Building Your Resume: Summer Internships 

Now that the semester is in full swing, it’s important to start thinking about ways to build your resume. While being active on campus is great, having real-world experience in your desired field will really set you apart from the rest. Summer break is the perfect opportunity to explore what life would be like in your career. Having an internship gives you hands-on experience with everyday tasks, while gaining insights on the dynamics of a professional environment. You’ll be able to establish connections with industry professionals, learn more about your industry, and maybe even be offered an extension or full-time employment afterwards. Even though there are so many opportunities and resources out there, many don’t even know where to start looking. They’re actually easier to find than you think! 

Perfect Your Resume

Before submitting any type of application, it’s crucial to make sure that your resume looks clean and professional. Most companies want it to be only a page long with a list of your experience and skills. Putting your campus involvements and positions helps too, especially if they are geared towards your field. In the case that your work opportunities and experiences don’t fit on one page, it’s best to keep your most recent work. Employers want to hear about what you’ve been doing lately to create stepping stones towards your career, and they are likely to ask you questions about what’s on your resume during an interview. When submitting your resume, make sure you can send it as a PDF file; it’s easier for the company to download and view! 

Linkedin and Handshake Are Your Best Friends!

Now for the burning question: Where should I look to find internships? Many are already familiar with Linkedin, but don’t realize that it’s more for just connecting with people. Internships and job openings are often posted here, oftentimes by the hiring manager directly! The ‘Jobs’ section is really easy to navigate, and you can filter out your search for better results. Handshake is another job platform specifically designed for college students who are trying to find internship and job opportunities. Think of it like a Linkedin for Gen Z! You can connect and message recruiters, students from other schools, and even see opportunities that your school may post. While you might see the same jobs on both sites, Handshake is definitely easier for students to use, in my opinion. However, more industry professionals are active on Linkedin, so still be sure to utilize both. 

Use Your Network

Aside from the websites, it’s also helpful to reach out to your network. I know it’s said all the time, but many people love to help students that are serious about advancing professionally after college. Reach out to alumni that work at companies you are interested in, or connect with them on Linkedin. Make your presence known in a respectful manner, and don’t be afraid to follow up with them. Most HBCU campuses have career fairs and events where recruiters come to campus to speak to students directly. Resume reviews and on the spot interviews tend to happen at these events too! 

When searching for summer internships, don’t be afraid to also look at the company’s hiring section on their corporate website. Positions are sometimes posted there instead of job sites. Finally, do your research on programs and fellowships that are specifically for HBCU students! Programs like HBCU in LA and the Emma Bowen Foundation are perfect for those that are interested in media and the entertainment industry. Starting early is key for setting yourself up for success; don’t wait until the last minute to apply! With great preparation, comes big opportunities.