Career Prep 2009 Summer Blog

Steven Torres of UT Austin writes that the best approach is to be proactive. The best thing to do in order to be successful in your internship is to do everything possible to prepare in advance. Study and learn as much as possible in preparation for the assignment, and build relationship with all individuals you work with. Adedayo Aderibigbe of Duke University confirms that one way to do this is to send an email once you get comfortable in the firm. Letting the recruiting contacts know that you are doing well and interested in your work is great because if new opportunities within the firm arise they will let you know.

Duncan Taylor of Georgetown writes that it's important to keep abreast of potential opportunities in the industry, learn about other companies who work in similar fields, and make contacts within your own firm by linking with key recruiting contacts. Alan Smith of Morehouse College writes that it is important to smile when meeting with your recruiter during your internship. It conveys that you are enjoying your experience and also may signal to others your overall attitude about the internship. He further suggests that you should try to establish rapport with the recruiting contacts by being personable. Melisa Mitchell of NYU Stern also suggests that developing relationships with upperclassmen on your campus can be helpful in improving relationships with recruiters. She suggests contacting fellow students to assist you in establishing a relationship with recruiters by probing for insight on the organization and the recruiting contacts. Britney Barnett of Florida State University advises to compose a list of contact information for all of the key recruiting contacts at your company. Every week during your internship, make contact with at least two of your recruiting contacts. Allison DeLaRosa of Texas A&M argues that you should identify people within your internship that you believe to be influential in recruiting decisions, like HR, and go to lunch with them or send a friendly email.

Corey Twitty of Connecticut College says that as people, we love to talk about ourselves and he feels that a good way to start a conversation is to approach the person with a smile and introduce yourself in a confident manner. I then would suggest asking a question about the person's job and what they do. After that I would transition and ask if they like their job, how long have they been there for, did they plan on working in the field they are currently working, if not what did they major in college (maybe you went to the same college), what do they plan on for the future. I would just go about starting a conversation by asking questions to begin with and later by adding in your my personal input.