By Caroline Heafey, FCLC Junior
Back in May, I knew that I
wanted to find an internship for the fall semester, but wasn’t really sure
about how to find one, or how to apply. The whole process can seem pretty
intimidating at first. I figured my first step should be to compile my resume
and bring it to Career Services. I’ll admit, I was pretty confident about my
first draft, but I am definitely happy that I made an appointment with a Career
Counselor! I think I ended up finally applying with my fourth or fifth revision
of my resume. Career Services helped me identify the little details in my
resume that can really make a difference when it comes to landing the
interview.
Feeling confident with a
fresh and revised resume in mind, I posted it on CareerLink
and began to search for job postings. I found that it was best to keep an eye
on job listings that I potentially might be interested in, even if I wasn’t
completely ready to apply. Because I was applying for a fall internship, I kept
tabs on the listings for summer positions throughout June and July. This gave me
an idea of what different companies were looking for from their applicants.
Some listings called for writing samples, for example, while others did not.
More, some listings provided really detailed descriptions of both the position
and the company, while others were a little more vague and just gave the
contact info. Admittedly, I was definitely more attracted to listings that gave
more information. I felt that it presented the company as having more direction
in terms of what they expected from their interns, and subsequently, that I
might be able to learn more from the position.
In late August, after
assembling a list of ten or so listings that I was interested in, I began to
send out applications through CareerLink. After a week or so, I had already set
up two interviews and began to prepare for them.
I cannot stress how
important it is to research the company before the interview. I had heard this
before, but I didn’t realize how helpful it is to have a sense of the people
you are meeting with until I was in the hot seat. Really, it’s for your own
benefit to know whom you are meeting with. Not only does it stand out to the
employer, but it also makes the interview much more informative for you. If you
come into an interview already knowing basic information about the interviewer
or your company, you can ask questions that you may not otherwise have time
for, questions that could determine whether or not you accept a job offer. It
also allows for more time to get to know your interviewer and establish a
better connection.
After my interviews, I was
fortunate enough to receive an offer from each company I interviewed with, and
I gladly accepted a position at Continuum, which is the academic division of
Bloomsbury Publishing. It was definitely a difficult decision, but in the end I
had to go with my gut feeling and the office where I felt I would be most
comfortable. Check back later to read what I wish that I had known before the
interview!
About the
Author:
Caroline Heafey is a junior
at FCLC. She is double majoring in English and French Language and Literature
and minoring in Irish Studies. She just landed her first internship!
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