internship do's and don'ts
TRANSCRIPT
• Majority of programs require it btwn 2 years
• Expand current skills set • Learn a new functional
area or different (literal) area
• Show willingness to learn • Professional dev.
Pros: structured, regard, benefits Cons: Fee$, structured
ACUHOI: College & University Housing Officers - Intl NACA: Association for Campus Activities
NODA: Association for Orientation, Transition & Retention in Higher Ed
NASPA National office There’s an org for everything
Pro: Free to customize Con: Uncertainty • Look at resources first to know (non)
negotiables • Reach out to SA Division or indv. office • Facebook, Twitter • Use your network (professors,
supervisors)
Resume: • Are you qualified? (Undergrad v. grad
position) • Check internship specifics for formatting • SHOW YOUR PERSONALITY • Include relevant undergrad experience • Be results-oriented (what did you achieve
in your role v. what you do)
Resume don’ts: • Bad grammar/
mechanics • Avoid jargon
(especially in a diff area)
• Not PDF format • More than 2 pages
“I look for a clear streamlined resume that’s easy to read and highlights major
points from experiences”
“If you can tell me how your current
experience relates/attributes to the
experience, you are considered hirable”
“Grammar mistakes automatically put them in the no pile”
“Resume is the first place I look. I want to see if you have the
initial skills set I’m looking for in my
position.”
References • Always provide 3 on resumes • 3-5 if schools separately ask for a
references page • Talk to references beforehand! • You choose them – make them count! • Side note: social media – clean it up
Make a reference sheet for references • Include all schools you’re applying to • Tier I, Tier II, Tier III • Job description • Reasons for applying • Reservations • Why you’re a fit
Reference don’ts: • Not telling them you’re
applying…let alone internship searching
• Not keeping them aware of schools
• Choosing new references
“Choose a reference that knows you well…
Also, prepare your references.”
“I may check with a colleague to see if I
should extend an interview if I see
that a student has worked in their
office. Do not burn bridges when you leave an office.”
Cover Letter: • Internship programs: Not necessarily
required, but good to have if transferring areas
• Shows your personality and interest by example/anecdotes
• ADDRESS IT TO THE RIGHT SCHOOL • Mention work dates = your comfort level
Cover Letter don’ts: • Bad grammar/
mechanics • School specifics • Not tailoring letter • Not PDF format • More than 1 page • Too thorough
“I look at the resume first then skim the
cover letter to see if they took the time to adjust it to my specific position”
“”I will head to the cover letter/supplemental
materials to see if that will help fill in
gaps”
• If you honestly know you don’t want to work there, politely decline
• Most have second rounds, few have only first or go onto third rounds
• Skype & Google Hangouts ARE popular (second round interviews, usually)
• 1st round: Basic skills set and interest • 2nd round: Possibly Skype/Google Hangout
• With supervisor over the summer • Situational questions • Finding fit between the two of you
• 3rd round: Narrowing down top choices • Remember: This is a two-way street!
• Interview in a quiet area (is your room near the dumpster? Go to an office)
• Leave a note on your door saying you’re interviewing
• Landline, is possible • Practice (don’t rehearse) those tough
questions about coworkers, supervisors
Questions to ask interviewers • What keeps you at XYZ School? • What is the office culture? • Are there a lot of students in the area? • What do you think is the best part about this
position? What do you think is the greatest challenge about it?
• (To the supervisor) What qualities are you looking for in your intern?
• How would you define success in this internship?
Interview don’ts: • Overschedule (consider the
rounds of interviews) • Choose to interview for the
internship you’re especially interested in first • Give yourself time to
get into a groove • Hold back enthusiasm • Not do your research (it’s a
great way to ask questions)
• Be afraid to ask for feedback – pros are willing to do that!
• Not know 1 theory (grads, pick something besides the 7 vectors…)
• Be too brief or too through; think CAR • Frame your answers as
CONTEXT ACTION RESULT
“I am looking for someone who is a
good fit. Asking appropriate
questions leads me to believe you’re interested in the
position.”
“Be personable, confident (but not cocky) and speak
about their relevant experience and
make it known they know the office.”
You got the offer! Or, offers! Now what? • Thank every professional for their offer • Be upfront ASAP, as other interns are
waiting, too • Always, always, always ask for full 24 hrs • Internship programs have to give you
the full day to decide
You didn’t get the offer. Now what? • BREATHE. You’re getting an internship • The process is a 2-way street – you and a
school need to fit, and you’ll find that match • Possibility of multiple interns • Don’t discourage yourself by looking on
SoMe! This isn’t a race or competition
• If you have any lingering questions, ask! Professionals will be attentive those 24 hrs of waiting
• Great prep for job searching • Be consistent with reasoning (If you decline a
job in the Southeast because of location,, don’t accept one in Florida)
• If you don’t know how to verbally decline an offer, email back the hiring manager
“Hi Emmett, Thank you so much for the opportunity to interview for the XYZ position at Podunk State. I appreciate you taking
the time to help me learn about your office and summer in Whatever City. It was a difficult decision to make, but I
have decided to accept a position at another institution. I sincerely appreciate your time and sharing information on this opportunity. I wish you the best of luck with finding a
candidate. Thank you again for your consideration.”
Most importantly, FIND YOUR FIT (again) • What are your values? • Office culture, experience needs
• What do you need in a work environment? • Supervisor, office, 9-5
• Is the city manageable for you? • Do you have a car? Is there a transit
system? • Friends? Other young professionals
around?
“Be honest. My feelings aren’t going to be hurt, as I realize there are a variety
of things to consider…Be
respectful of my timeline.”
“To decline, simply thank the provider and tell them that
you have decided to explore other opportunities.”
The first few weeks of your internship: • ASK QUESTIONS. There are so many things going
on at once. Ask questions right then or process & ask later
• Meet professionals across campus, not just your area
• Ask about conferences or intern meetups • Never compare institutions
“Meet people. You have plenty of time to do work. Get to
know your colleagues. First
impressions will set the tone for the
summer.”
“Look into the city you’re heading to as well! You’re not just
taking a job, but you’re exploring new
territory!”
“BREATHE! Take a chance on
something new. You never know what you’ll find! This is your chance to
work anywhere for a summer. Challenge
yourself.”