Grown up before it’s too late

By Tim Hawk

Week 4 has just begun at Ashland University and many people are thinking towards the future. Some students are finalizing their Spring Break trips, some are thinking beyond that to Midterm Exams. Others are lining up their summer break and have internships locked down. If you aren’t one of these “others”, don’t worry there’s still hope.

When you leave Ashland, you need something to stick out on your résumé. An internship is just the thing you are looking for. Having an internship over this summer will look far greater than working at your local retail store. Also, you can get credit for your internship here at AU.

When looking for an internship, don’t limit yourself on your possibilities. If you have your heart set on one position, don’t be surprised if the world takes your heart, chews it up, and spits it back out in your face. If you see one that sounds interesting, fill out an application and move on. It’s vital you take a look into all the chances presented to you, even if the internship seems like a long shot.

Also, be open for change. Feel free to look for opportunities in other states, and in other fields of work. Out of state internships test you to not only in your line of work, but show you that you can make it on your own. Plus, not everyone wants to stay in Ohio forever. Ever wonder what Florida is like in the summer? Go see for yourself! Getting an internship in a related field help expand your knowledge and open you up to possibilities for work you may never have thought of before.

Here’s the catch: don’t wait any longer to search for these internships. Many companies have already secured their positions. Run your résumé past the Career Development Center, or talk to professors who have worked in the field you are trying to get into. Begin your search now, if you haven’t already, and start sending in applications.

Regardless if you need it or not, see what kinds of internships are out there. Use websites like LinkedIn to test the waters and see what’s available. You might be surprised to find one that fits your interests, not only giving you a résumé builder, but a little variety in your experiences to take with you when you face the real world.