Here at Intern Queen Inc & InternQueen.com we get tons of testimonials from students, parents, career centers, and employers who are happy with their services for one reason or another. However, upon reading this note from ROAR, I simply had to share it with you. I’ve removed Christopher’s last name for privacy purposes but I really do congratulate him on making a wonderful impression at a great Management Company.

Intern Queen,

It was a great pleasure to have Christopher as my intern here at ROAR.  ROAR specializes in talent and brand management, and advisory service for the entertainment industry.  It also has a well regarded literature department, to which Christopher’s background was a perfect fit.  As a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a BA in Screen and Television Writing, Christopher displayed the knowledge that was expected of him the moment he came to intern.

After the first few weeks, I recognized Christopher’s commitment to proving himself as a valuable member to not just the literature department, but the entire ROAR team.  Since coming in May, Christopher has been fully engrossed with the day to day workings of the literary department, along with taking the time to help other departments that have been short handed.  While at ROAR he has mastered a wide skill set, ranging from administrative duties to script and story analysis and has done all these task with a positive attitude.

I appreciated the work Christopher gave and continues to give at ROAR and I truly am grateful to the people at InternQueen who provided me with such an excellent partner to work alongside.  InternQueen is a wonderful service that I will use again, and I will most definitely be helping Christopher in his promising career.

-Internship Coordinator, ROAR

As a young entrepreneur & business owner, one of the most important ideas is that of time management. How will I spend my time? How will I divide up my day? I’m always curious to hear how successful people run their days and spend their time. I want to share a personal story about how I’ve been able to get more things done, be more proactive & productive, and hold myself accountable to complete tasks on a weekly basis. Ironically, this all stemmed from networking.

You never know when you might meet someone that will have a heavy impact on your life (one of the many reasons I believe internships are so powerful). In 2007, at a Women in Business awards ceremony, I met Morgan First, co-founder of The Second Glass (http://www.thesecondglass.com). In 2008, I met Elizabeth Saunders, co-founder of Real Life E (http://www.reallifee.com) at an Extreme Entrepreneur Tour Event.

Upon meeting Elizabeth I learned that she also knew Morgan. The three of us decided that we all had one thing in common – we all wanted to be successful entrepreneurs. We decided in November of 2008 that we would do a weekly conference call in attempts to hold one another accountable for completing tasks and achieving goals. Our businesses are in completely different industries but our constant need to focus on revenue, stay on task, and balance our personal and professional lives is the same.

Last month, I saw Elizabeth in person for the second time. It had been almost two years since our first meeting. Today, we dialed-in and spoke. We’ve all been speaking every week for almost two years. We’ve been able to hold ourselves accountable and help one another.

If you are a student, entrepreneur, or employee – I encourage you to seek out people with the same long-term goals. Start a conversation – you never know how far it will go.

Cover letters can be your best friend or your worst enemy. After reviewing several internships on the site, http://www.internqueen.com, you will notice that a good percentage of the employers on the site DO request cover letters from student. Here are some common mistakes that I will remind you NOT to do when you submit your cover letters for your dream internships:

1. DO NOT send the same cover letter to each company. Employers can easily tell a generic letter from a customized letter. Take the time to customize your cover letters for the specific internships you are applying for.

2. DO NOT forget to include information about the company you are applying for. Your cover letter should illustrate that you have knowledge of the employer, incorporate some of their buzz words from their mission statement and company goals. Show that you are familiar with the company and that you have put time into your application.

3. DO NOT write the wrong name on the letter. Please do not send a cover letter that is addressed to “Warner Music Group” to the people at “Seventeen Magazine”. Watch what you send out. That is a quick way to let an employer know that you are sending out generic cover letters in bulk.

4. DO NOT explain your family “trauma” in your cover letter. You want to explain who you are, what position you are interested in, and what personal & professional characteristics make you the perfect candidate for the job.

If you are interested in getting a “Cover Letter Makeover” service that Intern Queen Inc. provides, please contact us through the website at http://www.internqueen.com.

I did a segment on KTLA yesterday (which I will post shortly) where I discussed some tips on how to really make the most of your summer internship. Here are a few tips I covered:

• Keep your cell phone on SILENT or just leave it in the car. You should not be checking your phone unless you are on your lunch break or you are using it for internship-related purposes. No texting or phone calls or checking apps.

• Stay off of Facebook on work computers. As soon as you are caught on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn your boss knows that you have “better” things to do.

• Don’t Tweet or update your Facebook status about your internship during the actual work day (unless this is part of the employer’s social media strategy). Your boss will most likely find you on these sites eventually and they shouldn’t see you documenting your feelings about the day.

