Externship

We are nearing the end of this quarter, and the next quarter will be my last quarter of my associate's degree. It's externship time! I have spent some time trying to figure out what I want: do I want to try and get a spot at one of the big name firms? Or find a place where it might turn into a job offer? Or go where other students had gone and had an amazing experience? I spoke with two of my teachers to get their input, and to see how realistic my  expectations were. In the end I went with the place where I know I will learn the most, and which came highly recommended by other students. It was a bit stressful though. Luckily I am taking the Professional Development class right now, a class in which we are coached how to write a winning resume, cover letters, thank you letters, and how to network and interview like a pro. I have to say that this class was extremely helpful, because when it was time to send out a resume for my externship I already had the one I had prepared for my class. I never knew that resume writing was such a science! Did you know that these days there is resume scanning software, which will pre-screen all applications and look for programmed key words? And your resume can be wonderful, but of you did not include the buzz words, you are out before a HR person ever glances at it. Or did you know that they spend only seconds on reading it? It's crazy. We also did a mock phone interview with a Sullivan employee from Career Services, which I also found extremely helpful. I was offered so much help, support, and useful tips for selling myself effectively. I feel like I am well prepared for the future.

Claudia