As I mentioned in my last blog post, now is the time to apply for summer internships and jobs! The best time is to start early, over winter break or during spring break so you can secure a summer gig before most people even think about their summer plans. Working ahead of time makes it easier for your future self and eases your stress levels when it comes to summer break and what you can spend all your newfound free time on.
I recently secured a summer internship at a local courthouse, back home, in Maryland, even while I am currently abroad in South Korea! I also had an internship last summer where I lived in Pennsylvania for the summer, so I think I am qualified enough to help you all.
The first step is determining what you want to do with your summer. A job? Vacation? Hanging out with friends? Your top priorities are determined during this stage.
Second step: once you have figured out that, you want to research those jobs, internships, locations, etc. of interest. If you want to go to Bali this summer, who are you going with? How are you getting there? How will you pay for everything? How long will you stay there? What accommodations could you utilize while there? If you want to work a job in your hometown, which jobs are available? Is anyone hiring? Can you return to a location you worked at during prior breaks from school? Are there any connections you have to people that can get you a job? What kinds of internships do you want to do? Law? Healthcare? Security? Something else? Is the internship offering academic credit if it is unpaid? Is it paid? What is the rate per hour? Has anyone from your school done this internship? How did they like it? Is there an alum who works there currently?
Third: once you’ve narrowed that down, it’s time to make a list of all the jobs/locations/internships you’ve found during your research and apply to them. If there’s a Smoothie King you want to work at, apply to three (or more) locations near your home! If there are several law internships you’re interested in, apply to several in your hometown/state and apply to those outside your state that offer housing or [affordable] accommodations they can direct you to! You never know who will accept or hire you for the position.
Fourth: Interviews! In the case you are selected for an interview, make sure to dress nicely for the appointment, whether it is virtual or in-person. First impressions are everything. Here are some interview tips that have worked for me in the past:
- Be yourself. This is the most important aspect of the interview. It’s best not to fabricate any information/extracurriculars/past work experience because your employers can quickly discover that you have falsified information. Your employers will get to know you during your employment, and if you act completely different from what you were displaying/saying during the interview, it may paint you in a bad light, and that employer may not want you to work with them again.
- Remain professional. Although you should be yourself, you should not talk to potential employers as if they are your best friend or family. Don’t use lots of slang words or “trendy” phrases, as that sort of speech may not be the most “professional” to most employers. However, don’t change your ways of speaking entirely just because of an interview if it doesn’t make you comfortable. Just make sure to treat the interviewer(s) with respect.
- Ask questions. It never hurts to ask questions about the company/job, what aspects of the job the person interviewing you likes and dislikes, or even questions about salary (with limitations; do not outright ask something like, “Why is the pay so low?” That will not get you the job.). Asking questions shows your interest in the job and company, and makes you more likely to make a lasting impression on the interviewer. Plus, an interview is like a conversation; no one wants to be the one answering all the questions or asking all the questions.
- Thank the interviewer. No matter the interview outcome, it is always a good rule of thumb to thank your interviewer for their time and for taking the time out of their day to interview you. You never know, that thank you could make a lasting impression on the interviewer and lead to a job offer. Plus, it is always good to be polite, no matter who you are speaking with.
Fifth: never give up. Even if you don’t get that internship or job you really wanted, you can always apply to more places and you will get a yes from one of them. I promise you.
Good luck with your application processes and have a great rest of your month! I’ll talk to you in May.
-Toni <3