First-Gen Focus is an informative newsletter designed to provide resources, tips and advice for first-generation students. We cover a variety of topics to ensure our readers excel through their journey of higher education.
Pursuing a career can be a hard process. For students who are the first in their families to go to college and face financial challenges, these challenges can be especially difficult.
It's so important to have access to the right information and resources that can help you overcome these hurdles and achieve your goals.
Where to Look for an Internship
One of the biggest challenges for FGLI students when it comes to finding internships is knowing where to look. Fortunately, there are a variety of resources available to help you in your search. Here are some tips for finding internships:
Online Job Boards
Look for internships on online job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. These platforms allow you to search for internships based on your interests, location, and availability.
College Career Centers
Check with your college career center to see what internship opportunities they have available. Career centers often have connections with local businesses and organizations that offer internships to students.
Industry Organizations
Research industry organizations related to your career interests and look for internship opportunities on their websites. These organizations may have a specific page dedicated to internships, or they may post opportunities on their job board.
Resume Tips
Your resume is one of the most important documents you will need when applying for internships. It's your chance to make a great first impression and showcase your skills and experiences. Here are some tips to help you create a strong resume that will catch the attention of potential employers.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience
When crafting your resume, focus on highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the internship you're applying for. This can include previous internships, volunteer work, coursework, and extracurricular activities.
Tailor Your Resume to the Job
Customize your resume to match the requirements of the internship you're applying for. Use keywords from the job description and adjust your resume to showcase how you meet those specific requirements.
Keep It Clear and Concise
Your resume should be easy to read and understand. Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text, and make sure your formatting is consistent throughout.
Prepping for the Interview
Once you've landed an interview, it's important to prepare thoroughly so that you can make a great impression on the interviewer. Here are some tips for prepping for the interview so that you can showcase your skills and experiences in the best possible light.
Research the Company
Before your interview, research the company you're applying to. Look at their website, social media accounts, and any recent news articles to get a better understanding of their mission and values.
Showcase Your Accomplishments
Be sure to highlight your accomplishments and experiences in your interview. Provide specific examples of times when you have demonstrated skills and experience relevant to the position.
Be Confident and Enthusiastic
It's important to come across as confident and enthusiastic during your interview. Show your passion for the industry and the company, and be sure to ask thoughtful questions about the role and company culture.
Furthermore, Imposter syndrome is a common experience among many first-generation low-income students during interviews. This can manifest as a feeling of being inadequate or unqualified for the position. It's important to recognize that this is a common feeling and not a reflection of your actual abilities. To learn more about how to overcome imposter syndrome during interviews, click here.