The whole point of searching for an internship, full-time job, or grad school program is to find something that interests you and feels like a good fit. You don’t have to make any major decisions right away, so you can relax and have fun learning about different internships, jobs, and companies.
Now that the pep talk is over, let’s talk about finding that “good fit.”
Explore Career Communities
Your major isn’t the same things as your career path. No matter what your major, Career Communities offer advising and resources on specific fields and occupations to help you explore all the great possibilities at your fingertips.
Connect with alumni, check, explore specific companies and positions, and learn what it’s really like to work in various fields.
More than a Paycheck
Who are we kidding, it feels pretty amazing when you receive your first paycheck from your first employer. And funding the lifestyle you enjoy is an important part of being happy. But as you search for your first (or any) internship or job, make sure you consider some of these other factors, too:
Location | Company values | Opportunity to grow | Company culture | Vacation and work/life balance | Benefits
Try This:
Volunteer
We all know that volunteer experience makes for some great resume material. But you can also get first-hand knowledge and experience about a job or career that interests you. Plus you'll build your skills and get connected to people in the field.
Reach Out
Look around. The people staring back at you can be your greatest resource, and chances are they want to help you find a great opportunity. It's estimated that about 80% of jobs are found through networking, so introduce yourself and stay in touch.
Join
There are hundreds of student organizations on campus, and many of them have connections to alumni and different employers. If you're still looking for more, consider joining a professional organization to keep growing your network.
Show Up
Many companies host info sessions and workshops right here on campus. These events allow you to learn more about each other without any pressure. Job and internship fairs are another great place to ask questions, explore, and practice networking.
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Steve Jobs
Advising Team
Maureen Muldoon
Career & Internship Specialist: Healthcare & Wellness, Environment, Natural Resources & Wildlife, Scientific Product Development, Information & Research