How To Get That Internship, All Summer 18'
The school year is almost over, and summer is around the corner. For some college students that means going back to their hometown to relax and catch up with old friends and family and for others that may mean working full-time and getting their paper up. Either way, the Live Civil team wants to make sure that all of our scholars are utilizing their free time and filling it with productivity.
A great way to remain productive during the summer is to get an internship. Whether you’re a freshman or senior in college, internships are one of the most important and influential activities to partake in before you start “adulting” and diving into your career post college.
Statistics show that students who interned during their college career are 13% more likely to find full-time employment. This means a lot considering the fact that getting a job post-graduation can be one of the most difficult tasks to complete after college. With an internship under your belt, you are more likely to get hired over your competitor because it gives you the “experience” that companies are always looking for.
Interning helps build confidence in the workplace, interns get an opportunity to work with the “big dogs” of the company. This is your time to have a seat at the table. You get a chance to shine without having “major” responsibilities. You can be a student (aka young Grass Hopper) and soak up all of the information you need to know about a company and your career of choice. Sometimes we aren’t 100% sure of what we want to do in life and that’s okay. Internships will help you figure that out before it’s time to officially get into your first “real” job and career path.
Now that you know the importance of internships the next step is getting one. You are already ahead of the competition if you’re reading this, so let’s dive into the steps you need to take to secure the bag. Here is how you get that internship:
The Cover Letter
Applying for an internship with the company of your dreams is nothing like applying for a job at your local grocery store or favorite clothing store. Keep in mind that you are not the only one applying for this position, there are hundreds of other students just like you that are waiting to get their foot in the door. With that being said, how can you separate yourself from the pack?
When it comes to cover letters we advise you to be as unique and professional as possible. When creating your cover letter be sure to tell your story, create a narrative. Let the company you are applying for know why you are a perfect fit for the job beyond the skills and qualifications that they have listed on the job post. Research the companies culture and how it aligns with your personal morals and core values. Google cover letter templates for help and spice it up to make it sparkle with your own magic.
The Resume
Resumes are pretty basic and universal. The resume is where you showcase your specific technical skills and qualifications, google a template and go to work. If you don’t have much experience that’s okay, list your previous jobs and curate a detailed list of the work that you did. When curating the detailed summary of your work experience you want to make sure that you include tasks that relate to the job that you are applying to.
For example, if you are applying for an internship in marketing and you previously worked as an associate at a clothing store you can say that one of your duties was to communicate with customers and get them to buy merchandise. Communication and being a “people person” is key when it comes to marketing, so in actuality, you do have experience in marketing just on a smaller scale. Companies will appreciate you for connecting the dots and thinking outside of the box.
If you are involved in any on-campus organizations, mention it. This will show ambition. Tons of students go to college and get their degree but not all students flourish on campus and participate in extracurricular activities that aren’t a part of their degree plan. It takes a special student to go a step further and give their time to organizations, this shows that you are not a mediocre candidate.
Lastly, make your resume stand out. Read closely because this is a #MAJORKEY to securing the bag. Companies get hundreds of black and white basic resumes. How can you make your resume pop? Google unique/different resume styles and create a resume that aesthetically looks bomb! If you are applying for a content creator or digital marketing position show your skills with your resume. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box, add color, fun fonts, and borders to your resume. Trust us, the HR lady will be forced to take a 2nd look at your dope resume and will realize your efforts. A great website for one of a king resume templates is Canva.com.
Keep it simple and sassy.
The Follow Up
You’re done with your cover letter and resume, Congrats! Now you can chill and wait for someone to call you for an interview…SIKE! The process is not over yet, now it’s time to follow up and show some persistence and determination. A week after you turn in your application you want to send an email to “follow up”. The best person to send this email to is the hiring manager, search high and low for their contact information. In this email you are going to introduce yourself, let them know that you applied for a position with their company and would love to set up an interview at their earliest convenience. Once again, google a basic follow-up email and make it your own.
If you don’t receive a call from the company a week following your follow-up email it is time for the follow-up call. Don’t know what to say? You know we’ve got your back…
Don’t know what to say? You know we’ve got your back…
HR: Hello, this is the marketing company of your dreams, how may I help you?
You: Hello, My name is (BLANK). I sent an email to you earlier this week about (COMPANY NAME’s JOB TITLE opening. Do you have a minute to talk? ( WAIT FOR RESPONSE)
I applied online for the position, but I also wanted to reach out to you personally because I’m so interested in the position and I feel I am uniquely suited for the role. I am highly experience at the (MOST IMPORTANT JOB REQUIREMENT) and have extensive (SECOND MOST IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT) experience in the (NAME OF THE INDUSTRY).
I would love to speak with you in person about the opportunity. When might be a good time to talk? I am available this week. Let me know what works for you. Thank you.
