Internship Opportunities for Career Advancement

Tech internships are heating up this summer, and it’s not just the weather. In these 12 weeks, interns can turn hot prospects into cool jobs. Reflecting on my internship stint from the summer of 2020, sharing my insights to help students swing from intern to full-timer before the graduation caps fly. ✨Establish success criteria and aim higher In my first week as an intern, I aligned with my manager on S.M.A.R.T goals for my project, which really spelled out what I was aiming for. After I hit those targets in the first month, I was all about upping the ante with more challenging tasks to demonstrate initiative and build credibility. Remember, going above and beyond can really make you stand out as an intern. ✨Share your career ambitions with candor From day one, I openly communicated my long-term career aspirations with my manager, which fostered a supportive partnership. This transparency enabled them to tailor assignments that were not only relevant but also instrumental in advancing my career goals. Remember, speaking up is key because if you don’t share, others won’t be aware. ✨Network with peers and leaders I made it a priority to schedule regular one-on-ones with my team, soaking up their advice and learning from their experiences. These chats were a great way to get their perspectives on work passions and what makes them stay on the team/company. Plus, I grabbed every chance to connect with the PMs and leaders I admired. These conversations gave me deeper grasp of the company’s direction, culture, and opportunities, all of which helped me figure out if it’s the right place for me. ✨Contribute to the culture I didn’t just stick to my assigned projects but also engaged in cultural and learning events. I shared my unique perspectives and volunteered to help with team morale events. Getting to know my colleagues beyond work helped me build real connections that lasted way beyond my internship. Culture eats strategy for breakfast and if you make a mark on the company culture, you’ll leave a lasting impression that won’t be forgotten. ✨Build skills by leveraging company resources As an intern, I capitalized on the company’s exclusive learning resources to bridge skill gaps and enhance my capabilities. I independently sought out and utilized these materials to upskill, embracing the continuous learning process that internships ideally support. ✨Keep it real and cultivate meaningful connections Maintaining connections with the people you meet during your internship can be more valuable than the internship itself. I’ve made a conscious effort to keep in touch with my colleagues post-internship, a practice I uphold to this day. The relationships built are paramount, regardless of a full-time offer. #jobsearch #internships #productmanagement

I was rejected not one, not two, but DOZENS of times when applying for internships going into my junior year of college. To be honest, I had given up. I was discouraged, heartbroken, and in extreme distress😭 I vowed that I would NEVER receive rejections like that again. Sure enough that next Summer not only did I receive multiple internship offers, but I had my dream internship offer. Here’s what I did differently: 1️⃣Turned on job notifications on LinkedIn When I tell you all this made finding internships 5x easier! Because I was looking for internships in DEI at the time, I went to the LinkedIn jobs tab searched “DEI Intern” filtered the experience level specifically by “internships” and “entry level” roles then toggled on the “get job alerts for this search” button at the bottom of the page. After that, every time a new role was added to LinkedIn that matched my search, I was notified! 2️⃣Created a company fast facts sheet This was SO helpful! I wrote down everything that I needed to know about the company from their core values and mission to their current initiatives and projects. I also did a deep dive into the LinkedIn profiles of my interviewers and compiled key points of their roles and responsibilities. I studied this sheet daily so I would be able to leverage some of the information during my interview P.S- It helps if you make the sheet fun and decorative 3️⃣ Tailored my resume and my cover letter to each role As soon as I learned how applicant tracking systems (ATS) work, I did whatever I could to try and beat the system. I found that the cheat code was aligning my resume and cover letter to match key words in the job description. When I tell y’all that this hack changed my life! Tailor those resumes y’all! 4️⃣Came prepared with solutions The goal is always to be one step ahead of your interviewer. When prepping for your interview, keep track of industry trends to find ways that you think the company could improve against their competitors. Then take it a step further and show how you could use your skills to help make that improvement. When asked if you have any questions at the end of the interview try saying something like this: “When doing my research I noticed that Company X doesn’t have [fill in the blank with a process, system, program, etc]. I have skill X, Y, Z relevant to implementing this. Is this something that is in the works or an idea that your team would potentially be interested in?” 5️⃣Tracked my applications This was a game changer! I created an excel sheet that I used to keep track of when I applied to internships so I could monitor the timeline of the process as I proceeded (or didn’t lol) to the next rounds. ——————————————————————- What are some things you’ve done in your internship search that have made a difference? #tipswithtaylor #internships #dreaminternship #internships2024 #collegestudents #intern #techinternship

