Holiday internships give students head start
Employment during vacations can help in future job search
By Sarah Chadwick Kansan Correspondent
For most college students, the monthlong break between first and second semester means a time to return home and relax. But for a few dedicated students, the holiday break means a time to get a jump on their careers with a holiday internship.
But that is not to say that there are no possibilities. Students who take the initiative to find holiday internships may prove to their employers that they are people worth having on staff.
"Holiday internships are pretty rare," said Jeri Lygrisse, internship coordinator for the University Placement Center. "There are not quite as many as you would find during the semester or summer break. It's more challenging to find a holiday internship."
"If students are interested, they need to be very proactive if they see a company they would like to intern for."
Lygrisse gave three resources for finding an internship. The first and possibly the most helpful, she said, is the Internet.
"We're adding things daily," Lygrisse said. "To access, go to Internet Resources. Then you'll find a page with various fields, and there's one for internships."
The University Placement Center's site for internships is www.ukans.edu/~upc
Books on internships also are available at the center, 110 Burge Union. The books provide detailed descriptions of the necessary job qualifications and where to send applications.
The third possibility is the internship bin at the center. The bin contains lists of past and current internships with contact names and requirements.
Lygrise suggested taking time to find more than one internship possibility and sending materials to several companies.
Once a student has chosen companies, the next step is to send the necessary materials to the contact people.
"Don't put all your eggs into one basket," Lygrisse said. "Some companies are competitive, so send out as many applications and resumes as you can. Keep your ranges pretty broad."
Staff at the center can help with cover letters, resumes, getting materials sent and brushing up on interviewing skills.
The next item to consider is whether the internship will be for credit or pay. This generally is decided by the student, employer and a staff member in the
"Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Some companies are competitive, so send out as many applications and resumes as you can."
school that credit is to be received. To receive credit, the internship must be approved by the school.
Jerl Lygrisse internship coordinator
"Not all students do the research," Lygrisse said. "It's kind of like scholarships; there are so many out there that it can be overwhelming. You just have to do some research and see what's available."
Students should talk to an associate dean or someone in student services to approve an internship for credit, said Rick Musser, professor of journalism. "If the student has an adviser, then they really should talk to them."
Above all, Lygrisse said, don't give up on finding an internship. Each year many intern positions aren't filled because students don't know where to look to find what they want.
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