After you’ve followed up, the waiting game commences. If you are able to personally take your resume and cover letter to the front desk at the companies office, do that! Going the extra mile will set you apart from other candidates. Companies love to see determination and persistence. Do you really want this position? If you do you will do whatever it takes to get that interview, and we advise you to go beyond yourself and do so! (But don’t be a pest)
The Internship
Now you’ve got the internship, but guess what? The bag is not fully secured. Now it’s time to work your butt off and prove yourself. Honestly, it sucks that most internships are not paid, but it is what it is. Getting the job and living the life of your dreams requires sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears. If you aren’t about that life you can go and get hired at a measly mediocre job that pays you just enough to make rent. If you are about that life, it’s time to hustle. Give 110 % while participating in your internship. Ask your supervisors for extra work. Be nice, be friendly, make friends, connect, and most importantly be your authentic self! Nobody likes an obnoxious ass-kisser or a show-off. Do your job and do it right. Do more, say less, and be humble.
Now that you’ve got the keys to get an internship and succeed, go out there and kick ass! Remember that nothing good in this life comes easy, you must earn it. If you need interview assitance check out our previous article that covers “The Rights & Wrongs For Having A Succesful Job Interview”. Good luck and happy internship hunting!
5 Times The Simpsons Accurately Predicted The Future
Link to article on Vashtie.com: http://www.vashtie.com/blog/5-times-simpsons-accurately-predicted-future/
What's A Poly Math? It's Me, I'm A Polymath.
In this random ass video I explain what a Polymath is, talk a bit about my career/educational journey, why I moved to NYC, why I am anti-labeling, my empathetic spirit, and more. Subscribe to my youtube channel frans.
#ColumbusDay Is Canceled: 3 Of My Favorite Indigenous Women In Pop-Culture, Happy #IndigenousPeoplesDay!
Today, October 8th is most known for #ColumbusDay but since we have become more "woke", it's canceled! We appreciate the national day off but we now know that Columbus is no one to be celebrated. Much love and respect to all of the Indigenous people who are observing their life, family, and heritage on today. America would not be America without you all. Instead of harping on the fact that we were lied to in history class our entire life we decided to flip the script and highlight 3 awesome Native American women in pop-culture and fashion. You may or may not know these beautiful faces, check them out below:
Kehlani (@Kehlani)
Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter. We celebrate Kehlani for doing all that she can to help the indigenous community. Kehlani is a positive force in this negative world and we applaud her for changing lives through her music, advocacy, and philanthropic efforts.
Amy Farid (@TheRealAmyFarid)
Professional Hair Stylist. Amy Farid is one of the coolest hair stylist out here doing it. Amy is responsible for Solange's cover look in Bust Magazine. She has worked with Harpers Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and more. We celebrate Amy because she is one of the first Native Americans to make it big in the professional hair styling industry. Amy often talks about not having a role model to look up to when she was growing up, she always loved beauty and fashion but nobody in her community was like her. Amy did her own thing and is now working with the best in the industry. We appreciate her honesty when it comes to cultural appropriation. Amy shows other indigenous girls that they can think outside of the box and be whoever they want to be.
Daunette Reyome (@DaunetteTheModel)
13-year-old Native American model. Daunette reminded us all that her culture was not a fashion statement. We celebrate Daunette's wisdom and bravery, she's is making it her mission to make people think twice before wearing Native American-inspired accessories. Featured in an editorial by Teen Vogue that focused on the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation.
Pennie For Your Thoughts: "Sit & Talk" #SXSW2017 Edition
If you have ever attended Texas's annual "South By Southwest" music festival you know how random, wild, weird and interesting things can get! Festival goers are bound to bump into their favorite up and coming artists and influencers, whether it's at an event, dive bar or outside on Sixth Street. I decided to produce my very own pop-up talk show entitled "Sit & Talk" in the middle of the madness in efforts to capture the true essence of SXSW. Thanks to my amazing team and sponsors (Kickin' Komboucha & Kind Snacks) we were able to keep festival goers nourished and refreshed. Watch and enjoy a very candid, raw, and random conversation with SXSW artists and festival goers.
Check out our recap below and be sure to subscribe to my channel:
Where will the yellow couch be next?
Be sure to check out my music festival season survival guide here: http://bit.ly/2sjPs1X
MUSIC FESTIVAL SZN SURVIVAL GUIDE
It’s our favorite season of the year, and we’re not talking Spring or Summer. We’re talking Music Festival Season! A time where we get to forget about all of our responsibilities and spend a couple of days basking in the sun, enjoying our favorite artists, getting introduced to new artists, and for the ones who like to indulge it’s an excuse to get as turned up as possible without being judged.
Music festivals for the music lover are the next best thing to sliced bread (corny, we know). We hope you are ready and have your tickets purchased to 2017’s best music festivals. If you are unsure of which festival to attend, we’ve got you covered with our special lists of the Top 20 Music Festivals To Attend This Year.
