I’m Naimat, a Human Resource Management undergrad and a Peer Career Coach in the Chambers College's Center for Career Development, graduating in December 2025. I’ve successfully secured an internship every summer since my freshman year.
If you’re a sophomore aiming to land an internship in your junior year, here’s my advice on what you can do this summer to get ahead. Just follow the Prep, Plan, Prosper method.
Prep:
- Research companies and internship opportunities using platforms like Handshake, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.
- Review your resume and identify skill gaps (tools like ChatGPT can help find discrepancies between your resume and job descriptions).
- Set realistic goals for the summer and get started! Utilize the SMART method to define your objectives.
The first two steps of Prep are straightforward; however, identifying summer activities that enhance your resume and make you a competitive candidate is crucial. Remember, achieving this is not hard – it just takes patience.
Plan:
How can you be proactive this summer? Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I or a family member know anyone in my field of interest to job-shadow this summer? Or can I connect with a professional on LinkedIn?
- Can I find a part-time job to enhance my soft skills (communication, time management, etc.)?
- Can I acquire some technical skills affordably? (Consider Forage’s free certifications, Coursera, or free coding courses from MIT and Harvard).
These questions will help you prioritize your summer activities. Visiting the CCD before the summer can also provide valuable resources.
If you secure a job-shadowing opportunity, find a part-time job, or gain certifications, you’re already halfway there. Congrats!
Prosper:
As summer approaches, here are some steps to ensure you are ready to update your resume and start your internship search:
- Set realistic goals and deadlines – apply the SMART goals method.
- Keep a log of your activities and update it weekly.
- Look for opportunities and plan for the school year (clubs, volunteer work, on-campus positions).
- Book an appointment with the CCD for a resume review and internship search at the beginning of the fall semester.
I hope these tips will guide you in the right direction. If you need assistance, feel free to visit the CCD; we’re here to help!
Naimat Khani
Peer Career Coach
B.S. Human Resources Management
"Let's Talk Business" is a series of guest blogs from the Chambers College community. All views expressed are those of the author.
Interested in contributing to Let’s Talk Business? Get in touch.
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