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FAQs

FAQs ABOUT GETTING WORK EXPERIENCE BEFORE GRADUATING

 How do I get a summer job or internship?
When should I start my job or internship search?
Where can I get help with my cover letters, resume and interviewing skills?
Are there databases that I could use to do either an internship or job search?

 

How do I get a summer job or internship?

You'll engage in five general steps: 1) prepare, 2) identify opportunities, 3) market yourself, 4) make a decision, and 5) make the best of the experience.


However, just as there is no one perfect summer job or internship, there is no one perfect job search.  How and when you do each of the above tasks is up to you, your needs, and your time schedule.  

  • Look beyond advertised positions. If you find a company for whom you want to work, apply! Many of the same companies that advertise positions for juniors have summer positions open to other students. In reality, most companies don't advertise any positions, but should still be contacted.
  • Don't get hung up on the word "internship." You can turn any summer job into an internship-like experience.  Plan to make the most of your summer job, and meet with an internship advisor to tailor your approach.
  • Visit the website of the Career Services Department to learn about internship-opportunity search sources and how to prepare for an internship or job application at: http://www.career.uconn.edu/frame.php?studentsug.html.

When should I start my job or internship search?

Some people start searching as soon as they are on campus, and other people can't fit it into their schedule until spring. The sooner you start, the better, because the job search takes time, and it's much easier to search when you are not pressured to find something right away. Regardless of when you start your search, consistent effort is more efficient than quick bursts of work. Build time into your schedule each week for your search.

Where can I get help with my cover letters, resume and interviewing skills?

Professional staff at the Career Services Department will help you individually to help you with acquiring these types of skills.  They also host workshops on these topics.  Visit their website at: http://www.career.uconn.edu.

Are there databases that I could use to do either an internship or job search?

The following is a list of popular databases that you can consult.