Now, that your tickets are purchased and preparation mode has been activated, we want to give you a rundown on the best way to survive music festivals season. We’ve had a bit of experience with this, so let us help you out.
Read through some surefire tips to make your festival experience top notch. – Pennie Anassi
Dress Appropriately
(Showing up to the function like…)
Ladies and gentlemen, this is not the club. Most music festivals are held during the summer and most stages are set outside so that means it’s about to be hot as all hell! This is the perfect time to show off your cozy boy and cozy girl swag!
Yea…That means no heels sis, unless you want to be sinking into the grass and mud on the field or suffering at the end of the night because your feet hurt. We recommend comfy shoes like a pair of your favorite dope sneakers, combat boots, and things of that nature. Sunglasses are also a win for music festivals, considering the fact that you’re out in the sun all day and you might be slightly faded. Covering up your eyes with some stylish specs will set your outfit on fire and keep you looking on point all day!
Lastly, don’t forget to express yourself through your wardrobe when attending music festivals. Wear whatever makes you feel the most comfortable while showing off your personal style. Don’t be that girl who is wearing the flowery headband at Coachella because everyone else is, do you boo boo! Photographers from different publications love to capture unique street styles from festival goers, so who knows you might be featured on one of their websites!
Don’t Be Afraid To Leave The Pack
(HAHA the dramatics)
We usually attend music festivals with a large group of our besties or travel buddies! That’s all good but you need to learn when and how to leave the pack so that you don’t miss out on any performances or even the chance to meet or network with new people. First things first never go to music festivals with indecisive and complacent people. Always go with people who know what they want to do and who they want to see.
At music festivals like South By South West in Austin, Texas performances are happening at different venues throughout the 6th street throughout the day and night. The truth is you and all your friends may not be able to get into every event! If you are able to get into an event but your friend can’t, it is perfectly fine!
LEAVE THEM!
You’ll see them later and 9/10 they will leave and get into another show. The worst thing to do is lollygag around and miss out on seeing artists perform because you didn’t want to leave the pack. If your friend feels a certain type of way about it, you need new friends because they are not understanding (LOL)! If friends are running late, being lazy, and you’re about to miss a set. Guess what you should do?
LEAVE THEM!
You paid your hard earned money to purchase tickets and enjoy this festival. You’re probably in the cutest outfit ever, don’t let the group you are with damper your experience.
Finesse
(Find your inner Joanne)
Yes, finnese. During music festivals, you must turn into what I like to call “Finessa Johnson”. A Finessa Johnson knows how to make their way into every event. If there was an event happening at the white house Finessa Johnson would find her way in, front row and center. Find your way into every venue. Find your way to open bars. Maneuver through the crowd and act like your significant other is at the front holding your spot so that you can get the best view. Do what you got to do, to get what you want to get. Always remember that the worst thing someone could ever say is no! Try to have the best experience ever, and you will!
Pace Yourself aka Don’t Get Too Faded & Stay Hydrated
(Chug your water like you chug your beer)
Drugs and alcohol are not foreign when it comes to music festivals. We find it that a lot of festival goers love to indulge in these vices to enhance their experience. We aren’t here to judge, we all love to indulge in something! But we do want you guys to be safe and responsible when attending these mass music festivals. Too many times we have seen festival goers getting escorted out of the crowd on stretchers because of a bad drug trip or being overly intoxicated. Pace yourself, you have all weekend to get lit so try not to burn yourself out.
Drink double the amount of water as your alcohol intake. Alcohol causes dehydration and the sun causes dehydration, put those two together and you’re basically a dried up cactus!
DRINK YOUR WATER.
Come Prepared Like Someones’ Mama
(#BADASSMOM, Kelly Rowland in her fanny pack that is probably filled with life at Coachella 2013)
Preparation is key, although you should have a spontaneous spirit when traveling and attending dope events like music festivals you always want to #STAYREADY. If you are a creative and are looking to network make sure you have business cards, merchandise, or any other promotional material to get yourself out there. You never know who are you are going to meet at these events but you’ve always got to work hard and play harder. Don’t miss out on an awesome work opportunity.
Rarely do those portapotties have tissue paper to wipe your butt or water and soap for you to wash your hands. If you want to stay ready and so fresh and so clean clean, fill your fanny pack with the following goodies:
- Gum
- Deodorant
- Dry Towel
- Moist Wipes
- Portable charger
- An Empty water bottle (take a wild guess what that’s for)
- Toothpaste/Tooth Brush
- Hair
- Extra light change of clothes and socks
- Snacks ( If you are allowed to bring food, they will throw all your snacks away and you will be salty)
- Rillos
We hope these tips found you well and we wish you the best experience at your next music festival. Don’t forget to check out our Top 20 Music Festival’s To Attend This Year.
Happy Festival Season from me and the KarenCivil.com team!
