Internships are a critical activity for college students to gain hands-on experience for their future careers. At Neumann University, students need at least one internship to finish the academic program, business majors require two.
According to Preeti Singh, the Director of Career and Professional Development, many students wait too long to actually begin this important step. Ideally, students should look for their first internship by the end of their sophomore year, when they have already taken several major-related courses and developed a fundamental understanding of core concepts.
Because the internship process takes time, students are encouraged to start early and to use multiple channels when applying.
“You have to really start the semester before, I think a lot of times students don’t realize that,” said Singh.
Even if students do know to start early, the process can be intimidating.
“Honestly, that whole process of getting the internship was scary to me,” said Sean Carroll, a senior, who did an internship with Beasley Media on the morning show Preston and Steve.
“Luckily, I had a great professor, a great advisor of mine, Kerry Hustwit,” he emphasized. Along with Preeti Singh and Sean McDonald, they really helped him get himself in order to get the internship.
Networking, Singh emphasized, is one of the most important factors in searching for internship opportunities.
“You should let everyone know you’re looking for an internship,” Singh advised. “Because you’re a student you don’t have a professional network. So, you start building that slowly as you apply for an internship.”
Networking and effective communication were important to Carroll’s success. In the beginning, he had a hard time due to the complicated process, but the support he got from school faculty made all the difference.
“If I had just gone to my classes and that’s it, I would not have gotten this internship,” he said. “It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.” Making connections is the lesson learned here.
Students should start preparing at least a semester in advance, building a strong résumé and scheduling appointments with the Career and Professional Development staff, who can help generate internship leads and provide guidance throughout the process.
Once students have gained an internship, it is important that they perform professionally. Students should remain respectful, on time, and meticulous, even in a relaxed atmosphere.
“Be professional with everyone, ask questions, show that you’re interested and want to contribute,” said Singh.“Do they see you as a student who’s running late or do they see someone who’s prepared, who puts some thoughts to the experience, who wants to learn, who’s doing the projects they’re given to do. Those things sound very simple but those are the things that make you really look good.”
Students in search of campus life can apply through internships offered in various departments such as the Counseling Center, Athletics, Global Engagement, and Knight Center. Students can apply for opportunities through the Knight Career Network provided by the Center for Career and Professional Development.
