Work Your Way Into That 1%
Instead of picketing that 1%, you can work your way into it! You can start by landing an internship.
In March, U.S. News & World Report published the report, “10 Universities Producing the Most Interns,” ranking Florida Institute of Technology among the top 10 in the nation! The report identified the schools that produced the highest percentage of interns among their undergraduate students. So you are in a good position to land one while at Florida Tech, and it’s never too early to start, even as a freshman.
Here are some steps to help get you going in the right direction
1. List out some internship goals
2. Define your current situation:
- Class Standing (Freshman, Junior)
- Current GPA
- Location: Local, National, International
- What field/industry interests you?
- What skills do you want to acquire?
3. Set aside some time for research, trust me this could take an hour or all day.
- Search job postings to see what’s out there
- Contact employers to learn more about what opportunities they provide interns
- Attend job fairs to meet with potential employers face to face
3. Prepare materials after research (if needed)
- Resume
- Transcripts
- References
Helpful Resources
College Central Network (CCN)
www.collegecentral.com/fit/
Career Resource Center
www.fit.edu/career -> Student Resourcse -> Internships & Co-op -> Online Intern Resources
Personal Recommendations
- Cast a wide net and apply to as many internships as you can. Last summer I applied to 10 places for an internship and only received a call back from one.
- Don’t be afraid to call employers them or stop by their offices and ask directly. They get to see your face and your determination.
- DON’T FORGET TO THANK THEM (even if you didn’t get the internship).
- Google helps, just know what to search. Googling “internships” might just spin your wheels, but Googling “Mechnical Enginering Internships in Florida” will probably show you Disney Imagineer opportunities.
- Visit Career Management Services on the 2nd floor of the Keuper Building, it’s an awesome resource here on campus. They can help you research available internships, with your resume, and interview skills.
- Ask your professors! They can give you recommendation letters or internship opportunities.
- MOST INTERNSHIPS ARE NOT PAID. You have to start somewhere to start making your way into that 1%.