• Don’t “friend” your boss or internship coordinator on Facebook unless they initiate the interaction. This can make many employers feel uncomfortable.

A potential intern candidate, @EmilyJaneJ, on Twitter has a big interview coming up for a PR & Marketing position in New York City. She asked me about wearing a Pink/Red-ish color on her nails for her big interview. I’m asked about this type of thing quite frequently from young women. So let’s get my “Nail Advice” listed once and for all.

Nail Polish Pointers

1. All nails should be the same color. No rotating different color on different nail – even for holidays.

2. French Manicure is a win-win situation and probably your best bet.

3. You don’t have to get your nails professionally done but make sure that if you are doing your own nails they look clean, even, and neat.

4. I hope I don’t have to say this but dirt under fingernails is not acceptable.

5. Pretending you are LL and writing “FU” or anything else on nails is also unacceptable.

6. If you have fake nails/acrylics that’s fine but make sure they aren’t long and/or fang-like.

7. I would avoid blues, greens, and neon-shades.

8. Regular pinks, reds, and any neutral shades should be fine.

9. Just remember, your nails shouldn’t SCREAM anything or really draw attention to themselves. However, if an employer does look at your nails – they should feel that they look clean & professional & like you are taking the opportunity seriously.

10. Since we are talking about nails, also keep the rings to a minimum. One chunky ring is fine, but try not to be to “over the top” and avoid the “ring on every finger” look.

For more advice, follow me on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/internqueen and remember to stay on http://www.internqueen.com for all of your internship needs And as always, let us know your thoughts.

Need advice on how to apply for an internship in DC? Do you need to know where to even begin looking for an internship in DC? Check out the Intern Queen’s article in the Washington Post.

Central State University invited me to attend their career fair in Dayton, Ohio last week. The fair was right before my presentation and I had an opportunity to meet some of the employers that were featured at the fair. I was pleased to see the Central State University students mixing and mingling with the employers, shaking hands, taking business cards, and starting a dialogue.

I overheard one conversation where an employer told a student she would be happy to interview him for an entry-level position. She told him the interview would be conducted over Skype. The student was unfamiliar with Skype and asked the employer how that works. The woman explained that Skype provided her with a way to interview him over the internet, using a webcam. The student responded by saying that he would love to do the interview but he didn’t have access to a webcam. The employer said that she was sure the school had some sort of webcam set up. She continued to say that most universities have interview rooms set up with webcams in their career centers for Skype Interviews. The woman shook his hand and walked away, leaving the student feeling what seemed to be helpless and confused. The university does not have Skype webcams set up at this time.
I’m familiar with the concept of Skype Interviews , however, I assumed employers were using them as an option and not a requirement. There seems to be a disconnect between the employers and the career centers when the employers request something the students don’t have access to. By no means, should students feel like they need to go out and purchase a brand new webcam or a new laptop that has a webcam already installed.

If employers are going to take time out of their days to visit college career fairs, they should also take the time to find out what resources the students have access to. I felt terrible for that student who attended the career fair, put himself out there, and essentially might not get the position because of the lack of communication between the employer and career center.

After speaking with several representatives from career centers across the country, it seems that large universities and well-known private schools either have access or are getting access to web cams for students. However, most of these schools have yet to see a growing trend in Skype Interviews.

“We are not aware of students having Skype interviews. We did interview a career counselor using this technology and have the equipment available should students need to use it.” said Karen Clancy, who runs the Career Development Center at Brown University.

“We haven’t had too many interviews being skyped in but I know students use it to communicate with their friends from study abroad, etc. We do have webcams set up in my office for Skype and Interviewstream.” noted Paul Jaques, Internship Developer at Michigan State University.

I spoke to Lanie James in the Career Center at Oklahoma State University and he that in the past some employers have sent laptops to record interviews. I thought was interesting and a great solution for employers who need to conduct Skype interviews but realize the students might not have the resources.

Career Center directors at Mcpherson College in Kansas, Newbury College in Boston, and Grand Canyon University both said that they do not use Skype or Web Cams.

Intern Queen Skype Tips For Students

Students, if employers are using Skype as an interview requirement – let’s learn to use it properly. I would hate for you to miss out on a job or internship because you are unfamiliar with Skype. Find out who has Skype now. If your career center doesn’t have access to Skype, ask them if they can invest in webcams. Find out who you need to speak with to request webcams put in your career center. Go to your local library, call your friends, and see who has access to a webcam. Be prepared.

1. Download Skype on your computer. You can use it with or without a webcam. Many employers might require a webcam for actual interviews. But you can get familiar with the audio side of the program. Go to http://www.skype.com to download.

