Let’s face it, no matter what field you are going into, finding that first summer internship is challenging. You go through the trials and tribulations of uncertainties, hours of searching, and anxieties of failure. Once you find the perfect summer internship, you realize your resume seems a little too short. Don’t panic! Internships are all about learning the ropes of a career path and gaining experience. Until you gain that experience, here are some ways that can help you build a strong presence when entering the career force to get that perfect internship:

1. You may not have the most experience in your preferred field right now, and that’s okay! Just because you don’t have much experience in management or working in a lab doesn’t mean you don’t have any experience. In your resume, it’s important to highlight your expertise. You should include any relevant experience possible, whether it be working in a restaurant, babysitting, or even at your local grocery store. It’s important to tailor this experience specifically to your desired internship. To do this, check the job description to find the desired qualifications and try to pinpoint where you used those skills in your previous jobs, projects, volunteer work, etc. Focus on the impact of your experience, i.e., what you learned.

2. The Center for Career Planning is known for its motto “You get jobs by talking to people!” because it rings true when entering the workforce. Handshake, LinkedIn, and other platforms are helpful websites for finding opportunities, but leaning into your network is even more important. You can reach out to anyone, whether it be a family member, friend, or professor to find out if they know of any opportunities. Career fairs are another wonderful way to meet employers and make yourself known to different companies.

3. Let’s say your resume is looking sparse even after adding your relevant experience. This is a great opportunity to get out there and gain experience on your own, whether it be through volunteer service, completing free online courses, or even working on personal projects. Joining organizations on campus is also a great way to get out there and gain experience!

Let’s say you finally score an interview. Whoo-hoo! You must prepare for this interview so that you have the best chance of landing the position. Make sure you research the company and market yourself so it's clear how you are aligned with the company’s goals. Practice common interview questions with a friend (or make an appointment with the Center for Career Planning) to rehearse what you are going to say and how. Be sure to ask questions at the end of the interview to show your interest. Lastly, follow up with a courteous thank-you email; it shows your continued interest in the company and opportunity.

The Center for Career Planning here at CNU is here to help you every step of the way. Make an appointment through your Handshake account to schedule a resume review, job/internship search, networking help, mock interviews, etc. We want you to succeed, so reach out any time you need help!