A Freshman’s Guide To Internships and Jobs

Over the last few years, I have taken up the practice of reading every single school email that comes through to me. No matter what the content or relevancy is to me. Because of this, I have landed a few part-time job opportunities and internships that wouldn’t have been available if I didn’t take the initiative to respond or look through. I now have 2 internships. One working for the admissions blog here at UIUC, and as a Social Media Content Rater at TELUS International.

Although this practice may seem daunting at first, I have a few tips that can help you with your internship or job search for this winter, spring, or summer.


Read Everything

I mentioned in my first paragraph how reading everything that comes through is imperative. I got the job at the admissions office by looking through their social media! It is always a good thing to check out the social media or website for a company you are interested in working for. Looking through their jobs list, and even subscribing to their email service.

In our respective major departments, they usually send out emails detailing opportunities, classes, and even sometimes internships or full-time jobs you can land. It is always a good thing to read everything. No matter how boring it might look at first glance.


Handshake/LinkedIn Are Your Best Friends

The amount of opportunities sent to me via Handshake and LinkedIn have been massive. I always look through every offer/meeting/etc. to see if I will like it. On both pages, I made sure to put everything that I am interested in. It is always good to gain experience even if it isn’t in the field of your major because you can apply it in other ways! Make sure to apply to opportunities even if you don’t have experience; they might train you if you have enough passion and interest in the job.

Be careful, however, of scams. Always make sure to thoroughly look through the job pages and look for ratings via Glassdoor, Facebook, or other social media platforms.


Know Your Limit

The internship and job hunt can be both exciting and exhausting. But not landing one is not the end of the world. You also have to remember that taking on too much at once is never good. Although it might look impressive, it can take a massive toll on your mental health.

It is always good to take a break from the internship and job hunt whenever you feel burnt out. Make sure to practice self care and when you land that big internship, celebrate!

Xosa

Xosa

Class of 2025
Hello! I'm a Political Science major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and I grew up in Chicago Heights, IL. I love all things international, political, and vintage. I am also an Illinois Promise scholar. As a college applicant, it can be tough to navigate the resources of the college process. But I hope my blogs make it much easier to choose UIUC!

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