Internship Season: A Guide to Nailing the First Internship
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Whether approaching graduation or just beginning to think about the future, internships are a stepping stone to opening the door to a professional career.
It’s normal to either have a clear career goal or to be unsure about the future beyond graduation. Before diving into the job search, it’s helpful to step back and think about some important self questions:
● What activities or topics interest you the most?
● Is it possible to turn these interests into a career?
● How would you picture the perfect work culture?
● Are you focused on finding stability, career advancement, financial wealth, or prestigious recognition?
Being honest when answering these questions helps to visualize the type of career that will make the most of a student’s skills and passions, ultimately leading to a fulfilling and successful future.
Once a better idea of the ideal career is created, students can begin thinking about which internships will suit them best. Here’s a simple guide to get started.
Step 1: Gather the Essentials
To begin the application process, three key items are needed: a resume, a cover letter, and an online network.
If there’s no resume or cover letter yet, scheduling an appointment with the Rutgers Camden Career Center is a great way to get help creating these.
Step 2: Create an Online Network
In today’s job market, an online presence is necessary. If LinkedIn or Handshake accounts aren’t set up yet, now’s the time to create them. Both platforms are essential for connecting with employers, researching companies, and finding internship opportunities.
● Handshake is a job board supported by
Rutgers, specifically designed to help
students and recent graduates find
internships and job openings. Job postings
can be filtered by interest, and there are
opportunities to engage with employers and
research companies. Create your Handshake
account here.
● LinkedIn is another key platform, not just for
job searching, but also for networking. A
polished LinkedIn profile showcases skills,
academic accomplishments, and professional
aspirations, making it easier for potential
employers to view students as serious
candidates.
Handshake and LinkedIn give access to hundreds of internship opportunities. Filter searches based on interests, and apply to the positions that align with individualized career goals.
Step 3: Prepare for the Interview
The Rutgers Camden Career Center has a free resource called Big Interview to help practice answering tough questions and get comfortable for the big day.
Need help with any part of the process? Whether it’s polishing your resume, perfecting your cover letter, or prepping for an interview, the Career Center is there to guide you through it.
Top 5 Fastest Growing Careers
For those whose career reflections don’t yet lead to a specific job, here are some top growing career options, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
1. Wind Turbine Service Technicians:Projected to grow by 60%, with a median annual wage of $61,770.
2. Solar Photovoltaic Installers: Projected to grow by 48%, earning a median annual wage of $48,800.
3. Nurse Practitioners: Projected to grow by 52%, with a median annual wage of $132,270.
4. Data Scientists: Projected to grow by 36%, with a median annual wage of $108,020. 5. 5. Information Security Analysts: Projected to grow by 33%, with a median annual wage of $120,360 per year.
The Rutgers Camden Career Center will be hosting the annual Spring Career Fair on Tuesday, April 1st from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Registration can be done via the Handshake app.
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