Internships...YOU have to go get THEM!

It's impossible to turn on a television or open the newspaper without hearing about it. It's all over the online headlines. Yes, IT is the economy. Now we ask what IT is doing to your chances in the job market? This CAFNR Alum faced a similar situation during the economic recession of the '80s. He says internships are the key to YOUR success.

I suspect you’re getting more than you really want to hear about how difficult it’s becoming to land that internship. The reality is that the competition is heating-up…and the burden of success falls directly at your feet.

Having said that, take a deep breath and stop trying to figure everything out right now. You really just need to be taking a few simple steps to maximize your options.

First...make sure you have a reasonable idea of what you would like to do….but then consider a broad range of possible areas that might expand your job opportunities after graduation. Frankly….many (if not most) of us don’t really look at all the potential career options available to us….we tend to go with the obvious. If you do have a clear vision of what you want to do….that’s great….but we’re not expecting you to have it all worked out just yet.

Next…take action NOW! This is usually where things fall apart. We all procrastinate…and internships get filled quickly. You need to get going because most of the companies I’m familiar with really hope to have internships filled in January/February. Research potential companies that you feel might be a good fit for your interests. Take advantage of the CAFNR Career Services team and seek their advice. Attend the February 25th Career Fair. Apply for positions that look realistic. Pick-up the phone and call someone.

Finally….follow-up on your applications whenever possible. I frequently hear…"but I don’t want to bother them." Showing interest is not bothering them. This is a business transaction...you’re not calling for a favor. If you feel like you can contribute to their business, then you’ve got every reason to follow-up with them. Of course, execution is everything, so make sure you’ve got a fairly concise script when you call. It’s appreciated on their end…and makes you look professional.

Just remember…companies invest in internships because they want to attract and evaluate future employees. These programs are serious business for the company and they are attracted to students that show drive, enthusiasm, and the ability/willingness to make things happen.

Robbie Wilson is President of Management Recruiters of Chesterfield in St. Louis and a graduate of the University of Missouri (Ag. Econ – 1981). He participated in a summer internship with Monsanto while a student at MIZZOU and credits that program with helping him land a job upon graduation in the middle of a tough economic recession.