If you’re anything like me, you might feel a sense of impending doom when it comes to graduation and facing the job market.
I know I haven’t faced that music yet, but a mentor and a friend just put this into perspective for me: the job market might be tough for the experienced right now, but it is a gold mine for newcomers like you and I. We are the new workforce, and we have adaptability and a fresh perspective to offer companies they know is valuable.
One thing I learned is that not only do companies love interns, but they love the tax breaks and the low wages that come with them. So, internships will always be out there; you just need to be willing to find them. Why is this relevant? Well, getting at least one solid title on your resume sets you up for success.
Internship opportunities are more plentiful than I used to think, too. They include things like the Disney College Program which I never considered even counted as one. They are also not confined to the summers between academic years — a lot of opportunities exist during academic semesters and within the 6 months post-graduation window, so don’t fret if you don’t have a full-time offer lined up right away.
Remember, it’s never too late. Companies will still have internship openings for the summer well into May. Obviously, getting on top of applications early is a good thing, but it’s never a bad thing to apply later, as long as you start eventually.
Also, don’t panic even if you have a lack of internship experience and graduation is around the corner; it doesn’t decide your fate. Internships still exist after graduation, and experience isn’t everything. Networking and solid people skills go a long way. Practice interviewing with an AI agent or head to Career Services for a mock interview. That practice is invaluable and will take you far.
Another good friend of mine told me that early career opportunities are always available if you’re willing to go to them. Meaning, consider setting out on the road less traveled by. Leave your hometown for a couple of years. Maybe you don’t want to, and that’s fine, but the point is, the opportunities quadruple if you widen your horizons a little bit.
Do yourself a favor this winter break, and take some time reflect and realize how far you’ve come as a student and a professional. It’s really not easy being a student, and even if you haven’t built “real” career experience, you’ve already accomplished so much making it this far.
Hannah Dewitt 
Abdullah Farooqui