The Process in getting an Internship OR job...it's hard, but you have to get in there SOMEHOW, SOME WAY!!!

As a second semester junior at Manhattanville College, I realized that the time to start applying for internships had come a long...long time ago. Internships are a very important part of your college carrier, and they provide some of the experience that you will find as "necessary" under every job listing once you graduate.

Fortunately, I became aware of this not too late, so that I could start making moves on it. I decided I wanted a summer internship...asap. So the first thing I knew I had to do was build a GREAT resume, no exaggerations on the GREAT part. Since your resume is the first thing any company or hiring personnel will see, it is the one thing that represents you. You have to make it stand out and give something that all the other resumes are not providing.

To do this, I visited the career counseling center in my school. I took my old resume, which I was sure needed more than A LOT of fixing and updating, and as I presumed, it did. The very nice lady that I met with helped me correct many mistakes, and after correcting my resume....oh about 3 times and seeing her about 4, my resume was finally presentable enough to send out to the corporate world!

Another very important part of the procedure was building my cover letter. This, just like the resume, took a lot of time, because this is where you get to speak your mind, whereas your resume just lists your jobs and accomplishments. It's important that you make your cover letter specific for each company, let them know that you know about them and how you will be an asset, and not a liability to them.

Once you have these two things mastered, your job is halfway done. Send them out to as many places as you would like to work at, because remember, you are not the only one looking for an internship or job. Your first option might not pick you, but if you have many options and send it out everywhere, you have a higher chance of getting something. DO NOT DISCARD a company because it is not well recognized or renowned. Remember that you have to start somewhere, and those small companies can also provide a great experience!

Finally, the day of the interview, be prepared, dress your best, formal wear, no cleavage or underwear showing (YES GUYS, PLEASE PULL UP YOUR PANTS....THOSE DAYS SHOULD BE LONNGGG GONE!). You should always research the company before you go, so that you are well informed on who they are and what they do (this will help make conversation as well). Take at least three copies of your resume, because sometimes they have multiple people interviewing you! Have a smile at all times, be polite, and take your time...no rush! Finally, it is always good to ask a good question, it'll make you stand out! What to wear the day of the interview

I might not be an expert, but after attending a good amount of interviews, I received a summer 08' internship and another one for fall 08...! To say im excited would be the least!