There are many ways to get a job, an internship, even admission into college. There is one huge lesson I’ve learned on my journey through college. It’s that finding your passion, and drive to achieve your biggest goals, comes from having a great support group. It comes from seeing your friends and family, persevere through our less-than perfect economy and succeed. Keep these people around, and if you find yourself with some friends that are straying from a path you’d like to be on, join a new club. Most schools have dozens if not hundreds of clubs for everyone. Find those people, and then talk to them! Networking is the most important skill to hone in our generation. Last summer, my group of friends joined forces and completed our first (and second, and third) triathlons together. It was such a rewarding experience, and we were all inspired by each other. This works in and outside of work, believe it or not, most networking happens outside of the office.
Here are the first things on our list of 100+ things.
1. Talk to new people every chance you get. Ask them for a conference call and prepare questions for them. Better yet, ask to have coffee or lunch when they are free.
RIT has a great list of how to get started on networking, informational interviews and more.
2. Ask questions-the worst answer you will get from someone will be more helpful than your preconceived notions about that particular career.
3. Be aggressive. Don’t stop trying, keep calling people and sending your résumé out there.
So You Want to be an Intern? 