2. Follow the steps to successfully download Skype to your computer. When you create your Skype account name, keep it professional. I suggest first initial, last name OR first name, middle initial, last name. My Skype name is LaurenEBerger.

3. Skype will run a test on your computer to make sure that your internal speakers/webcams are turned on and working properly. It will also let you import contacts from different email accounts. You will be surprised to see how many of your contacts are already using Skype regularly.

4. When using Skype for your interview, make sure that everyone you live with knows what time your interview is scheduled for. There should be no background noise during your interview – this includes people speaking, toilets flushing, dogs barking, phones ringing. Everyone’s cell phone’s should be on silent during your interview. If you are expecting any visitors, schedule the interview for later in the day.

5. If you are doing an interview at your career center, the same rules apply. Make sure to speak with your career counselor and double confirm that there will be no interruptions.

6. Create a simple and clean space where you will do your interview. Remember, if you are using the web cam, the employer can see what’s behind you. Pretend you are shooting a movie, and you are playing the role of the sophisticated student – what would be behind you ? Make sure whatever’s behind you is simple and not distracting. No beer cans. No dirty pictures. Nothing messy. Your surroundings reflect more about you than you would think.

7. Usually, the web cam only shows the interviewee from the waist up. To be safe, throw on a suit jacket and nice top. Men should wear ties. Women should NOT be showing cleavage.

8. Same interview rules apply as an in-person interview. Speak up. Speak clearly. Don’t speak to fast. Be confident. Smile. Be passionate. Be energetic. Represent yourself well.

Lauren Berger is known as “The Intern Queen” after completing 15 internships during her 4 years of college. She is CEO of http://www.internqueen.com and was recently named a finalist for Business Week’s “Top 25 Young Entrepreneurs 25 and Under”. You can email her at lauren@internqueen.com.

The new site has received a ton of questions so I thought I wanted to round them up and get ‘em answered Have a question for your Intern Queen ? Email me directly at lauren@internqueen.com.

Q: Hey Lauren,

Best,
Alexandra

A: Hi Alexandra,

In college I interned for a variety of companies including FOX, MTV, NBC, Warren Cowan and Associates, BWR, etc.

Hope you are interning as well ! Good luck!

LB

Q:Hi,

Thanks,
Ashley

A: Hey Ashley ! There will be tons of Fashion internships for Spring and Summer 2010. Most of the listings will change from Fall to Spring over the next few weeks. Check back end of next week !

xxLB

Q: Hello
My name Is Patty and I was wondering if it was possible for me to get some information about a Summer Internship with Seventeen Magazine. I know it may be too early to apply but the more information the better.

Thank you for your time,
Patty

A: Patty,
Thanks for your email. Check out the Seventeen Magazine Fall listing that is currently posted on the site. This listing will change over in about one week to Spring and Summer 2010. Seventeen is one of the most popular magazine internships around – if you are applying for Seventeen I would suggest applying for other magazines as well – always have a back-up plan !

Good luck !

Lauren

Q: Hi Lauren,

Best, Sara N.

A: Hi Sara,

I’m so glad you are thinking ahead about internships ! I would start early (ASAP) and apply for internships for Summer 2010. My summer listings will be ready in about one week. Make a note on your initial email about your situation and request an early phone interview or in-person interview. If this isn’t possible make yourself available to speak while abroad. I know this can be difficult but do whatever you can to make it happen. Email will be your best form of communication while overseas – so use it well! Follow up is key !

Can’t wait to hear how things go

Lauren Berger, The Intern Queen

As a member of the “recruitment” industry, I take great interest in the different statistics put out about education in our world. At a recent, SHRM Conference (The Society of Human Resource Professionals) I met a group called the AACSB, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

“AACSB International advances quality management education worldwide through accreditation and thought leadership.” – AACSB Informational Materials.

Over the past year, I’ve noticed a significant amount of potential interns show interest in business internships and potentially entering business schools upon graduation. Is a student saying, “Yes, I want to enter an accredited business school”, a way of them simply avoiding graduation ? In an economy like today, maybe. But that’s not to discount the importance of attending business school and majoring in business degree programs.

I recently reviewed the AACSB’s pamphlet of Business School Data Trends and 2009 List of Accredited Schools. I found some interesting facts that I wanted to share. These further demonstrate the importance of education and it’s growth on a global level.

