Internships vital to success
Adam Brown
Issue date: 10/13/08 Section: News
Whether a freshman or a senior with graduation in sight, most students have one thing in common regardless of major: the need for an internship.
Renee Sprock, assistant director of Career Services in Sherman Hall, had some good advice for students looking for internships.
"Students should look for a place that gives them relative experience for their field of study and learning opportunities. They should also think about geographical location as far as where they want to work after they graduate," she said.
If you're scratching your head wondering where to get started, www.careers.wiu.edu is a great place to begin.
The Career Services Web site has several links that help students find what they're looking for and where to get started. The eRecruiting Web link on their homepage allows students to upload their résumés online for thousands of prescreened employers to look at.
"Eighty percent of students get jobs through Internet Web sites," Sprock said. "Students can create their résumé and put it in folders for employers to view, not just in their major, but in other fields of study as well. The O-net and Career InfoNet also help students understand what is involved in the career they are considering."
The vault is an online career library that gives descriptions of jobs and internships, such as uppers, downers and personality matches and misses for the job one is considering.
Career Services can also assist students with cover letters, résumés and perform mock interviews.
A common misconception is that internships are done during the summer, but many go throughout the year. There are even opportunities for international internships.
"Even though internships may not be required for one's field of study, many employers recommended it," Sprock said.
In addition to all the tools Career Services offers, Sprock said for students to "pay attention to personal contacts, take advantage of network opportunities and join clubs and organizations that are in your field of study."
Sprock listed several helpful tips about what students can prepare themselves for, such as where the jobs are, average pay, requirements, educational requirements and soft skills, such as energy and enthusiasm.
It's important to get an early start on an internship; students should apply about six months in advance.
"Students can do multiple internships, and that a majority of employers want, more than one internship," Sprock said. "Students should look and dissect what they do; classes should be related to the job they want; research the career and job to get your curriculum going the right way."
Western has many helpful people and resources for students when it comes to finding and applying for internships, jobs and getting a jump on your career.
Renee Sprock, assistant director of Career Services in Sherman Hall, had some good advice for students looking for internships.
"Students should look for a place that gives them relative experience for their field of study and learning opportunities. They should also think about geographical location as far as where they want to work after they graduate," she said.
If you're scratching your head wondering where to get started, www.careers.wiu.edu is a great place to begin.
The Career Services Web site has several links that help students find what they're looking for and where to get started. The eRecruiting Web link on their homepage allows students to upload their résumés online for thousands of prescreened employers to look at.
"Eighty percent of students get jobs through Internet Web sites," Sprock said. "Students can create their résumé and put it in folders for employers to view, not just in their major, but in other fields of study as well. The O-net and Career InfoNet also help students understand what is involved in the career they are considering."
The vault is an online career library that gives descriptions of jobs and internships, such as uppers, downers and personality matches and misses for the job one is considering.
Career Services can also assist students with cover letters, résumés and perform mock interviews.
A common misconception is that internships are done during the summer, but many go throughout the year. There are even opportunities for international internships.
"Even though internships may not be required for one's field of study, many employers recommended it," Sprock said.
In addition to all the tools Career Services offers, Sprock said for students to "pay attention to personal contacts, take advantage of network opportunities and join clubs and organizations that are in your field of study."
Sprock listed several helpful tips about what students can prepare themselves for, such as where the jobs are, average pay, requirements, educational requirements and soft skills, such as energy and enthusiasm.
It's important to get an early start on an internship; students should apply about six months in advance.
"Students can do multiple internships, and that a majority of employers want, more than one internship," Sprock said. "Students should look and dissect what they do; classes should be related to the job they want; research the career and job to get your curriculum going the right way."
Western has many helpful people and resources for students when it comes to finding and applying for internships, jobs and getting a jump on your career.
Be the first to comment on this story