2008 Woodie Awards
Internships Open Doors of Opportunity
By: Kat Fox
Issue date: 1/31/07 Section: Entertainment & Features
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Kat Fox
Staff Writer
When creating a resume, one of the most important sections to put on a resume is experience in a specific field. It is also the toughest section to fill while attending school full-time, which is why internships are vitally important to finding a job after graduation.
"[Internships] provide the student with the opportunity of working in a professional off-campus setting supervised by professionals and providing actual professional experiences," said Dr. Linwood Hagin, Department Chair Mass Communication.
It is important for a student to begin brainstorming early where he would like to apply for an internship.
"Some internship locations require an extensive internship application process…so give yourself plenty of time to search," said Hagin.
When looking for a good internship, students should evaluate their own interests and skills. Also, it's good to keep in mind a specific career field and find an internship that will enhance their skills and abilities in that area.
"Having a professional organization's name on your resume helps," said Hagin.
After an internship is acquired there are some things to keep in mind before starting. Internships are not about money or executive positions; they are about experience.
"If you go in with a humble and teachable attitude you're going to have a lot of success," said Chris Haines, Career Services and personal counselor.
Internships are also about making connections.
"A lot of times it's who you know that will help you get where you want to be," said Haines.
Take the opportunity to learn how to work well with others. Working on a team is something everyone must do and internships are a good place to learn how to become a team player.
"If you can leave your internship with a positive reference that's going to speak more to where you're applying than anything else," said Haines.
Because most internships are during a school semester, it can be difficult to balance classes, homework, internship and other activities.
"Balance is all about boundaries…boundaries are the ability to say 'I need this,' or 'no I can't do that right now.' Know your limits," Haines said.
Haines suggests several things to help students remain sane through it all.
First, take time for family. This is not necessarily just family members but "the people in your world that you love, that love you and that you want to spend time with," said Haines.
Second, take your job, or internship, seriously. Do your best at whatever you put your hand to do.
Third, understand the value of your education. "Internships are not going to matter if you fail out of college," said Haines.
And fourth, know when to take a break. The common signs of knowing a break is needed are having a hard time getting out of bed, frequent sickness and fatigue and the inability to work efficiently.
"Look at the cues in yourself to know when you need a break," said Haines.
Staff Writer
When creating a resume, one of the most important sections to put on a resume is experience in a specific field. It is also the toughest section to fill while attending school full-time, which is why internships are vitally important to finding a job after graduation.
"[Internships] provide the student with the opportunity of working in a professional off-campus setting supervised by professionals and providing actual professional experiences," said Dr. Linwood Hagin, Department Chair Mass Communication.
It is important for a student to begin brainstorming early where he would like to apply for an internship.
"Some internship locations require an extensive internship application process…so give yourself plenty of time to search," said Hagin.
When looking for a good internship, students should evaluate their own interests and skills. Also, it's good to keep in mind a specific career field and find an internship that will enhance their skills and abilities in that area.
"Having a professional organization's name on your resume helps," said Hagin.
After an internship is acquired there are some things to keep in mind before starting. Internships are not about money or executive positions; they are about experience.
"If you go in with a humble and teachable attitude you're going to have a lot of success," said Chris Haines, Career Services and personal counselor.
Internships are also about making connections.
"A lot of times it's who you know that will help you get where you want to be," said Haines.
Take the opportunity to learn how to work well with others. Working on a team is something everyone must do and internships are a good place to learn how to become a team player.
"If you can leave your internship with a positive reference that's going to speak more to where you're applying than anything else," said Haines.
Because most internships are during a school semester, it can be difficult to balance classes, homework, internship and other activities.
"Balance is all about boundaries…boundaries are the ability to say 'I need this,' or 'no I can't do that right now.' Know your limits," Haines said.
Haines suggests several things to help students remain sane through it all.
First, take time for family. This is not necessarily just family members but "the people in your world that you love, that love you and that you want to spend time with," said Haines.
Second, take your job, or internship, seriously. Do your best at whatever you put your hand to do.
Third, understand the value of your education. "Internships are not going to matter if you fail out of college," said Haines.
And fourth, know when to take a break. The common signs of knowing a break is needed are having a hard time getting out of bed, frequent sickness and fatigue and the inability to work efficiently.
"Look at the cues in yourself to know when you need a break," said Haines.
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