Internships are calling☎️👀, will you pick up??
As the school year approaches its grand finale, a different kind of intensity fills the air. Forget the fragrant blooms of Albert Park; we’re smelling the unmistakable scent of sweat, determination, and fierce competition that defines one of our most nail-biting seasons: Internship Season. It’s time to dust off the old CV, grossly exaggerate your passion for deliverables, and find the line between fun personality and workplace hazard—ideally before you go into the interview.
Having been on both sides of the table, we’ve experienced the highs and lows of this journey firsthand. We’ve seen the nervous handshakes, heard the rehearsed answers, and felt the weight of anticipation in the room. However, we’ve also been the hopeful candidates, with sweaty palms and wavering voices. So now, in time honoured tradition, let Craccum help you land the opportunity of a lifetime while we procrastinate finding our own. That’s right, listicle time!
You’re Not in Competition with Your Friends
Calling all med, law, and eng students! you can be nice, we know you have it in you.
While the stakes are high, it’s essential to remind yourself that your friends are not your rivals. Instead, think of them as allies who can offer support, advice, and even open doors to opportunities you might not have discovered otherwise. If your career strategy is to be a dickhead then you better hope you’re a nepo baby.
You Won’t Get Every Opportunity
Your application is bad and you should feel bad, except it probably isn’t! Internship Season can be a rollercoaster ride of exhilarating highs (finally finishing your CV) and disappointing lows (finding out your ex got the job instead). You may pour your heart and soul into an application, only to face rejection. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of the process. Each rejection is an opportunity to learn and grow, ultimately bringing you closer to the perfect fit for your goals and aspirations.
Look Beyond Yourself, Push Past Your Ego and Ask a Damn Question
Step one on the self improvement ladder, stop pretending you’re perfect. When we get asked if we can do something in an interview, our instinctive answer is ‘yep’; after all, we wouldn’t want to disappoint! Wrong. Nobody is buying it. If you’re not sure what some part of the role involves, ask. It’s going to be much easier to get hired if the interviewer knows you understand their specific needs. Every workplace has its quirks and if you discuss them in your interview you’re already ahead of everyone else who didn’t.
Most Internships Don’t care About Grades; They Care About What You do Outside of School
Good grades are undoubtedly important, but it’s your extracurricular activities; hobbies, projects, and community involvement that often sets you apart. Of course you should list your sporting and personal breakthroughs but for those of us less productive, why not try and spice up your dirty habits with a little word play 😉
Are you a Discord mod or do you, ‘Facilitate a community gathering, requiring effective communication skills, a commitment to enforcing guidelines, and the ability to foster a respectful and engaging atmosphere for all members.’
Wannabe influencer? Try, ‘Leveraging my online presence, expertise, and credibility within a specific niche or industry to create engaging and authentic content for all 7 of my followers.’
Internship recruiters are interested in well-rounded individuals who can bring a diverse set of skills, experiences, and perspectives to their teams. As you navigate the fiercely competitive landscape of Internship Season, remember to keep these tips close, much like a crisply folded resume tucked into your portfolio. Maybe you’ll land that dream position, maybe not, but at the end of the day internship season isn’t just about landing a position; it’s about your personal and professional growth along the way.
Currently polishing up our resumes,
Mairātea & George