The Top 3 Locations with Accredited Member Schools
1. North America (481)
2. Western Europe (22)
3. Eastern Asia (17)

*In the US, the most popular location to have a main campus for an accredited school is URBAN (47.1 %)

*Estimated Number of Worldwide Education Institutions Offering Business Degrees is 11,833

Top 5 Countries Offering Business Degrees
1. US (1, 602)
2. China (1, 396)
3. Philippines (1, 243)
4. India (1,200)
5. Mexico (1,000)
*source was the Global Foundation for Management Education, AACSB

Most Popular Programs Offered Worldwide by Field/Discipline/Level for 2007 – 2008 for Bachelor’s Degrees
1. Accounting
2. Finance
3. Marketing

*Interesting: Wow ! Marketing ? Students that say they are “marketing majors” tend to get ignored and people say they are “taking the easy way out”. I feel the opposite. Marketing is an integral part of any business, especially these days when social media has taken marketing positions to a new level. Making that brand to audience connection can only be done by a true marketer.

Most Popular Programs Offered Worldwide by Field/Discipline/Level for 2007 – 2009 for MBA’s
1. General Business
2. Management
3. Finance

*Interesting: Entrepreneurship is only offered at 21.7 % of the school’s surveyed offering bachelor’s degrees and at 10.5% of the school’s surveyed offering MBA’s. I hope to see that number increase aggressively over the next 2-3 years. As a business owner, I only wish that I had some entrepreneurship classes under my belt.

From 2005 – 2006, Students in the US earned a total of 318,042 Business Degrees (BA). Of this total, 159, 683 of them were male and 158, 359 were female.
*Interesting: Note – not a big difference between male and female.
In contrast, from 1969 – 1970, there was a total of 105, 580 Business Degrees (BA) earned. Of this total, 96,346 of them were male and only 9,234 of them were female.
*Interesting: Hey Ladies ! We rock. Look how far we’ve come.

Of the BA degrees in Business earned from 1995 – 1996, 77.8% were White, 7.9% were African American, 5.5% were Asian/Pacific Islander, and 5.0% were Hispanic.
In contrast, from 2005 – 2006, of the BA degrees in Business earned were 72.4% White, 9.6% African American, 7.2% Hispanic, and 6.9 % Asian/Pacific Islander.
*Interesting: The only race to decrease in the amount of business degrees earned were White/Caucasians.

I recently read an astonishing statistic provided by NACE (National Association for Colleges and Employers),
“As of April 2009, 59 percent of graduating college seniors, had NOT started applying for jobs .”

WHAT ? Even in a “good” economic climate this demonstrates a lack of preparation. Student’s should be applying for jobs towards the BEGINNING of each semester. The job search process can be a very LONG one and it’s key to get started as early as possible.

- Students graduating December 2009 should start their job search process mid-September.

- Students graduating May/June 2010 should start their job search mid -January.

Prepare For the Job Search

1. Keep a Calendar. This your time to really get organized. While you hang around and have summer “lazy days” or fun time on the weekend, take a moment to create a calendar. Use your IPhone, Blackberry, Microsoft OutLook, Google Calendar, or even a planner to choose days that you will accomplish certain tasks. You’ve been through the back-to-school a few times by now and should know what you will have to do. I suggest marking down the following days on your calendar:

- 2 days where you can sit down and start applying for Fall internships.

- 1 day where you can take a last look at your Fall 2009 classes and make sure you are meeting all of your requirements.

- 1 day to write Thank You Notes and log contacts from your current internship and any career-related events you may have attended.

- 3 days (after your semester starts) to start researching job possibilities in your location of interest.

- 1 day to compile your job application materials and put together any sort of portfolio, letters of reference that you might need.

- 1 day to set up informational interviews with any of your contacts that are already in place.

- 2 days to start your job reachout and start sending in application materials (clearly stating your graduation date) and requesting interviews for October (ish).

2. Organize Your Contacts. If I had to go back in time, I would have starting organizing my contacts much earlier. Go through your piles of business cards and random papers and start really keeping track of the people you meet. If your email system provides a great way to store contacts, go for it. Do you need to save everyone’s number in your cell phone ? No. I like to use Excel documents that are always saved on my computer and that I can import into other programs to organize when necessary. Organize your contacts list with the following columns so that you can view the document in many different formats on an ‘as needed’ basis.

- Contact First and Last Name (Make sure to spell it correctly).

- Contact Direct Number and Office Line (You want to have the office line just in case the person leaves their position).

- Contact Email Address

- Company Address (If you don’t feel like typing in the entire address, just write the city and state the person is located in for time zone reasons and if you are ever in that city you can contact them).

- Status/Notes (This column is for you to keep track of how and where you met this person and when you last spoke to them. If you put in a call or email to them, track it).

- Category (Try to categorize your contacts by field or industry so that if you want to search all of your contacts in a specific field – you can).

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