While the job market for recent grads has improved over the past few years, stiff competition for entry level positions remains.  One of the very best ways to gain an advantage is with related work experience.  While this can take many forms, including part-time jobs, volunteer experience, and extracurricular activities, one of the best ways to build a resume and apply classroom knowledge to a “real world” context is with an internship.  In fact, many students across the country are graduating with two or more internships under their belt.

Here are several key steps for getting started:

·         *  Write and polish your resume.  In most cases, a resume and possibly a cover letter will be required for application.

·        *  Begin your research early.  Some organizations may start reviewing and selecting applicants up to eight months early.

·         *  Talk with your academic advisor about whether you should do an internship for academic credit or for the experience alone.

·         *  Use several different types of resources to find internship opportunities including on-line resources, friends and family, career services, and job fairs.

Internships are beneficial to students for more than just academic credit and to build up a resume.  A good reason for completing an internship is for the career awareness it brings.  While interning, a student may find that he is truly interested in that field—or she may discover that it just isn’t for her.  Regardless, the experience exposes the student to a variety of positions, which can help narrow down his field of interest and therefore instill a great sense of direction in the student.  Finally, internships provide an opportunity to network.  Some students are offered positions with the company they’ve interned for before they’ve even graduated!  Although internships are not required for every major, they are nonetheless valuable chances to gain experience and knowledge before entering the work force after graduation.

For more information on internships, contact Beth Tiedemann at the Office of Career Services at 724-836-7182 or tiedeman@pitt.edu.

December – Finals and Holidays

A major cause of stress for college students at the end of the term is final exams and papers.  Students are worried about grades on papers and projects, worried about studying and preparing for finals, and as a result of this sleeping less and eating worse.

 

Another major stressor during this time is feelings related to the holidays and semester break.  Students whose families are experiencing problems or losses can have mixed emotions about coming home.  Students in dating relationships at school can feel sad about being separated over the break or concerned about the strain the separation may cause.  There are feelings of loneliness for some students who are not in relationships but wish they were.   For many there is also financial stress related to holidays due to gift-buying and travel costs.

 

The Counseling Center has helpful handouts titled “Finals Week Stress” and “Holiday Blues” that are available on the Counseling web page and around campus through the end of the semester.

 

Once your student comes home for the holiday break, if there are important issues or tasks, they may be better dealt with after a day or so of rest.  For families whose students live on campus, remember that everyone may need some time to transition back to living together.  Lastly, just as there may be mixed emotions about coming home, it’s normal to also have mixed feelings about going back to school after a long break.  It’s not uncommon for students or parents to experience a milder version of the same feelings homesickness and ambivalence felt on move in day in August.

 

Have a wonderful, peaceful holiday season,

Gayle F. Pamerleau, LCSW

Director of Counseling

724-836-9870

gaylep@pitt.edu