On Lauren Berger’s Fall Speaking Tour, she had a chance to speak at The University of Illinois. To get a peek at what other insiders heard, click here.
Lauren Berger spoke to students and faculty at Clarion University on February 24, 2010. To get a peek at just what really happened, click here.
On April 21, 2010, The Intern Queen spoke with Fox Business to discuss Intern Queen Inc. and the importance of internships. To watch the interview, click here.
The Intern Queen, as we all know her, spoke on the Los Angeles Morning Show KTLA on March 28, 2010. To watch the interview, click here.
Recruiter Earth is hosting Lauren Berger’s Intern Queen Radio show on their website. [www.recruiterearth.com] To listen, click here.
Heather Huhman (@heatherhuhman) and I (@internqueen) recently hosted the second #InternChat on Twitter. Here is a brief summary of what was discussed:
Q1: Is there anything specific that I can do to stand out on my resume?
@InternQueen: Check out the http://www.visualcv.com – a great way to go above and beyond your paper resume
@heatherhuhman: There are a ton of things you can do — starting with highlighting any related past exp, focusing on accomplishments
@InternQueen: if a company has several openings – put an objective on the resume so they aren’t left guessing what u r applying for
@InternQueen: Agree w/@heatherhuhman also – if you don’t have too much past experience – highlight relevant coursework
@heatherhuhman: Ha ha, I see that @InternQueen & I disagree about objective statements! To me, they talk about you, not the employer.
@InternQueen: @heatherhuhman Yes objectives can be ok can be not–so–ok – I think it depends on the purpose of it
@heatherhuhman: Remember, the purpose of your resume is to land you an interview, *not* land you an internship/job. It’s a sales document.
@InternQueen: Make sure that your resume fonts/sizes/tendency to underline words is consistent – switching fonts appears sloppy
Q2: Is a cover letter required if the organization doesn’t ask for one in the internship description?
@InternQueen: Send in a cover letter – even if they don’t require one – and customize it – please !
@heatherhuhman: Cover letters serve, IMHO, a completely different purpose than resumes. While not required, I think they give you an advantage.
@heatherhuhman: Cover letters are short, narrative success stories — what you’ve done in the past & how you can repeat success.
@InternQueen: keep your cover letters to one page – a good cover letter is a great read – a novel is another story
Q3: If you’re in a sorority, should you list which one you are in, or can that cause some prejudices?
@heatherhuhman: To me, *memberships* alone don’t weigh a whole lot. I want to know you were an active leader — & again, the results.
@InternQueen: if you are listing extra-cirricular activities – I think its fine to list the sorority name – its very common
@InternQueen: if u r an active leader in ur sorority -talk about events u’ve put together and goals u’ve accomplished during an interview
@heatherhuhman: If anything, I think being part of a certain sorority would work out in your favor — might connect to the hiring manager.
@InternQueen: A sorority is gr8 networking when u know the location where u want to intern – see if there is an alumni chapter in the area
Q4: How do I compare internships & evaluate which opportunity is right for me?
@heatherhuhman: Before you begin searching, I recommend making a list of what would make your ideal internship. Know what you want/need.
@heatherhuhman: Then, when you’re applying & interviewing, compare the internships back against your list!
@InternQueen: Ask your potential employer to describe what your daily responsibilities would entail – envision yourself in the position
@heatherhuhman: I agree w/@InternQueen — your decision *should* be mostly based on what you would be doing. Quality is important.
@InternQueen: Make sure you read the entire internship description before applying – also go on the website and educate yourself
@InternQueen: Don’t always go for the “big name” companies – again, read the description – know what you are getting urself into
@heatherhuhman: @InternQueen makes another great point — smaller orgs & nonprofits have a lot to offer, too! Don’t beeline toward brands.
Q5: Once you get rejected a few times, how to you stay positive and actually land something?
@heatherhuhman: Remaining positive is *so* important! Negative attitudes come across in everything you do — from writing to interviewing.
@InternQueen: No one will turn rejections into a positive for u – u have to do it yourself – use each as motivation to continue ur search
@heatherhuhman: I recommend getting into an exercise routine — working out helps you lose the stress & makes you feel good.
@InternQueen: Save your rejection letters – your acceptance letters will be that much sweeter !
@heatherhuhman: Definitely celebrate the small wins — interviews, updates on your application status, etc.
@heatherhuhman: And being rejected can be positive — helps you learn what you did “wrong” & maybe it wasn’t the place for you!
Q6: When do you think it’s too late to apply for internships? What if I haven’t heard a “yes” by May?
@heatherhuhman: Keep applying — or just straight volunteer at a nonprofit or other org that could benefit from your skills. Never too late!
@InternQueen: If u can find someone without an established program – u can apply until July -most structured programs will choose by May 1
@InternQueen: Most Spring internships end in Mid-April – employers will choose their new interns right after if they don’t choose earlier
@heatherhuhman: You can also start thinking ahead to the fall. What can you work in with your school schedule?
@heatherhuhman: Basically, don’t be afraid of the fall internships! They are less competitive & still give the same great experience.
Q7: What are the challenges associated with virtual internships?
@heatherhuhman: Virtual internships are *not* for everyone. I recommend them to upper classmen who’ve worked in office environments before.
@InternQueen: For virtual internships u must have heavy self-discipline – its just you and your computer/phone-just like working from home
@heatherhuhman: Also, not all orgs are prepared for virtual interns. Watch out for the warning signs: http://bit.ly/bZltDj
Q8: How early should I start thinking about internships? Is the early work experience worth risking my GPA?
@heatherhuhman: Earlier = better IMHO. There are so many benefits to internships, including figuring out what you *don’t* want to do.
@InternQueen: With the right focus and prep you can manage an internship and schoolwork and your GPA doesn’t need to go down
@InternQueen: Most internships (especially during school year) only require 10-15 hours per week. This is doable !
Q9: What is one thing I should do in the next week or two to help me land an internship?
@heatherhuhman: Definitely get your application (CL/resume/online portfolio) in order. And clean up your online reputation!
@heatherhuhman: If you haven’t already, start networking! 80% of jobs are landed via networking — same goes for internships.
@InternQueen: Start applying. Pick a two hour time block. Sit down and apply for internships !! Good luck
To review the entire transcript, click here.
To participate in #InternChat, log onto Twitter at 7 p.m. Eastern Time every other Tuesday starting March 16, 2010, and ask any question you have about the internship process. Make sure to add the #InternChat hashtag at the end of each comment/question that you write. Can’t join or want your question(s) to remain anonymous? Submit them here. The next #InternChat will take place on April 16, 2010.
To read more click here.
Lauren Berger, The Intern Queen was featured in Marie Claire. She gave 13 tips on setting up a home office. To read more click here.
Lauren Berger, also known as The Intern Queen, set the record with 15 internships in her four years of college. Should you? To read more click here.
