2014: The Year for Internships

The spring semester has kicked off on our campus, and we’ve already seen many students interested in completing an internship during 2014. We also have students interning in a variety of fields already this semester. Even better, we’ve had contact from new employers, interested in talking with our students about internship opportunities.

According to poll results from internships.com, there’s a huge growth in interest for internships in 2014- both from students and employers. As you can see from the infographic, internships are mutually beneficial. Larger companies use internships to find potential full-time employees, and smaller companies look forward to having interns help them complete projects that may not be done without their help. Students look to their internships to gain work experience, apply skills from the classroom, and expand their network. The link will take you to an article which gives other wonderful statistics and information, but there is one other important thing to consider: 84% of employers say having an intern with their company was a positive experience, while 87% of student interns say that their experience was positive. What are you waiting for? Find an internship and have a positive experience, too!

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Struggle vs Strength

As we make our way through Crunch Week and look ahead to finals, it may seem like accomplishing everything we need to before the end of the semester is impossible! Our students balance their exams with their last papers or projects, wrap up organization meetings, and pack up all their belongings to head home. It’s a struggle- trying to do their best and focus on exams when so much is going on around them. It’s important to keep in mind that the struggle of today becomes a strength for tomorrow: improved test taking confidence, more willpower, better focus, and stronger time management. It’s the most stressful time of the semester but don’t lose hope- you are making yourself stronger for tomorrow.

More Than Just Bullet Points!

More Than Just Bullet Points!

A common problem our students face is that they doubt their skills set and accomplishment statements.  With only their college experience, it can seem to them that their resume is the same information over and over again.  Maybe they’re accounting students, who completed two internships, but they did tax accounting at both places.  Or they’re communications students who write for every publication on campus.  “But there’s only so many ways to say that I write!” they point out.  It’s a very valid point.  This article from Careerealism can be extremely helpful for many students who are facing that issue.  Your resume, as with numerous other things in life, is a point where quality is better than quantity. You can write for five different newspapers and magazines, but what qualities did you gain from each of them? What challenges did you face, and how did you solve them?  What accomplishments did you gain at the magazine versus the newspaper?  Your resume is more than just listing skills.  Use your resume to show growth and how you stretched your boundaries!

But I Don’t Like to Talk About Myself!

But I Don’t Like to Talk About Myself!

Networking can be difficult.  We get that.  Next week we will offer students an opportunity to practice networking during our “So You Think YOU Can Network?”   Networking can be frustrating because you don’t know what to share with a professional.  On top of that, you’re supposed to introduce yourself through the use of a elevator pitch- a 20-30 second statement all about you without using um, uh, or like.  This article from Careerealism is particularly relevant because it addresses your elevator speech and gives you direction on where to start.  And of course, you can find other networking resources on our website under Guides and Tip Sheets as well as our CareerSpot videos.  To get started, read through the scenario in this article.  If you were Chris, what else would you have considered sharing?  Now, put yourself in Chris’s shoes.  What would YOU say about YOU?

Avoid That Awkward Initial Email!

Avoid That Awkward Initial Email!

    It’s not uncommon for students today to prefer reaching out via email. After growing up in a technology-based world, it’s so much easier to email their professors or family instead of calling them.   Therefore, it makes sense that, when making an initial contact to make their network bigger, a student would use email. If that is your preferred method of outreach, there are a few things to keep in mind.

    First, it will be a lot less awkward for you if you know you are emailing the right person.  It’s easier to feel comfortable reaching out to someone if you have a connection with them, such as being an alum.  You can use the company website or LinkedIn to do your research. This will yield better results than just sending an email to companyname@company.com.

   Second, don’t be afraid to be tactfully forward in your subject line. Don’t be too abrupt, like “Need advice ASAP!” or ”need  an internship” ) in the subject line. Be specific. “College junior looking for advice for the Fashion field” is perfect.

  Third, be formal. Use their title, and of course their last name, such as “Mr. Feeney” or “Ms. Matthews.”  This will show the recipient your level of maturity and tact.

  Fourth, give a little background information. Let them know about yourself professionally.  Explain to them what your goals are. Ask, kindly, for specific advice. For example, “could you tell me more about what you were looking for when selecting a graduate school,” this is precise and not overwhelming for them to answer.

   And fifth, tell the person you are emailing why you like them!  This shows that you’ve done your research AND that there is something in particular they can offer you.

   To learn more about these suggestions, check out USA Today College at : http://www.usatodayeducate.com/staging/index.php/career/5-tips-for-writing-a-great-networking-e-mail

Dan McGurl – Legislative Fellowship Program

Moved In and Ready to Go!

