The Power of an Internship

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive job market, having a degree alone often isn’t enough to land your dream job. Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate real-world experience, adaptability, and a genuine understanding of the industry. However, there is a great solution to this conundrum – and this is where internships come in. Internships have become a crucial component of the hiring process for students and employers alike. Employers are doing everything they can to streamline the recruitment, hiring and onboarding processes and interns provide a powerful recruitment opportunity. Interns can transition easily from being a student to a full-time employee. From the student’s perspective, internships can offer more than what can be learned in classrooms and textbooks, which is the value of real-world experience. And that experience is becoming more and more necessary to land a job after graduation and begin a successful career.

The best place to secure an internship is at your school’s career fair. Career fairs give you immediate access to hiring managers, recruiters, and networking opportunities all in one place. Preparing for career fairs can seem scary and overwhelming. But if approached correctly, they can be a gold-mine of networking opportunities that help you land your dream job once you graduate. Career service departments are a huge resource that not many students take advantage of that can help ease your nerves. These departments can help go over your resume and cover letter and offer insights as to what might need some attention. They also host mock interview sessions, teach interview and follow-up etiquette and host information sessions on creating a standout LinkedIn and/or Handshake profile.

Making a great first impression at a career fair can have a lasting impact, especially if you’re trying to secure an internship. Here’s a list of Do’s and Don’ts to help you make a strong impression and avoid common pitfalls:

DO:

• Do: dress professionally and treat the career fair as if it was an interview. First impressions matter. Business casual is typically acceptable, but lean toward more professional attire.
• Do: not just dress professionally, but also act professionally. Bring multiple copies of your resume. Shake the recruiter/team member’s hand and look them in the eyes while speaking with them. Ask questions that help you stand out and make it known that you’re interested.
• Do: take the time to research the companies that you’re interested in. Before you step into the event, identify your top 5-10 companies of interest and learn what they do, what positions they might be hiring for and any recent news or projects as it shows genuine interest and allows you to ask intelligent, tailored questions.
• Do: practice an “elevator pitch”. Something short and sweet, around 30 seconds, that covers who you are, what you’re studying, what you’re looking for, and why you’re interested in their company.
• Do: follow-up after the event. Send a brief thank-you email or LinkedIn message to the recruiters you spoke with. Mention something specific from your conversation to help them remember you.
• Do: have fun and take advantage of this amazing opportunity, and smile!

DON’T:

• Don’t: walk around aimlessly. Wandering the booths with no plan or just stopping by a table to grab company swag is a quick way to waste both your and the company representative’s time.
• Don’t: ghost recruiters. If a recruiter follows up with you and you’re no longer interested, still reply. Be respectful and don’t burn bridges as you never know where you’ll end up in the future.
• Don’t: ask “what does your company do?” It shows you didn’t prepare and that you might not be genuinely interested in the company.
• Don’t: forget to bring enough resume copies. Again, preparation is key.
• Don’t: eat or drink while meeting with companies. Avoid chewing gum while speaking with companies as well.
• Don’t: forget to attend, even if you’re a freshman! Go get some valuable experience networking and meeting with potential employers. Many companies are even offering internships to freshman and sophomores who present themselves well.

Internships are not just a box to check on your resume. They are critical learning experiences that bridge the gap between education and employment. And career fairs are not just about handing out resumes. They’re about making connections, learning about different industries, and practicing how to present yourself professionally. So, if you’re a student, whether a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior, don’t underestimate the power of an internship. Try to carve out some time from your busy school schedule and make it a point to attend your school’s career fair to meet with companies and grow your network. It could be the most important step you take toward building the career you’ve always wanted. To learn more about our internship program, click here.