Things You Should Plan to Do When You Get Back to School

The summer always passes quicker than we think it will and suddenly the start of a new semester is right around the corner. Here’s what to do to prepare for balancing finding or maintaining a job while still keeping your grades up.

1. Enroll in an internship class

Some universities offer courses in career preparedness. If your university offers this type of class, strongly consider taking it. Your assignments will include things that aid in your professionalism and career development, such as creating a resume.

2. Take on an internship for credit

Instead of taking on a ton of credits in classes this semester, leave some room open for a professional internship. Most majors will let you work in an internship for class credit in lieu of a traditional class. Typically, an academic adviser and professional supervisor will be assigned to guide you through this process.

3. Seek out your career center’s help

Take advantage of all the services your career center has to offer! Enroll in a career preparation program or make an appointment for a one-on-one meeting with a counselor to discuss how best to approach your career path.

4. Take note of any events - mock interview nights, job fairs, etc.

Similarly, take note of any events the career center puts on. The beginning of the fall semester is always ripe with mock interview nights, job fairs, and workshops. Keep your eyes peeled for special opportunities only available to students or certain departments.

5. Join clubs

Add to your experience, resume, and social life by joining a club. Join an organization dedicated to something you’re passionate about outside of your field of study. Breaking up the traditional skills your future employer will be looking for is important - it shows that you’re well rounded, unique, and willing to experience new things!

What to do Before You Leave Your Summer Job/Internship

So you landed that summer position. That’s awesome! But be mindful of your situation. The summer is short, but your impact can be long lasting. Here are a few ways to ensure you get the most out of your summer job or internship.

1. Ask for feedback

A surefire way to let your supervisor know you’re serious about your position is to ask how they think you’re doing. It shows that you are interested in how you are helping the company to the best of your abilities and are committed to its progress.

2. Secure references

If you feel that you’ve built a substantial and professional relationship with your supervisor or any other colleagues, don’t be afraid to ask if you can list them as a reference in the future. These people will become invaluable assets to your network. Make sure whoever you choose is reliable and actually has good things to say about you!

3. Remember to thank everyone

Potential reference or not, it’s important to thank everyone for all they’ve done to help you while you were there. Express your gratitude to your recruiter, supervisor, and any coworkers who helped you significantly with any projects.

4. See any projects you started through to the end.

If you’re unable to do so, leave a set of detailed instructions or offer to walk your coworkers through your process.

5. Gather contact information and keep in touch with your colleagues

Higher ups who admired the job you did might reach out to you in the future if they’re looking to fill a position in either theirs or a partner company. Staying in touch also means you have expanded your network and they can help you get a leg up in your field in the future. They can also act as a mentor or source of guidance later in your career.

6. Ask about office protocol for departure

It’s important to know what you need to do before leaving. Different offices have different policies and procedures pertaining to departure. There may be loose ends to tie up and last-minute things to put in order.

7. Communicate to your supervisor what you gained from the experience

While it’s important for the supervisor to give you feedback and periodically let you know how you’re doing, it’s equally valuable to let your higher up know what you gained from the experience. In turn, let your supervisor know if there’s anything you think that could use improvement in order to enrich the experience for future interns.

8. Ask about continued work/other employment opportunities

If you enjoyed your time at the internship, inquire about any opportunities to extend your time there or pick up a different position in the fall.