Internship & Summer Job Search

The Pennsylvania State University

Topics: • Importance of gaining “real world”

experience• Types of experiential opportunities• Resources for contacts• Landing the internship/summer job• What employers look for• Getting the most out of the experience

Avoid the “catch 22”• Benefits of internships:

– gain first-hand knowledge of the what the job is really like on a day-to-day basis

– marketable addition to a professional resume

– opportunity to apply theory to practice– networking contacts for future job searching– gain confidence in abilities as a professional

member of the workforce

Making the most of your summer

• Internships• Summer jobs• Co-op• EXTERNships• Volunteerism

Identify & ResearchProspective Employers

• Faculty/staff in your College• Office of Student Employment• Pattee Library• Career Information Center -- 410 Boucke

– Internship & Summer Job Directories– Job Choice Annuals– “Best Temporary Job” cards– Vacancy Announcements– JOBTRAK

• WWW

• Analyze your skills, interests and academic & career goals

• Focus your options by connecting your skills, etc. to your prospective employers

• Market yourself to the prospective employers you have researched

• Establish your learning agreement with your employer

• JUST DO IT!

Open the Door to Opportunity

Employers’ Wish List• Emphasis varies from employer to employer

– Good grades– Related experience– Leadership qualities– Strong interpersonal skills– Motivated to career field and/or company

• One Universal Trait:“a winning attitude . . . the desire to succeed”

from Peterson’s “Internships 2000”

• Ask questions -- be curious• Volunteer to help on projects -- go the extra mile• Follow through on assignments -- deadlines count• Learn the company culture -- try to fit in• Add value -- it can be a win-win combination

Make it count & you will win!

Many interns are offered full-time positions!

Questions?

413 Boucke 865-2377www.psu.edu/career