What to do if you don’t have a summer internship
If you still haven’t landed an internship for this summer, don’t stress! You aren’t alone and definitely aren’t a failure. Friendly reminder: We are in a major pandemic and it has been hard for everyone during this time to find a full-time job or summer internship.
Even though you don’t have an internship or job lined up, you can still stay active in your career journey. Check out these tips:
#1: Update your Handshake and LinkedIn profiles
Keep all of your information up to date including what you have done in the past academic year. Add an updated resume, work history, student organization and leadership involvement, what types of jobs and industries you are interested in and more.
#2: Start or continue networking on LinkedIn
After you have updated your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles, connect with Ohio State alumni, alumni from your academic program as well as representatives from companies and industries you are interested in. Invite them to do informational phone calls with you to learn more as well as build the relationship and connection for the future.
#3: Know that summer is not the only time to do an internship
Although it seems like most students have internships for the summer, there are many part- and full-time internship opportunities throughout the school year as well. Lots of small, medium and large companies need students to help them in the fall and spring. Additionally, Ohio State offers a lot of internships for students throughout the year. Check out Handshake to learn more.
#4: Find a summer job or volunteer opportunities with a business or organization that can be relatable to your major and career interests
Summer jobs can be a great way to expand and develop your experiences as well as work in fields that may interest you. You may find that your interests are different than you initially thought they were.
For example, if you are a Pre-Med major, try to find entry-level jobs and volunteer opportunities that are in hospitals or doctor’s offices. Similarly, if your major is Social Work or you want to work for a non-profit in the future, look at local non-profits for jobs and volunteer work.
If you want to work at the corporate level for a company, try to get a job at their storefront or customer-level store. For example, if you want to work for a major retail company, try to get a summer job at one of their actual store locations. By doing this, you can get experience with how their business runs which you can leverage on your resume or in your interview with them.
Studies report that 82% of recruiters prefer applicants with volunteer experience, so don’t discredit how much this can add to your resume.
#5: Learn new skills and receive certifications
This can be a great time to learn new skills either on your own or through classes. LinkedIn has learning certification classes to make your profile stand out. Master computer programs such as Salesforce, Adobe Photoshop, Python, InDesign and many more.
#6: Prepare for fall virtual career fairs
It’s easy to feel rushed when classes start in the fall and career fairs are fast approaching. Take time to research companies and industries that you are interested in. Again, connect with people within those companies and industries to learn more. Purchase business professional clothes if you don’t have them already or they don’t fit properly. Practice your elevator pitch. Prepare questions for each company.
#7: Pick up new hobbies or continue doing hobbies you already have
Summer is the time to relax. Especially after this virtual academic year, you can feel mentally drained. Take time to focus on your mental health and well-being. Remember that you can see a therapist and learn basic coping tools to set you up for success in the next school year.
#8: Connect with your college career services office
To learn about other ways you can be doing throughout the summer and how to prepare for the internship recruiting season in the fall, work with your college’s career services office, Buckeye Careers or Career Counseling and Support Services. For additional questions, contact careerquestions@osu.edu.
