These days, everyone wants to talk about securing the proverbial “bag.” While securing the bag comes in many forms, do you want that quick money, or to set yourself up to be in influential positions for the long run?
Interning with an organization is one of the most sure ways to secure connections and professional experience. Actually, according to Forbes, there’s a 60% chance that you will be offered a full-time job following your internship with the same organization.
If you’ve spent any time around the Choose901 Alumni team, you’ve probably heard us talk about “The Art of the Humble Finesse.” While you can be looking out for our book coming in 2019, the Humble Finesse is about being careful, courageous and strategic about the relationships and network around you. Regardless of what field you are interested in, how you communicate with the people around you, and where you decide to devote your time and energy all affects how successful you will be.
But don’t just take it from us! Just for you, we talked to several hiring managers for dope internship experiences in Memphis so you can make sure you are prepared! Here’s what our partners at MTR Camp and ALSAC/St. Jude had to say:
What can college students be doing now to prepare for an internship during the summer, or a later semester?
Our friends Tracey at MTR Camp and Sondra Pham at ALSAC/St. Jude said attending resume workshops, mock interviews, and and effective communication are vital for preparing for the job market.
Both also mentioned that reading about the organization and position you are applying to are massively important.
What are some of the most important characteristics of a young job-seeker?
Tracey (MTR Camp): “Respect. Professionalism. Perseverance. Attention to Detail. Intentionality. Teachability.”
Sondra (ASLAC/St. Jude): “Willingness to learn, being proactive, having enthusiasm, professionalism.”
How can students set themselves apart from other applicants?
Sondra: “Preparation and be able to present your eagerness to learn and apply skills to the internship.”
Tracey: “Go forth in the spirit of excellence. Know what the organization expects and present that with excellence while at the same time being true to yourself. Presentation matters. If you don’t know how to do something, don’t be ashamed to ask someone who knows. This is a meaningful step in the preparation process.”
What are some mistakes you see people make when applying for internships?
Tracey:
- Take care of yourself. Not to be selfish, but to be able to best serve and work during the time of your internship.
- Plan financially for your time away from college. Make sure that your bills are taken care of, and that you have all of your funding squared away before you start the next semester.
- Use a planner to schedule assignments and deadlines!
- Keep your social media clean!
- Be sure you check your email and voicemail.
- Enjoy the journey!
Sondra: “Responding in a timely manner, clear communication, flexibility, grammar and misspelling on resumes or job applications.”
We’re hosting a Job & Internship Fair just for you on Thursday, October 18! Sign up here to reserve your spot.
If you are interested in applying for internships now, you can check out the Choose901 Jobs Page, FedEx Services internships, and MTR Camp.
