College is where you try new things, have fun, party, and meet all types of new people. All of that is true and it is fun while we are doing it. However, at the end of the day, we spend endless hours studying, doing homework and putting ourselves into a ton of debt to leave college with intentions of getting a good job.
Many students, unfortunately, end up leaving college without a job or any significant internship experience. Discussions with a few of my colleagues this semester have shed some light on the reasons why college students do not have a job or internship.
1. Not Enough Applications
While it may seem like a lot of work, you have to put in as many applications as you can into the desired field you want to work or intern in. Set aside some time and actually make a list of a good 20-30 internships or jobs that you would want to land. What worked for me is that I would use one Saturday out of the month to apply for internships that whole day. It is a long process that’s tiring, but when you start getting emails to set up interviews it will be worth it.
2. Shortchanging Quality
Even if you apply to 30, 40, or even 50 internships, you must make sure that they are quality applications that show the best side of you. Do not rush to finish the application and click send. Spending time on each application is vital to you getting that call or email for an interview.
3. Bad Resume
Writing a good resume is hard, but, on a college campus you have so many resources to help you. Use your campus career center to help you write that optimal resume. Do not submit any application without a resume that you are confident about and that a professor or working professional has looked over!
4. Bad Interview
"Tell me about yourself."
If you are not ready to answer this question without any hesitation, then you are going to have a rough interview and be less likely to get the position. This is one of the easiest and hardest questions that almost every interviewer will ask you. Students should state their educational and extra-curricular highlights followed by some of their work experience. That would take you 2-3 minutes to explain and it will be a fine answer.
Overall, you have to be yourself and be confident. Showing and sounding confident will reflect positively on you. Before that interview, you should meet with your career service department or professors for help. I guarantee they will try to help you as much as they can.
5. Lack of Professionalism
It is important to say "good morning/afternoon" every time you communicate to the interviewer. Be sure to smile and exhibit confidence. Send a thank you letter after the interview. Pronounce the interviewer’s name correctly (ask how to pronounce it if you are not sure) and address them by the appropriate title. These are all small things that go a long way to show you as a professional who will fit in perfectly with their business culture.
