Your Internship was Canceled; Now What?
With uncertainty of the future and concern for student’s safety, many companies decided to pull their summer and fall internships, leaving students across the country without needed experience for their education. Luckily, there are many ways that students can continue to improve themselves professionally without a physical office.
Revamp Your Resume
Since the professional world has gone online, your first impression as a potential hire is going to be your resume. It’s time to throw away your outdated and unappealing Microsoft Word or Google doc template and explore the world of document design. When made skillfully, a good resume can accurately reflect your personality to employers, even before the interview. Try adding a headshot, use your favorite professional font pairing, or layout your resume in a way that reflects your desired profession. In addition to this, give some life to your online profiles by updating your headshot, adding experiences, and connecting with peers and other professionals in your field.
Complete Online Certifications
There are a plethora of certifications online available for those interested in learning how to use technology in the advertising world. These classes can range from how to conduct online advertising campaigns, mastering measurement tools for SEO, and managing online platforms to maximize success. Google is a credited and free resource for these certifications.
Volunteer
Show your peers and potential employers what causes you believe in by volunteering. If you can, finding opportunities that align with your desired profession can better your resume, but finding a cause that is close to you is more important. With these hard times, there are communities that are especially needing help.
Check out West Michigan volunteer opportunities here:
https://connect.hwmuw.org/need/index?need_init_id=2947&s=1
Join a Club
College extracurriculars are going to look a lot different, but most of these organizations will still meet online to continue their work. Having a good breadth and variety of hobbies and interests can help you get better connected and further elevate your college experience. Evaluate your interests, read up on different clubs around campus, and see what works best for you.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Career Center
Every university should have a resource for students to use in order to be better prepared for life after the graduation caps are tossed. It is important to know what you can do during this time to be more successful in the future. Connect with an advisor and gather more ideas for maximizing your college's resources.
Breathe
Every student is experiencing hardship that extends further than the cancelation of summer and fall internships. It’s important to remember that we are in this boat together, and your professors and mentors want to help you succeed. When overwhelmed, take a moment to breathe and figure out your next step with a clear mind.
Remember, the hard work you are doing at home helps save lives. Stay home, wash your hands, and take care of yourself!
About Jesse:
Jesse Schmitt is a junior this year at Grand Valley State University majoring in advertising and public relations with an emphasis in advertising and a minor in studio art. Using her experience serving as Design Associate on the team last year, Jesse is continuing her work with GrandPR as the current Creative Director.