How to make sure your summer internship isn’t just a line on your resume

By Michelle Bloom-Lugo

Happy National Intern Day, Business Gators! We’re celebrating all of our students that are completing a summer internship this July 26 as part of the national day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating hard-working interns all across the United States.

You are now well past the half way mark of your summer internship. It’s time to celebrate all you have accomplished thus far! Did you know that, according to NACE’s Internship & Co-op Survey, employers have reported converting an average of 51.7% of their eligible interns into full-time hires? Did you also know that you are 1 of approximately 500 Business Gators completing an internship this summer? Go Business Gators!

Here are some helpful tips from the Business Career Services team, to help you build upon your experience thus far. Once you return to campus this fall, make sure to see your dedicated Career Coach to build your career strategy beyond summer. Beat the rush and make your appointment today.

“This summer I have had the opportunity to be a Sales intern for Kellogg’s. I have learned so much about retail sales and analytics behind consumption data. I also have learned the importance of managing a category and interacting with customers to make the most out of their retail experience.”
Christina Marchetti – senior marketing major.

Resume 101 using the STAR Method – Bernadine Thomas

Your resume is a quick summary of who you are and what you’ve done in your career. It identifies and articulates your strengths and key accomplishments, which in turn will help you communicate your value confidently to a new company. Once you have completed your internship, you will want to make sure to update your resume.

• Be sure to use the UF approved resume template– With this template, you will be able to easily plug in your information. We have taken the guess work out of it for you and have made it really easy. Review the resume template.
• Start each bullet point with an action verb or adverb– Strong past tense action verbs and adverbs are a good way to describe transferable skills.
• Use the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) – The STAR method turns your resume into an accomplishment-based resume. This allows an employer to see not only what you did, but how you did it, and the results of your work.

“Take the time to research and learn about the company’s culture! You’ll enjoy your internship more if you get along with the recruiters you meet and if your values align with those of the company’s.”
Paola Charco – senior finance major.

Networking is key – Michelle Bloom-Lugo

This summer you have access to a diverse group of individuals that may be helpful to you in the future when you start your full-time job search. Don’t lose the opportunity to build your network.

• Venture out of your cube – Connect with your co-workers and fellow interns. Strike up a conversation with people outside of your working group. Look for mutual acquaintances and ask for an introduction. When you do gain an audience, remember to be a good listener and ask clarifying questions. Stay away from controversial topics, your goal is to learn more about the company.
• Add your new colleagues to your LinkedIn contacts– Remember to practice Linkedin etiquette. Customize your request identifying you are an intern this summer, don’t assume your name will ring a bell.
• Schedule informational interviews– Ask to meet with a few of your new colleagues and interview them about what they do and how they got to where they are. Learn vicariously from the many employees in a company. Do a little research before you meet anyone just as you would for any interview. Be prepared to answer questions about what you are looking to do in the future. This is a great way to learn more about an industry and a possible career path. Don’t forget to also send a thank you email shortly afterwards.

“Apply to the positions you yearn for the most, even if you feel like you aren’t qualified enough. The process can be tough, but don’t feel demoralized. Eventually, something will stick if you put forth the right kind of effort.”
Monica Pacheco – senior finance major.

How to leave your internship like a boss – Katherine McCarville

• Stay positive and professional – All internships are long interviews for future job opportunities. You never know where or who you’ll work with again, and the 7 degrees of Kevin Bacon is no joke. Keep your energy up and approach each day with the mentality of “How can I make the most out of this opportunity?” or “How can I leave things better than when I started?”
• Build your portfolio – Your resume sums up your experiences and achievements, but your portfolio provides tangible proof of your work. Talk to your boss and ask which documents/projects you can include, as well as advice on what shows off your best work. Taking the initiative here allows you to remind your boss of all the awesome work you’ve done this summer and shows your commitment to your future career.
• Secure future references – Be proactive in identifying strong references and ask them if you may use them for any future job searches. Remember to always give them a heads up every time you apply for an opportunity where they could be called by providing the job description and your application materials. Ask for a recommendation for your LinkedIn, they will come in handy in the future.
• TIDY UP – It’s important to leave things the same, if not cleaner, than when you started your internship. This includes your desk area, any last projects, etc.
• Say “thank you” – Additionally, you need to show your appreciation and gratitude for what you learned this summer. Send emails or hand-written notes but say thank you to those who helped or taught you something (i.e., boss, intern coordinator, fellow interns, other coworkers, etc.). Not everyone does this, and it leaves the perfect final touch to your summer internship.

Whether you are looking to do another internship next fall, spring or summer semester, or if your next step is to identify a full-time role upon graduation, Business Career Services is here to help you!

Make an appointment to speak with a Career Coach! We can help you leverage your skills and your summer experience. You can also stop by Heavener 333 to make an appointment with us at the front desk. Most important of all don’t forget to sign up to explore jobs exclusively for undergraduate Business Gators.