Well after weeks of searching Craigslist, talking to landlords, signing leases and hounding professors for my school paperwork; I am finally here, in my apartment and ready to go. While my formal internship doesn’t start until Monday (can you tell I’m ready?) I have been telecommuting classes back at Albright for the last three weeks. I am anxious to meet my new coworkers and other interns but mostly I am excited to get of my couch and have something to fill my time. While having an extended summer has been great I am ready to return to the real world and be productive.  While I’m not quite sure what exactly I will be doing for the next 13 weeks I do know that I will be working out of the office of Representative Rosita Youngblood from Philadelphia and I will be assisting the Gaming Oversight Committee which handles legislation on gambling and small games, so it should be pretty interesting. Last night I walked around Harrisburg for a few hours trying to get a lay of the land and I like it a lot, it’s a cool place with a lot to do and a surprisingly vibrant outdoor community.  I can’t wait to see what’s in store.

It’s All About The Mindset!

It’s All About The Mindset!

Every year, Beloit College puts together a Mindset List to help college faculty and administrators better understand the viewpoints of the newest class.  It discusses technology, social interaction style, and the American culture.  For many college staff members, it’s a chance to reminisce and exclaim “WHAT?! They don’t know who that is?!” By the same token, we’re no longer making outdated references to celebrities these students have never heard of.  It’s easier for college administrators to relate to students if we know where the student is coming from and what they understand- their mindset.

 Mindset is important because, as you go through the world, it’s necessary to understand culture and the people around you. Things that may have never impacted you may be a huge influence on the life of someone else. It’s imperative to understand how the past is impacting the present. It’s easier to communicate and establish rapport with someone if you have, essentially, walked a mile in their shoes, and understand a bit about what makes them tick. For example, if you want to study abroad, it may not set a good example if you bring up something negative from that country’s past, or you argue with them about an aspect of their culture without understanding it.  Or, you may be an intern pushing for more social media outreach and automated emails from a company that prides itself in face-to-face, personalized interactions.  Have there been any times when someone didn’t understand your mindset? What about a situation where you really grasped a mindset, and the other person really appreciated it? How did you react? 

Transitioning? There are Wise Words for that!

Well, the semester is back in full swing! As everyone transitions- new school, new classes, new internship, new job, or maybe even just a new season, it can be difficult to stay motivated.  A key aspect of becoming and staying motivated is your attitude.  Careerealism has some great tips on improving your attitude in order to stay motivated.  You can read more at http://www.careerealism.com/wise-words-motivated-work/ .

1. Discuss, don’t complain.  It’s easy to complain about the people in your group for a class project, or your new co-worker, or even just the fact that you no longer have summer flexibility. By keeping a positive attitude and finding solutions, you stay more open to new things and get out of a slump.
2. Listen to comprehend.  Don’t start off on the wrong foot by shutting down whatever anyone else says. Be open to their ideas, and then refer back to tip 1.
3. Speak with understanding. Negative words can cause disruptions among roommates, classmates, and co-workers.  That isn’t a healthy environment, and hurtful words can eat at you.  Combine all this and you lose your motivation because you’re too distracted.
4. Help, don’t hide.  The old adage is “you get what you give.” By pitching in and helping others, you feel better about yourself and the work you do.  This is quite possibly the best motivation in the world!

So what do you think? What other sources of motivation do you have?

LinkedIn Etiquette

LinkedIn Etiquette

It seems that on many social media platforms, etiquette has gone by the wayside. It’s all too common to use abbreviations, post drunk selfies or food pictures, and unfriend someone just because you don’t like what they post.  If you do these things on your personal site, that’s ok.  Unfortunately, if you do that on your professional LinkedIn profile, it’s not.   Careerealism has a great article on what to expect on LinkedIn and how to be polite about those things. Remember last week we talked a little bit about first impressions? For some people, your LinkedIn profile may be the only impression they have of you. You want to keep that wonderful reputation, right? So follow these rules and you’ll be shining in the spotlight!

5 Reasons to Love Virtual Internships

5 Reasons to Love Virtual Internships

Once again, our friends at Careerealism have posted an outstanding article. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of an internship as a way to get hands on experience in your field. However, sometimes location and time don’t allow for a good fit within your schedule. Have you considered a virtual internship? It’s an internship you do remotely, over the computer and phone. Some people enjoy the flexibility it provides, while others prefer getting experience in the environment.  What do you think? Would a virtual internship be a good fit for you?