If you are like me, you probably strive to add as many leadership and professional positions to your résumé as possible. With that being said, summer is not the time to slack off, as companies and universities are more selective due to the high volume of applicants. If you have ever been exposed to the real world, you know that jobs and internships are not easy to come by. Below is my step-by-step guide to landing a summer job or internship, based on personal experience.
Step 1: Asses the Situation
Finding a job or an internship is like skydiving: in order to survive the fall, you must analyze your surroundings. The first step in job-hunting is to figure out what your working objectives are for the summer. In order to successfully complete this step, make a check list and ask yourself the following:
1. Am I looking to get paid?
2. How many hours do I want to work per week?
3. Do I want to find a position that reflects my major?
4. What kind of environment do I want to work in?
Step 2: Look like a Superstar
Congratulations, you got into one of the top universities in the nation! How did you do it? By making yourself look as impressive as possible. Fortunately, with modern technology, many companies hold their application process online and 99% of them are going to ask for your résumé. A spotless résumé allows companies to asses your talents and skills in order to see if you are a proper fit for their organization. Before you apply anywhere, I recommend having somebody in the professional world give you feedback on your résumé, as they have first-hand knowledge of what companies are looking for from prospective employees.
Step 3: Take a Leap of Faith
Do not be afraid to try something new. Stepping out of your comfort zone is sometimes the most ideal way of finding employment. As a Finance major entering my sophomore year, I had plans on finding an internship in Orlando (my hometown) that revolved around my major. But no financial company was looking for a temporary, 3 month intern. So I turned to my second love in life, politics, and found a position through the Rick Scott for Florida reelection campaign. Although I have no plans on being a politician, I have already acquired several skills that will advance my future endeavors and, of course, look good on a résumé.
Step 4: Show Face
Ask anyone who knows me personally and they will tell you that I hate technology. Why? Because I believe social media and online applications do not properly represent you as a person. Building off of step 2, if you want to have an advantage in the applicant pool, I recommend attending as many job fairs as possible. Job fairs allow you to connect with potential employers, and it gives them an opportunity to analyze you as a person. If you do decide to go to a job fair, bring multiple copies of your résumé and dress professionally.
Step 5: Never Lose your Confidence
Finding a job or an internship is never easy, but do not let such mindset stand in your way. As you know, Thomas Edison did fail thousands of times before he perfected the light bulb. If you ever come face-to-face with rejection, I encourage you to strike back with a vengeance and apply for an even better position, as the job market is unpredictable yet can sometimes be gratifying.
If you have any questions, please feel free to message me at nreiff@ufl.edu.
