Dear Aunt Martha,
I’m worried. All my friends who are in finance, business, and consulting are getting interviews and job offers. Even though I’m not on the business/ finance/ consulting track, I can’t help but feel a little behind and worried that I’m not going to find a job/ internship for the summer. What should I do?
Thanks as always!
Anxious Student
Dear Anxious Student:
Your worry is understandable but unwarranted! It’s typical for students in finance, business and consulting to get job offers and interview acceptances in early Fall, but for almost everyone else, applying for internships and jobs may not even start until late January!
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- Here’s my favorite game-plan: Update, Scope, Ask (U.S.A.)
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- Update: use this time before application season wisely by updating your portfolio, resume, LinkedIn, or even by preparing drafts of your cover letters. Take this time to reflect on your accomplishments and the journey that you’ve taken in life thus far. How has everything led to where you are now?
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- Scope: Be strategic! Though many internships/ jobs may not have been posted yet, organizations rarely change their application requirements from year to year. As such, looking at previous year’s applications and doing research on your desired organization can help you gain a better idea of what each application will look for. You can also reach out and contact the company ahead of time to let them know of your interest. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your network (friends, professors, family etc.) if they know of any opportunities to look out for.
- Ask: Start asking professors for letters of recommendation because many summer internships require them! By asking early, professors are more likely to agree as well as be able to write you a great letter. For tips and tricks on asking for a letter of recommendation, check out our Proper Etiquette for Asking for a Letter of Recommendation Guide, or come into the CEC and have a chat with our well trained Career Assistants!
A final word of advice from an old lady: Comparing yourself to others gets tiring, and is often merely stress inducing rather than fruitful. Instead, think about where you are now: are you learning and growing? Do you need to be where you are right now? Does it correlate with your future hopes and plans?
Drop by the CEC and see one of our Career Assistants who can help you find internships in your area of interest. They can also aid you in your search preparation by critiquing resumes and cover letters, or by conducting mock interview with you.
Good luck! And believe in yourself!
Warmest Wishes,
Aunt Martha