Networking to Find Your Ideal Internship

Still looking for a great internship? Don’t forget to take advantage of networking. There are a variety of tools Elon Communications students have at their fingertips that could help them network to their dream internship.

Here are a few steps to follow in order to make sure that you’re networking efficiently:

1. Build a list of contacts: Make sure you use every resource that Elon has made available to you in order to meet alumni with exciting opportunities. These resources include the Elon Mentor Network, the Communications Internship Office, TGIF (Three Great Internship Fridays) this spring, and more! To learn more about these networking opportunities, visit the links provided at the end of this article.

2. Conduct an informational interview: An informational interview with a communications professional is a wonderful way to get valuable insight about an organization, the field you are pursuing, and to learn how to best apply for an internship. It’s also a great way to get your foot in the door. http://shiftingcareers.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/mastering-the-informational-interview/

3. Create an Elevator Speech: It’s important that you know how to sell yourself on a whim. Prepare a 30-60 second speech about yourself, your previous experience and your professional aspirations. You never know when you might meet someone who could help you. To learn more about how to craft an elevator speech, visit: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/elevator-pitch.htm

4. Show Appreciation: Make sure you write a nice “Thank You” note to whatever contacts you make. It’s important to acknowledge the time that someone has taken out of her busy schedule, or to thank her if she has provided a reference/contact information.

5. Keep in Touch: Once you initially network with someone, make sure you touch base with her every once in a while. You can just drop a line or two to say hello, provide a progress update on a project or relevant experience, or check in to see how their project worked out. It’s important not to be too persistent with someone who is willing to help, but you don’t want to be a stranger, either.

Networking Tools and Resources:

Elon Mentor Network:
Network with Elon alumni who have agreed to help you connect with professionals. These alumni have asked to be contacted in order to provide advice and contacts. To access the Elon Mentor Network, visit:

https://www.myinterfase.com/elon/Account/LogOn?ReturnUrl=%2felon%2fstudent%2f

Elon Internship Database:
Make an appointment with the Communications Internship Office (112 McEwen) to access a database with the contact information to our previous internship supervisors. These are great connections! To make an appointment, visit: https://www.elon.edu/EventsMgmt/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fEventsMgmt%2fevents%2feventtype.aspx%3fid%3d4&id=4. Otherwise, you can stop by with no appointment on Tuesdays from 2:10-4 p.m.

TGIF (Three Great Internship Fridays):
T.G.I.F. is an annual spring event in the Elon School of Communications. Events offered include a speed networking event, internship prep seminars, and more. Make sure you RSVP through the website to attend: http://www.elon.edu/e-net/Note.aspx?id=964394

How to Follow-up on an Internship Application

You’ve sent in your resume, cover letter, references and application, and it’s been a few weeks without a single response. How do you follow-up on your application with a company without seeming desperate, aggressive or annoying? After submitting your application, keep in mind that companies are receiving scores of applications for a limited number of internships. It takes time for them to sift through these applications and some companies take a few weeks or more to actually get started. Here are a few tips to show your interest and to avoid being a pest:
In the early stage of the application process, send a quick email to underscore your interest. U.S. News recommends that you send something along the lines of: “I submitted my application for your __ internship last week (or whenever), and I just wanted to make sure that my materials were received. I also want to reiterate my interest in this opportunity; I believe that I will be a great match, and I’d love to talk with you about it when you’re ready to begin scheduling interviews.” This avoids the aggressive and annoying sense of immediacy that a phone call implies and allows the employer to read your follow-up at their leisure without interrupting their busy day.
Some professionals say phone calls are only an acceptable way to follow-up once you have actually conducted an interview. An interview means that you have passed the initial screening and have had personal contact with the employer, in turn making a more personal form of follow-up acceptable and expected. For more tips on how to follow-up, consult these websites:

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2012/01/23/how-to-follow-up-on-your-job-application

http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2012/05/30/4-non-annoying-ways-to-follow-up-after-an-interview/

Professional Attire in the Workplace: Female Edition

Dress code in the workplace can vary greatly on the location of your office. While many offices in busy cities such as NYC will require you to wear a full suit, you may find that offices in other locations such as Los Angeles have a more relaxed dress code.  No matter where you are located, if you follow these basic tips and tricks, you will be sure to make a good impression.

 

 1. Modesty is the best policy

Above all else, make sure that you are dressed modestly in the office. In other words, please avoid revealing attire such as short skirts or low cut blouses. If you are not comfortable with your outfit, leave it behind and wear something else. It is important to be respectful of yourself in order to make the best impression.

 

2. Keep it Simple

Although sequins may be in style this season, they are probably not appropriate for your work environment. Stay away from shocking colors, dizzying patterns and clothing that is too eye-catching. This way you are being noticed for your good work, and not for your attire.

 

3. Match the Office Environment

Pay attention to what your supervisor and co-workers are wearing to work everyday. If they have been in the office for a while, chances are they have an idea of how to dress in this environment. If they are too casual, dress one step up because they have their jobs and you’re trying to be impressive to get one.  

 

4. Ask!

Don’t be afraid to ask what the dress code is within the office prior to your arrival. It is important that you blend in when it comes to attire so that your skills and abilities can stand out. Your best bet may be to contact someone who works in Human Resources within your office. They will more than likely be happy to give advice.

 

Other Great Reads on this Topic:

http://www.dresscodeguide.com/

http://www.collegefashion.net/fashion-tips/what-to-wear-to-work-or-an-internship/

http://www.internshipfinder.com/members/office-life.php

 

Professional Dressing for Men

By Caleb Lueck

When interviewing for a potential internship, you have to look successful to catch the eye of your prospective employer and win their respect. That being said, here are some tips to make you look like you embody all of the impressive accomplishments in your resume’.

