A presentation developed for students seeking internships which covers definitions of internships, benefits of internships, the importance of organization, preparation, and networking. Students also learn the resources available through Career Services.

1. Internships
What They Are and How To Get Them
Laura DeJoseph McArdle
Internship Coordinator
Career Services Office
ldmcardle@esf.edu

2. Today’s Topics
What’s an internship?
 Statistics
 How do I find an internship?
 Myths & Tips
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3. What is an internship?
An educational, career-related work
experience providing practical
experience in your chosen field.
 Important to seek academic credit.
 Some are paid, others unpaid.

4. Why get an internship?
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Gain valuable work experience in your
chosen major field.
Get help deciding if your current career
choice is right for you.
Learn skills that you can use for your future.
Earn academic credit.
Develop a network and work references for
future employment.
Develop confidence and learn how to interact
with people in a professional manner.
Have the opportunity to apply classroom
skills and knowledge to on-the-job
experiences.

5. Statistics about internships
52% of undergraduates complete
internships for credit
 34.3% of undergraduates complete
internships not for credit
 25% students get jobs from
internships, second to networking and
personal contacts (32%)
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6. Statistics about internships

Eighty percent of available jobs are
never advertised, and over half of all
employees get their jobs through
networking, according to BH Careers
International.

7. How Do I Find an Internship
1. Get organized
2. Conduct research
3. Greenlink
4. Networking & social media
5. Utilize Career Services –
staff, resources,
and websites

8. 1. Get Organized
Create a resume
 Learn about cover letters
 Establish a timeline
 Develop a system
 Start your search months before your
desired start date


9. 2. Conduct Research
Assess yourself –
Interests, Values, Skills
 Research Organizations
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◦ Do you have a specific geographical area
in mind? Near school? Near home?
◦ What are the organizations in your area?
◦ Are there internship programs?
◦ Identify timeline and deadlines.
◦ Identify connections within those
organizations.

10. 2. Conduct Research
Key questions to consider:
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When is it?
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Where is it?
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How long does it last?
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Will I receive credit for it?
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Is it paid or unpaid?
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Are there any legal issues to consider?
◦ Department of Labor guidelines: unpaid work
◦ Insurance and liability

11. 2. Conduct Research
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Employers expect it
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Displays your
seriousness, thoroughness and
attention to detail
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Helps to personalize cover letters and
resumes, and answer questions
appropriately
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Helps determine your “fit” with the
organization

12. 3. Greenlink
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http://www.esf.edu/career/
To login, use your syr e-mail address
as your username
 Your birthdate in format 'mmddyyyy'
as your password.
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◦ Username: ldmcardle@syr.edu
◦ Password: 03082013

13. 4. Networking & Social Media

Alumni Office
◦ Bray 219
◦ Alumni Database

LinkedIn
◦ www.linkedin.com/alumni
◦ Advanced Search

Environmental Career Fair
◦ February 26, 2014

14. 4. Networking & Social Media
Networking
 Asking questions, sharing
stories, learning from others, being
interested, building connections
 Connections lead to hidden
opportunities
 Employers hire based on referrals

15. 4. Networking & Social Media
Ways to Network
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Social Media
Parties, events
Meeting people in class
Professional associations
Networking can lead to
◦ Job shadows, tour of work place
◦ Career fairs, info sessions, workshops

16. 4. Networking & Social Media
Networking Involves:
 Energy
 Outside comfort zone
 Using phone, email, web, face to face
 Authenticity
 Follow up

17. 4. Networking & Social Media
Informational Interviews
•
Make courteous initial contact
• Ask for information, not a job
• Face-to-face meetings
• Be politely persistent
• Try to obtain referrals
• Follow up/keep them informed of your progress
• Thank them

18. 4. Networking & Social Media
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Networking Myths
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Networking is using people (no..sharing)
Nobody wants to be helpful
New contacts will give you a job
Only extraverts are good at this
Networking is only about getting jobs

19. 5. Career Services
Create a Resume
 Resume Review
 Writing Cover letters
 Practice Interviews
 Career Counseling
 Career Workshops
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20. 5. Career Services
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Career Workshops
◦ 5pm in 110 Moon Library
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Social Media & Networking How-To!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Your Internship Search!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Greenlink & Your Job Search
Thursday, December 5, 2013

21. Search Mistakes
1. Relying on one strategy
2. Targeting only large employers
3. Failure to follow–up
4. Unprofessional materials/appearance
5. Impersonal approach
6. Underestimate time needed to search

22. Tips
Use multiple strategies!
 Don’t take rejection personally
 Shadowing
 Actually do it
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◦ Network
◦ Follow Up
◦ Respond

23. Career Services Office
Office of Student Affairs
Bray Hall 110
careers@esf.edu
315.470.6660