Posts Tagged: Internships
One Way to Help the “Lost Generation”
Posted in Economic Crisis First Job Out of College Generation Y Internships Recommended Resources on November 2, 2009 at 11:00 am
A recent BusinessWeek cover story called today’s graduates “The Lost Generation,” citing statistics that young people who graduate in recession years continue to earn less over the long-term course of their careers.
This weekend, New York Times columnist Bob Herbert addressed the same issue, writing:
“These recent graduates have done everything society told them to do. They’ve worked hard, kept their noses clean and gotten a good education (in many cases from the nation’s best schools). They are ready and anxious to work. If we’re having trouble finding employment for even these kids, then we’re doing something profoundly wrong.”
Like BusinessWeek and Herbert, I am very worried about the situation for recent college graduates. Today I want to share with you what I’m doing about it:
I have and always will pay any interns who work for me. If you are a business owner, I ask that you do the same. (more…)
Tags: Internships
How to succeed in an internship: 8 tips
Posted in Internships on January 25, 2009 at 8:36 pm
As spring break approaches, many college students are making plans for summer internships. As I’ve blogged about previously, internships are more important for young professionals than ever. Thanks to Heather Huhman, of the Entry Level Careers Examiner, for sharing eight of my tips for internship achievement.
1. Learn how work is different from school. Of course, the most exciting difference between college and the real world is the fact that you get a paycheck instead of grades. However, there are a few other changes an internship can help you adjust to. For instance, missing a deadline has major consequences. As an intern you’re supporting full-time employees whose jobs are their livelihoods—there’s no room for messing around with projects they’re relying on. Furthermore, your work as an intern could directly impact the bottom line of the organization you’re working for, particularly if you’re dealing directly with clients or customers. Your professionalism is not requested; it’s required. (Or you might get fired.)
2. Step outside your comfort zone. Internships are a great time to take risks, face your fears, and challenge yourself to try some big new things.
3. Be proactive. Asking, “What is a good thing for me to work on when you’re busy and I have nothing specific to do?” shows that you are a go-getter who wants to contribute and learn as much as possible. And, you may get assigned a cool project that no one else was smart enough to ask for—something that you can highlight on your résumé and promote in future job interviews. Remember, raising an internship from the “busy work/no experience” level to the “real experience” level is in your hands.
Click here to read the rest of the eight internship tips.
Have a question about internships? Post in the comment section below and I’ll answer this week.
Tags: Internships
America’s coolest internships
Posted in Internships Recommended Resources on March 5, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Yesterday I blogged about the advantages of working for a small company. Today I wanted to share a great resource for finding this kind of opportunity. It’s a list I came across on Inc.com, a website for small business owners (I am a big fan of Inc. magazine). It’s a ranking of “America’s Coolest Internships.”
As the article states, “Many companies treat internships like extended job interviews. When it comes time to hire, interns are often the first candidates they consider.” So, if you’re looking for a great job at a smaller company, one of these internships could be a really smart move for you.
Don’t miss the fun slide show on famous former interns. (Basketball star Patrick Ewing interned for the Senate Finance Committee — who knew?)
Tags: Internships
