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Internships improve job opportunities |
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Tuesday, 15 April 2008 |
by LINDSAY TIGAR
Lifestyles Editor
An employer has two job applications in their hand.
Both applicants have the same grade point average, identical degrees and extra curricular activities.
However, one applicant has held an internship similar to the job they’re applying for.
Internships can make the difference for college students in the long run.
“Internships are rated as one of the most important things to look for
when hiring,” said Virginia Page, a counselor in the Career Development
Center.
Not only do internships help give students experience, but they are an automatic boost on a resume.
“An internship is going to give you experience that will look valuable
on your resume,” Page said. “You won’t be entering the field with just
your education, but you’ll have some hands on experience.”
Junior journalism major Danielle L. Beavers recently accepted an
internship with Music Television (MTV) News for this summer in New York
City.
Beavers will pitch ideas and work for the “Choose or Lose” campaign MTV promotes before every election.
“I decided to pursue an internship because it is probably the only way
to truly be successful in journalism and find a job after college,” she
said.
Beavers will be given the opportunity to not only brainstorm ideas, but she will be able to work on interviews, edit and write.
Being involved in the industry she hopes to work in, Beavers may also
have the chance to rub elbows with possible future employers.
“Hopefully during your internship, you will make connections and
impress people within that field,” Page said. “[Students] should take
opportunities to network while doing their internship… [Networking is]
really just talking to people about what they do, meeting them and
learning from them.”
Depending on the department a student is a part of internship
qualifications vary; however, in general, students can choose to
participate in an internship after their sophomore, junior or senior
year.
“Most students do [internships] their sophomore and junior year,” Page
said. “By then, you’re pretty sure of what major and field you’re going
into, so you’re more directed.”
Appalachian State’s Career Development Center offers books and
recommended Web sites to help students find the internship of their
dream.
“You can do an internship for credit and hours, or you can just do one
and not earn credit, and internships can be paid or unpaid,” Page said.
“There are a lot of different options. Career development has a lot of
resources from books to an internship coordinator and CareerGear
online.”
Students interested in pursing an internship opportunity should meet
with the Career Development Center or the internship coordinator in
their department.
Beavers recommends students actively seek out the place they would like to work with.
“Find places you would really want to work at, and send resumes to
everyone you’re interested in,” she said. “Have a really creative cover
letter, too.”
Some popular Web sites offering internship advice and opportunities are YouIntern.com, craigslist.com, monster.com, and more.
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