.
16. When the interview is finished, shake hands with everyone again, say thank you, and leave with a smile.
17. The next week, follow up with a phone call or thank you note. This reinforces to the company your desire for the position. After this, allow the company to make any further communications about the position.

Carissa K. Goodlet Master of Educational Administration Youngstown State University

    If you are a student who is always looking for ways to get ahead, my advice to you is look for an internship in your field of study. Internships are the best way to get on the job experience, and it becomes a nice addition to your resume. Businesses love to see a resume that already includes a year’s work of service in the field, and it puts you ahead of other applicants.

    While some people find internships to be a hassle and time consuming, they allow you to find out what your job is really all about. This past year I took an internship offer. It was the best thing I ever did to jump start my career. The job allowed me to take risks, but still have the help of a mentor. It was a great way for me to make connections, and at the end of the internship I was even offered a job.    

    So, if you have the opportunity to intern somewhere, I would highly suggest putting that opportunity to good use.

Crystal Nichole Mille

Texas A&M

For those of you who have to work off campus during your college years, I have many tips that will hopefully get you through it with good grades to show for it also. First, never put your part time job first and always make sure that your job will work around your school schedule. If it will not, try to find another job. For instance, being a waiter or waitress is not the best job in the world; however, most of the owners hire college age students so they understand their schedule and will usually work around it. Next, do not get a job that will be extremely stressful and time demanding. I will be the first to tell you, no matter how strong you are and how motivated you are, you will not be able to have a normal and life, get good grades, obtain the knowledge that you need from your college courses and succeed at your stressful job. There are many part time jobs out there that are not so demanding. Lastly, try to enjoy your part time job and it will not seem so bad. Make friends with your coworkers and bosses, that way your time there will not seem like work.

Stacey Lynn Unfried McKendree University