By: Nina Pelsi, DePaul University health sciences major ’19
You’re probably wondering what you can do to ensure you have an impressive internship lined up for your first summer out of college. That’s right, these resume builders are not just for upperclassmen. In fact, some may say they’re even more important for first and second year students, as having one on your resume early on will help you stand out against the competition when it comes time to apply for your first real job. Fear not, freshmen! My work in the career center and attendance at several job and internship fairs during my first year has left me with a plethora of useful knowledge that I’m going to share with you. Read on for my top three tips for snagging yourself a dream internship this year.
Get familiar with your career services center
Remember that big office in the Schmitt Academic Center that you pass at least five times a day on your usual rush to class? Yeah. That’s one of DePaul’s Career Center offices, and it has more useful resources than you could ever imagine. If you want to stand out to employers, you need to come prepared. Luckily for you, the people of the Career Center are here specifically for this purpose!
Perfect your resume
I’m guessing you didn’t know that DePaul’s Career Center accepts walk-ins for a quick 15-minute resume critique service. That’s right, the hassle of checking your calendar and making an appointment weeks in advance is no more. Simply stop in when you have some time after class and bring your working resume. They’ll help you organize and add the most relevant and useful information possible for your purposes. After a little grit and time, employers will be banging on your door to hire you!
Show up prepared
One of the best and most impressive steps you can take before attending a career or internship fair is preparing yourself. Log onto Handshake, find your event, and take a look at which organizations attending are of interest to you. Read up on the details of the company, research the positions that you may qualify for, and prepare a cover letter that shapes your interests and capabilities around the job qualifications. Employers will be impressed that you took the time to look into their company, as it shows you are serious about joining their team and interested in the opportunities available. Pair your preparedness with a great resume, professional attire, and a strong elevator pitch, and you’re all set!
Finding an internship can sometimes seem like a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be! Click here for more internship tips and tricks. And, if you are ready to find your dream internship, visit depaul.joinhandshake.com.