internship

Get Booked and Busy This Summer (On a Budget)

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Scheduling windows are now open for the Spring semester, and maybe you’re also thinking about what your moves are going to be after Spring 2020. If you’re anything like my first-year self, you might not be itching to go immediately back to your hometown just yet. You may have realized just how many summer opportunities have piqued your interest.

Perhaps you want to study abroad, get an internship, or get some resume-worthy work experience and make some money. Whatever you want to do, the process for many summer 2020 opportunities looks similar and can begin as early as November 2019. No matter whether you know exactly what you want to do, or you’re completely clueless like I was, let’s break down 4 tips to be booked and busy on a budget this summer.

Get informed about what’s out there

There are people at this university who are getting paid to help you chase your bag! The Office of International Affairs hosts info sessions for every study abroad offered at Ohio State, including Global May programs which depart and return in the month of May (great if you have commitments during June and July). Additionally, the Honors and Scholars Center has a whole department dedicated to to helping Ohio State students land competitive government-funded fellowships, like the Critical Language Scholarship, the Truman Scholarship, and others. (The website is on the Honors and Scholars page, but these programs are open to all students!) For internships and summer jobs in Columbus, try looking on the Student Financial Aid job board or asking upperclassmen who have pursued opportunities similar to what you want to do, especially on-campus summer roles like being a Peer Leader, University Ambassador, etc. Get informed. Explore and see what’s out there. Google is free! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Build, Don’t Force a Network:

Remember when your Peer Leader told you to go to office hours? This is part of the reason why. In one-on-one situations (including, but not only office hours), you can build relationships with people like TAs, professors, and work supervisors. Relationships with these people are important so that when you need letters of recommendation, they will have your back. My Acting class TA wrote for me my first letter of recommendation. While he only taught a GE course, we had a great relationship, so he knew me enough to write a unique and personal letter. Do your best to make a real connection instead of forcing one to happen. If you don’t have anyone who you would feel comfortable with asking for a recommendation letter yet, there’s no time like the present to start! My networking pro-tip if you don’t know what to say is to ask them about themselves. The best question: How did they get to this phase of their careers? If the two of you truly ~vibe~ then you’ll have someone who will want to help you when you need it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ask, and You Shall Receive

Almost every application will require some sort of essay, personal statement, or resume. Program coordinators and upperclassmen who have pursued the same opportunity that you’re interested in will be able to get you the best scoop on how to make yourself look appealing on paper. They’ve done it before, so they’re the experts! Ask them all the questions, have them read your essays, and get all the help that you can while working on your applications for jobs, scholarships, and fellowships. To become a Peer Leader, I had not just one, but two past Peer Leaders review my essays. Though it took some time and effort – guess who got the job? The Writing Center also offers online and in-person resume writing, personal statement editing, and essay support. Take advantage of  the resources you’re paying for already! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, Get the Bag

Now, all you have to do is submit your application. However it wouldn’t hurt to get a little extra cash for your next adventure. This may mean applying for the Special Scholarships Application to save money during the school year, or to apply for scholarships offered for research, living costs during internships, and study abroad. The Office of International Affairs website is where you can find a master list to dozens of Ohio State-only scholarships to help fund your experiences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finding gratifying summer experiences is daunting. My goal is to help you achieve your goals without breaking the bank. I hope you all have wonderful, fulfilling, and amazing summer experiences while going and chasing your dreams (while still on a budget). Happy travels!

5 Ways to Prepare for the Career and Internship Fair

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If you haven’t seen it advertised around campus, let me be the first to tell you that the Career and Internship Fair is happening, September 15 and 16 in the Ohio Union, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.! I can guess what some of you might be thinking:

“Summer just ended, I’ve been a college student for less than a month, and now you want me to start thinking about jobs and internships?!”

The answer is YES!

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It doesn’t have to be intimidating, and it’s fine if you only have experience from high school. Ohio State has a lot of opportunities to prepare you for the world of career and internship fairs.

1. Update* Your Résumé

*Or make one if you don’t have a résumé! Your résumé is the time to showcase your accomplishments and skills you will be bringing to the job. If you don’t know where to start, then Ohio State can help. The Writing Center and Career Counseling and Support Services have resources available online.

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Once you have updated it, don’t forget one of the most important steps: PRINT IT. It can be on normal printer paper, or if you want to be more professional you can use résumé paper. It’s less flimsy than normal copier paper and you can find some on the second floor of the Ohio Union in the Resource Room. Once you print out copies of your résumé, be sure to put them in something; don’t just let them hang around unprotected! That way, when you hand a potential employer your résumé, it’s presentable. A padfolio or even a clean, unmarked folder will work. This way you have somewhere to put pen and paper, in case you need to take notes, as well!

2. Prepare What You’re Going to Say

At some point during the fair you will be talking to professionals and you will want to make a good impression. This is where an “elevator speech” comes in. Basically it is a brief speech…imagine a short 20-30 second elevator ride conversation that lets the other person know more about you, your qualifications, and why you’re talking to them about their company. You can see a template here.

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Also, think about what you want to ask the professionals at the career fair. What do you want to know about their company, and what they could offer you? If you aren’t sure what you would say, look through this list from Buckeye Careers, Career Counseling and Support Services can help, and if you’re free next Tuesday, September 8th in the evening try going to the Making the Most Out of a Career Fair Workshop. Look through the list of employers attending and do some research on ones that sound interesting to you. That way, you can ask specific–as opposed to general–questions.

3. Pick Out Your Outfit

You are going to want to look professional. Here are a couple suggestions from Buckeye Careers. When in doubt, have someone look over your outfit. Don’t wait until the last minute to do this!

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And let’s all remember that you’re not fully dressed without a smile! Let’s be honest: who wants to work with someone who looks like they hate life? Even just looking interested can help your first impression.

4. Breathe

This career fair isn’t going to determine the rest of your life. Think of it as a way to get comfortable in a professional environment. You are going to want an internship or job eventually and being familiar with the process makes a difference.

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Just breathe and remember that everyone had to start somewhere.

5. Follow up

Did you connect with an employer at the job fair? Write the representative you spoke with a thank you note! Buckeye Careers has some follow-up suggestions here.

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If going to the career fair made you confused about what you want to do with your degree or how to get from point A to point B, don’t worry, there are people to help with that! Buckeye OnPace is an online module that helps you figure out what careers fit with your interests, you can meet with Career Counseling and Support Services, or can talk to your advisor about the resources available in your major. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!