For men:

Keep your suits simple, but sharp; and above all, neatly tailored. A business suit in a solid color such as dark grey or navy sets a professional tone. For shirts, a stiff-collar, long-sleeve button-down is the norm. Don’t be afraid to color-coordinate your shirt with your suit. Ties should complement both, and most importantly, color coordinate! This is where you are allowed to exhibit personality to your prospective employer.

Shoes should be simple. Coordinate shoes with your suit and belt. Black suit and belt: black shoes. Navy suit and brown belt: brown shoes. Always wear lace-up shoes, never loafers. Jewelry should not be worn unless for religious reasons or timekeeping. Never wear chains, bracelets etc. The only ring that you should ever wear is a wedding ring. If you wear a watch, make sure that it looks professional (digital watches do not qualify). As an added note, if you do wear a watch, do not under any circumstances look at it or touch it; it’s better to just not wear one at all. Hair should be neatly cut in a professional style. Don’t wear cologne or aftershave, as many people are allergic to fragrances.
Finally, get a manicure. Manicures can actually be a masculine thing, as they keep you looking sharp and in control of yourself.  Now, the total package is impressive so good luck with those interviews.

Recommended readings:

http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-appearance/mens-interview-fashion-tips/article.aspx
http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-462-Getting-Hired-What-Not-to-Wear-to-an-Interview/
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewattire/a/interviewdress.htm
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/newbie-fashion-tips-for-grown-up-men.html
https://bagcheck.com/bag/1584-starter-wardrobe-for-business-formal

Networking For Internships

To kick off the start of the summer internship season, The Elon University School of Communications internship office hosted a speed-networking event. Internship seekers from a variety of concentrations met with local professionals and were able to discuss opportunities, goals and their future.

Many students are nervous to take the first step in networking and attending events that are hosted by their schools. They might consider themselves awkward or ill prepared for the professional world. The truth is, the best way to learn how to network is to put yourself in a situation where you are forced to do so.

Recruiters are not expecting students to be experts, but rather, people who are willing to learn. By demonstrating interest in the organization, knowing your own strengths and being congenial, recruiters will be receptive to you as a potential intern or employee.

Let the conversation flow naturally. The professional should not be the only one talking nor should students ramble for extended periods of time. Instead, if you feel a lull in the conversation, ask questions about the organization. Better yet, ask the professional about their role in the organization, or how they got started in their career. People love to talk about themselves.

Show recruiters your resume’. Be prepared to talk about your extracurricular activities, your past work experience and skills. Make sure that you can speak about how they are relevant to both professionally and to the company specifically.
Remember to follow up. If you would like to continue to build a relationship with the recruiter, make sure that you get their contact information and get in touch with them soon after you meet. Remind them of your conversation, reiterate your interest by telling them that you are interested in pursuing an internship with them, and let them know you welcome an interview.

Networking is not as intimidating as it seems, it just takes practice. So, get out there and talk to people. With time, you will get used to starting conversations with professionals and recruiters. Good Luck!

For more information on networking, check out:
http://www.cio.com/article/164300/How_to_Network_12_Tips_for_Shy_People
http://internships.about.com/od/networking/ht/Networking.htm
http://www.boston.com/business/blogs/global-business-hub/2012/01/how_to_network.html

Intern Abroad!

Living and studying abroad is an experience that many students pursue at least once during their time at Elon. But are you aware you can also intern while you are abroad?

In some cases, like the Elon in London program, students are automatically given the opportunity to register for internship credit and placed with a career-related organization for the semester.

In other cases, students have found ways to get a meaningful internship abroad by working with our office. Internships abroad offer a number of advantages to students. Adding international experience to your resume adds a unique element and potential employers will be impressed by your adaptability to a workplace in a different culture. In a society that is increasingly global, international experience will make you a more attractive applicant. By working closely with our office to gain an internship, you will be well on your way.

There are a few key factors to keep in mind as you begin the process to apply abroad. Simply working at any organization is not going to be as helpful as finding a reputable location, where you will gain valuable knowledge pertaining to your career goals and discipline of study. Also, we have a number of alumni who work for international organizations or live abroad who can become a great connection and resource.

Keep in mind that depending on when or how you are travelling, you will need to balance time with your internship course, other classes, travel and simply experiencing the country where you are living. Getting an internship is great, but we want to ensure it enhances your experience abroad.

Finally, contact the Isabella Cannon International Centre, even if you’re going to your native country to complete the study abroad application.There may also be different visa applications and safety concerns so your destination must first be approved.  Then, be prepared to work closely with the School of Communications Internship Office about meeting our internship requirements. Together, we will help you to create a unique study-abroad internship experience.

To get started visit the Isabella Cannon International Centre’s Intern Abroad Resources website and make an appointment with the internship office.

Can I complete an internship during the academic school year?

Many students come into our office asking this exact question, and the answer is YES!  Many communications students complete an internship during the academic school year, but once again the key is planning.  Before completing an internship during the academic school year, be sure to meet with your adviser and determine when you would have time in your schedule to complete an internship along with your other courses.

Some students choose to take a few classes at Elon and complete an internship for credit locally in Burlington, Greensboro or Raleigh.  Others choose to live at home or in another city while completing an internship during the summer or winter terms.  And occasionally, a student will plan to live in another city and complete an internship while taking the semester off.  In this case, they have planned this well in advance and will still graduate on time.  They also hope the internship will transition into a job.

Another consideration is tuition.  If you enroll for a summer term, then like other academic courses, you must pay for the internship course.  You will only pay additional tuition during other terms if you exceed the allowable credit hours.

To get more information about completing an internship during the academic school year, be sure to talk with your advisor and make an appointment with Mrs. Tonkins to begin your internship search today!

Make an appointment here: http://www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/communications/internships/