Career Advice

One of the best ways to leave a positive, lasting impression in a professional setting is by writing someone a thank-you note. While it may seem old-fashioned, drafting a quick card or email makes you memorable and sets you apart. But what do you write? And when should you write one?

The process of getting an internship in itself can be nerve-wracking, but it’s just as important to be prepared for the actual internship. You’ve heard all the typical advice – dress professionally, be friendly, and stay motivated – but there’s a lot more to internship success than that. To find out exactly how to succeed in an internship, we chatted with Hannah Rafter, the founder and editor of ‘The Intern 24/7,’ to find out the best advice for avoiding some common internship mistakes.

Picture this: You’re on your way to an interview but you stop for a pick-me-up cup of coffee along the way. As you’re about to take a sip, the lid comes off, and boom: It’s all over you. And your interview happens to be down the street in 20 minutes.

The easiest way to think about reading the news is like opening a savings account – the earlier you start saving, the more capital you’ll have compounded in the long run. However, unlike a typical savings account, interest is paid in two forms: enhanced understanding and meaningful conversation. Everything you consume helps you get more out of your readings, as well as expand your mindset in academics and work. It’s this understanding that will allow you to figure out the right questions to ask in interviews and networking. You’ll also obtain a more diverse set of topics to discuss with friends, family, coworkers, and professors. By knowing more than just the headlines, you’ll be able to build credibility quickly and make a genuine human connection in each conversation.

Actually landing an internship offer is an extensive process in itself – from sending out resumes to doing tons of interviews, it’s definitely rewarding when it ends in an offer or two. But that’s only a small part of the battle; making sure you’re making the most out of your time and absorbing as much as you can when you’re there is critical. An internship is all about learning what you do and don’t like and what industries and types of positions you might want to be in after college. Here are some tips for making the most of it:

College students spend countless hours each week devoting their energy to extracurricular activities. These organizations can provide students with valuable skills they will use in the workplace for years to come – and shouldn’t you be recognized for all your hard, out-of-class work? By listing these groups on your resume or LinkedIn profile, you will show employers that you are a dedicated individual with different interests who can bring relevant skills and experiences to the position.

As a college student, you typically don’t have “real-world” experience when it comes to interviewing for a full-time position. But when you find a job and/or company you love and have an interview lined up with them, it’s no secret that you’ll want to appear professional, experienced, and totally prepared.

Technical interviews can be intimidating. While most job interviews assess your soft skills, candidates going into a software development or engineering role will be asked to test their coding and critical thinking abilities right on the spot. What’s more, there’s no master list of questions you’ll be asked to answer in a technical interview. Acing a technical interview requires a strong understanding of your fundamentals, great problem-solving skills, and the ability to stay calm and clearly convey your thinking to the interviewer.

One of the biggest mistakes students make while they’re in college is not developing meaningful, long-lasting relationships with their professors. For many students, connecting with professors outside the classroom is a daunting process, but there are many reasons why it’s worth taking that extra step to make a new connection.