The Intern: A Collegiate's Summer Role

By Kendall O'Brien on May 3, 2012

It’s summer, and you know what that means: bikinis, relaxation and endless fun! Actually, it turns out this is not so for many of today’s college students. Nowadays, summer is synonymous with internships. And just like many other college students, directly after finals I found myself making preparations for my internship and readying myself in every way possible. With a fairly unstable job market, it is of utmost importance that today’s students are enabled to gain maximum experience from their positions as interns, and it is even more rewarding if they can turn these internships into job offers or network connections. So how do we do this? By familiarizing ourselves with Lauren Berger, The Intern Queen and visiting the campus career center.

The most advantageous piece of advice I can suggest to today’s students, both hopeful and current interns, is to purchase and read The Intern Queen’s book, “All Work No Pay.” It is a quick and easy read that serves as an informational goldmine for interns at all stages of the game. The book is loaded with information regarding the application process, but it is also full of valuable information concerning networking and maintaining relationships when the internship comes to an end.  If the Intern Queen’s booming business doesn’t speak enough for her credibility, she completed fifteen internships during her four years in college. That being said, she knows her stuff. She reiterates the importance of being persistent, being organized, and striving for your dreams.

Photo from Yahoo.com, Originally Uploaded by http://www.teenvoguefashionuniversity.com/intern-queen-week1.ph 

While the Intern Queen’s book is an excellent resource, it cannot stand alone as a sole means of preparation. In addition to reading Berger’s book, interns should also be sure to visit her website, www.internqueen.com, which links students to internship opportunities and her blog, amongst other things. Additionally, she has Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts, on which she posts helpful links, tips and events. Furthermore, interns should visit their school’s career center, which is continuously one of the most overlooked assets available to college students. The career center can link students with internship and job opportunities. There are employees waiting to critique and improve cover letters and resumes. They also hold mock interviews and help match students to potential careers.

Being prepared for your internship aids in ensuring a successful future. Even if an internship doesn’t result in a job offer, as oftentimes they do not, they equip you with invaluable experience and network connections for a lifetime. One of the most beneficial lessons I learned from Berger’s book is the importance of maintaining relationships with network connections post-internship. You never know who knows whom in the business world. Always volunteer. Always have a positive attitude. Always take notes. And develop a can-do mentality. Best of luck to all summer interns, and even if you can’t spend every day on the beach with your friends, remember to have fun!

 

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