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Permalink Reply by James Todd on February 21, 2011 at 12:54pm

I have college kids and this is what I have learned from the process:

 

#1 Work hard in high school and gain entry into a competitive college

#2 Study engineering, business or a hard science

#3 Maintain a GPA above 3.5

#4 Make full use of your college career center/alumni network and family contacts

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Permalink Reply by Suresh on February 21, 2011 at 1:30pm

I like what you guys have posted.  What the recession has taught me and would encourage kids to think about and do something.

 

#entrepreneurial skills

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Permalink Reply by Beth on February 22, 2011 at 2:10pm

I would add that students need to have an entrepreneurial attitude.  If the opportunity for an internship doesn't present itself, students should create and market their own company, for example. 

 

And I would agree with Morgan, that being aggressive definitely needs to be on the list. :)

It amazes me when students stop by my booth at career fairs and then I never hear from them again. 

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Permalink Reply by Simon Meth on February 23, 2011 at 9:02am

All good comments from Beth, Suresh, James, and Morgan. We could debate the finer points but we're building a great list here. I'll wait for a few more comments and then I'll consolidate and rank the responses. I suspect that the actual ranking isn't that important. The Top 10 list should be helpful to all aspiring interns. Cheers!

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Permalink Reply by Kirk Baumann on February 25, 2011 at 5:52pm

#1 Build relationships, not just social profiles.  Keep those relationships updated with your success (or lack thereof) in the job search. Think quality vs. quantity.

 

#2 Ask for help.  If we don't know you need it, how can we help you?

 

#3 Quantify your results on your resume. Even if all your experience to this point is waiting tables at Applebee's or babysitting your parent's friend's kids, figure out how that experience relates (think time management, communication, project management, etc.) and make your resume reflect that.  Don't just list a job description or your "responsibilities".  

 

#4 Read the job description and KNOW if you're qualified before applying. Don't be known as a time-waster to recruiters.  If the posting requires 5-10 years of experience and you just graduated, chances are that you're not qualified.  If you have 4 years of experience and it calls for 5, you might be in the "grey area" and might actually get through.

 

There are a lot of tips that recruiters and HR pros can give.  Many are already listed.  Many aren't.  At the end of the day, what makes the most sense for you?  Know yourself first (your personal brand) and then go get the job!

 

Best of luck to you!

 

Kirk

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Permalink Reply by Simon Meth on March 6, 2011 at 11:46pm

Well here it is! A possible Top 10 list based on all the responses to my request to build a list together:

#1 Get on LinkedIn, develop a network, and find advocates at the companies where you want to work.

#2 Build relationships, not just social profiles.  Keep those relationships updated with your success (or lack thereof) in the job search. Think quality vs. quantity.

#3 Make inquiry calls, utilize your college professors and your student services job placement office. Utilize your network and let everyone know what you are seeking in an internship. Remember to use your family contacts.

#4 Ask for help.  If people don't know you need it, how can they help you?

#5 Make sure you utilize all the tools like a good resume, proper dress attire, interview skills, communication, follow up, etc.

#6 Target companies and organizations that will be able to utilize your current education and experience and that you would want to work for in the future.

#7 Use your entrepreneurial skills if you have them and that interests you.

#8 Be aggressive. This doesn’t mean being a nuisance. You must do more than apply on line and wait for a response.

#9 Quantify your results on your resume. Even if all your experience to this point is waiting tables at Applebee's or babysitting your parent's friend's kids, figure out how that experience relates (think time management, communication, project management, etc.) and make your resume reflect that.  Don't just list a job description or your "responsibilities".

#10 Remember that working as an intern in an area that relates to what you’re studying is the best way to get that great job after graduation. You may not be able to find the perfect internship first time out. Start somewhere and trade up next year.

Thank you to Morgan, James, Suresh, Beth, and Kirk for participating. Much appreciated!

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