I take managing the Vision Advertising internship program very seriously. Because I believe in providing real value to our interns. Here's how I’ve tried to add tons of value to Vision internships: 🔷 Foster development of real-life skills. I’m not about having interns do menial tasks. My goal is to equip them with practical skills they can use in any job they pursue after college, like time management to client communication. 🔷 Help explore career paths. Internships are a fantastic way for students to explore different career paths. I help them answer key questions like: 🔹Do they prefer remote or office work? 🔹Do they thrive in an agency setting or prefer working in-house? 🔹Are they more suited to a small business or a large corporation? 🔷 I always ask for feedback from each intern who joins us for a semester. I want to know what they liked, didn’t like. What they wish they could have done more of and how they think I can improve the program. 🔷 Creating a supportive environment that mirrors the pace of a marketing agency. 🔷 Entrusting interns with real client projects. 🔷 Weekly discussions to address goals, achievements, struggles, and questions. 🔷 Access to professional development resources. 🔷 Mentorship opportunities for all. How do you provide value for your interns? Or if you're a college student, what do you look for in an internship experience? #InternshipProgram #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerJourney #VisionAdvertising

🚀Securing a return offer – Networking 🚀 Networking is the foundation for opening doors to future opportunities and establishing long-lasting connections. Reflecting on my internship journey where I secured a total of 4 return offers (2 for full-time positions and 2 for further internships) - Here are my takeaways: 1. Broaden Your Network 🌐: Don’t just stick to your team. Make an effort to connect with fellow interns and full-time employees from various departments. The potential of where these connections can lead is limitless. Immerse yourself in employee groups that resonate with your identity or interests; for instance, my engagement with the Blacks at Microsoft and Microsoft Smash Bros group introduced me to incredible people and various opportunities. 2. Genuine Connections Matter 🗣 : It’s incredible how rapport with your team and manager can pave the way for return offers. Fitting in with team culture is just as important as the work you do. 3. Approach with Curiosity 🤔 : Networking doesn’t have to be daunting. Approach it as a chance to learn about someone else’s experiences and interests. It makes the conversation more engaging and less transactional. Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll share more insights on making the most of your networking opportunities during internships! 💬 What’s your take on networking? Ever made a connection that surprised you? Share in the comments! #InternshipNetworking #CareerDevelopment #ExpandYourCircle #Networking

Attention all Students Seeking Internships/Co-ops! Looking to secure that dream internship or co-op opportunity? Here are some invaluable tips to guide you towards success: Define Your Niche: Start by identifying your area of interest or the specific companies you aspire to work with. Whether it's in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or any other sector, clarity on your niche is key. Build Relevant Skills: Tailor your skillset to match the demands of your chosen niche or target companies. For instance, if you're eyeing a role in a Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) company, engage in projects during your academic journey that align with SaMD devices. Dive into regulatory documents like 510(k) or PMA submissions to deepen your understanding. Stay Informed: Keep yourself abreast of developments in your chosen therapy area. Stay updated on the latest regulations and guidelines pertinent to your field. If rare diseases intrigue you, track FDA provisions aimed at facilitating the development of such therapies. Share your insights on platforms like LinkedIn and connect with professionals in your domain to expand your knowledge base. Seek Certifications: Enhance your credentials by pursuing relevant certifications. For instance, if quality management is your forte, consider obtaining an ISO 13485 Certification to bolster your profile. Network Strategically: Join professional organizations such as ISPE or RAPS and leverage their forums to forge meaningful connections. Engage in networking events that align with your career aspirations. Remember, it's not just about quantity; focus on building quality connections that can offer insights and opportunities. Contribute Through Content: Showcase your expertise by writing articles or sharing relevant content. This not only demonstrates your passion and knowledge but also boosts your visibility within your industry. In a challenging market, it's essential to adopt the right mindset and approach. While the landscape may seem daunting, opportunities abound for those who are proactive, skilled, and well-connected. Keep refining your skills, expanding your network, and staying informed, and you'll be well on your way to securing that coveted internship or co-op position. Remember, perseverance pays off, and with the right blend of skills, mindset, and network, you can turn your aspirations into reality! 💼✨ #Pharmaceutical #Medicaldevices #Jobseeker #regulatoryaffairs