Resources and Tips for Navigating Summer Jobs and Internships
(Photo Allyson Frantz/The Gettysburgian)
By Jane Fitzpatrick, Assistant News Editor
College students are facing unexpected challenges due to recommendations to remain in quarantine and practice social distancing — including uncertainty regarding summer plans. Whether we had planned on working locally or participating in internships, cancellations and postponements are the new reality. Remote internships are also a new option that organizations are offering in response to these difficult times.
The Center for Career Development (CCE) is a resource that is available to students who are unsure of their future plans, whether they are in search of a summer internship or post-graduation career path.
Along with the entire CCE staff, Associate Director Tiffany Kurzawa is eager to help students despite not being on campus.
“The counselors at Career Engagement are staying on top of what’s happening in the economy and can assist you with questions you have about how to move forward with your job or internship search” said Kurzawa. “While things may feel uncertain or a bit out of your control, this is not the time to sit idle, especially when it comes to one’s professional development.”
CCE has provided the following tips for facing our “new normal” during the pandemic:
- Think outside the box — be flexible and patiently persistent with your internship or job search. There are industries still hiring, but some employers may be moving slowly with their processes. Continue to think about transferable skills across industries as you explore opportunities, and while you may not find your ideal position right away, keep in mind things will change again.
- Be able to articulate your skills and ensure your professional documents and digital profiles are highlighting your accomplishments. Additionally, take the time to tailor resumes and cover letters for every opportunity. Personalization is very important!
- Assist employers remotely with small projects that align with your skills. Whether it is volunteer or paid, you are gaining experience, making a positive impact on an organization, and building positive relationships with professionals. If you need help getting started, Career Engagement has a collaboration with Parker Dewey, a company that helps connect you with companies hiring for paid micro-internships.
- Build or strengthen relevant skills for your target industry. There are many free online learning resources that will allow you to enhance your skills! Use this time to hone those skills that will enhance your candidacy as a prospective employee or intern.
The following resources are also available for students looking for guidance:
- Handshake – Job/Internship postings, Events (virtual) with employers and alumni, Resources, and Career Appointments
- Career Bulletins – emailed Monday & Wednesday of each week! Monday focuses on current trends, special career events, and job/internship opportunities; Wednesday focuses on skill-building resources and well-being
- connectGettysburg & LinkedIn – be proactive and contact your networks for tips and advice; don’t wait for people to reach out to you
- Career Engagement – our team is here for you, now and beyond graduation!
For more information, visit CCE’s Covid Career Response page:
https://www.gettysburg.edu/offices/center-for-career-engagement/covid-career-response/
