By Amanda Valentovic
Staff Writer
It may only be March, but due dates for summer jobs and internships are fast appoaching. With homework, tests and extracurricular activities keeping students busy, it can be hard to keep track of it all. Luckily, there are ways to make sure plans for the summer months are made without anything slipping through the cracks – it will just take some patience and organization.
The first thing students should do when applying for summer programs is keep track of due dates. A missed application deadline is not an assignment that can be made up, so make sure that each date is carefully recorded.
There are different methods that work for everyone; notebook planners and phone calendar apps are just a few.
“Once you have your planner, you can develop an organized and simple pattern for how you label your commitments/assignments,” said an article by Liz Bartlein on interqueen.com. Be aware of what dates are coming up and when they are due.
Another important step in any application process is making sure resumes and cover letters are up to date and follow the correct format. That is how applicants are judged, so make them the best they can possibly be.
Hofstra’s Career Center is a great resource on campus to have resumes checked over, and the staff can even help build them for students who have never done it before. Another pair of eyes reading over an application, resume or cover letter could make all the difference in catching a typo or mistake. The Career Center also often holds events and workshops that can help students learn how to build their resume and learn how to present themselves to potential employers.
Unfortunately, not every internship application sent in will result in a position. It is impossible to land every job that is applied for. Apply for more than one job. If one is not available, another might be. Keep an open mind and try not to stress about the smaller details.
An article on Forbes.com stated, “Obtaining an internship doesn’t have to be an overly stressful experience.”
It may seem difficult to stay calm and organized, but the application process will be over in no time and it will be time to start working at an exciting new summer job.
