Securing a Summer Internship or Job

Submitted by Beatriz “Bia” De Souza, ’24 

It’s my senior year – which means I’m working on finding internships and career opportunities for my life post-graduation. 

One of a seniors' biggest priorities is finding a job. I am currently a senior in college, and I understand that it can be a struggle. Questions going on in our heads can vary from: Where do I look for jobs and internships, how do I look for them, how do I know if this job or internship is a good fit for me… the list could go on. Even though I have decided to pause my job search to continue my education and pursue my graduate degree, I have received a ton of advice from people who have gone through this process and seen how the advice has worked. 

One of the biggest mistakes people make is to wait until senior year to start looking. You do not necessarily need to apply for jobs before senior year, but looking for what is out there and the options you would have in your field is always a good idea. It will help you narrow down your options for the future. Also, internships before senior year can open many doors for after graduation. I have a few friends who have a job already set for after graduation because they had internships with that particular company years prior. Basically, if you get an internship during your college years, and you work hard at that internship, it can become a good job for you after graduation, as it did for my friend.

And of course, use the internet! It’s a vast resource! Looking for jobs on websites such as Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and so forth is a must. You can select exactly what you are looking for in your search engine to customize your research as much as possible. This helps you see job opportunities that align exactly with what you are looking for. Still, having good connections with people who are already in the industry you are interested in is a step up. That is where LinkedIn steps in. Creating connections there can open doors. Also, you could gain people's help by talking to them about your career plans and goals, sending your résumé for them to recommend you to employers, and so on. Networking gets you places.

No matter what you do, being active in looking for jobs and interviews is always the best choice. You don’t have to kill yourself with searching, but, if you do not look for it, you will not find it. By actively scouting out opportunities, not only will you find what you are looking for, but you can also find many opportunities you never saw coming.