Making the Most of Internship Mania

Research Employers Attending

• View the list of organizations that have registered on the website or in the Internship Mania Booklet (available in Career Services 7-10 days prior to the event)
• Check Blugold CareerLink to identify the positions for which they will be recruiting
• Research the employers' web sites to learn more about the employer, including their mission statement, history and structure

Research Yourself

• Understand the kind of experience you want to get out of your internship
• Decide the type of organization for which you want to work
• Determine your geographic and financial needs for an internship

Prepare your Resume

• Use the Online Resume Workshop on the Career Services website to learn how to create an effective resume
• Visit the Career Discovery Center in Schofield 230 to view samples of resumes
• Schedule an appointment to have your resume reviewed by calling 836-5358.

Identify a list of potential employers

• List reasons you would like to work for them
• Prioritize these employers

Contact the employers before the conference

• Send a customized cover letter and resume to the recruiter
• Introduce yourself
• Tell them why you like their organization and why you are a good fit
• Inform them you will be at Internship Mania

Attend Workshops

• Resume Development: Monday, January 28th at 3pm-HHH102
• Career Fair Success: Tuesday, January 29th at 3pm-HHH320
• Blugold CareerLink: Wednesday, January 30th at 3pm-HHH100
• Career Fair Success: Thursday, January 31st at 2pm-OL2110
• Interviewing: Thursday, January 31st at 3pm-OL2110

Get your Resume Reviewed

• Walk-In Resume Reviews: Friday, February 1st from 10 am -3 pm: Career Services

Prepare a mini presentation about yourself (elevator pitch)

• Introduce yourself
• Explain why you are interested in their organization and why you would be a good fit (talk about skills, experience, etc.)
• Develop questions to ask (questions which demonstrate your knowledge of the organization)

Practice Interviewing

• Practice interviewing with Perfect Interview, View videos of tough questions from professional interviewers, and answer on the spot. A webcam records your answers, so you can see exactly how you will look and sound. Can be done with your own computer and webcam, or on a computer in Career Services

The Day of the Event

• Attend the Early Morning Employer Social, an informal breakfast with employers, February 5th, 8-10 am, Alumni Room, Davies Center
• Present yourself to the recruiter (Shake hands and make eye contact)
  • Give them your best sales pitch
  • Present your resume (with a customized career objective)
  • Ask questions
  • Listen
  • Ask if you can follow-up
  • Ask for their business card
  • NOTE: If the recruiter is conducting an on-campus interview for a specific position in which you are interested, get on their interview schedule through Blugold CareerLink. If not, inquire about the next step in the recruiting process. If you are interested in a different department within the organization, and this recruiter does not represent that department, ask for their help (a contact name, how to approach, next steps, policies).
• Find a quiet spot to make notes

After Internship Mania

• Write thank you letters within 48 hours after the event. Let them know you were excited about meeting them and that you are interested in their organization. This positive approach can make a difference in the future.

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