For George Washington University students preparing for a meaningful summer internship, job or volunteer experience, navigating the more than 6,000 opportunities available through GWork could be daunting.
Luckily, the university provides a range of resources to aid them in the process, according to Assistant Provost for University Career Services Rachel Brown.
“GW's recent designation from the Princeton Review as the ‘Best School for Internships’ is a reflection of our smart and ambitious students and we hope every student capitalizes on this by taking advantage of career and professional development resources that are available,” said Ms. Brown.
“We often hear students say, ‘I wish I started the internship or job search sooner,’” she added. “If you haven't already, you can start now and we can help you chart the way.”
George Washington Today compiled a list of the top university resources available for students preparing for workplace experience this summer and beyond.
1. Start with Research: Consult with a Career Coach
Internships and other summer experiences are an opportunity to explore passions discovered through research, to connect coursework to local and global communities and to gain valuable practical job skills. According to Ms. Brown, career coaches in the Center for Career Services, F. David Fowler Career Center in the School of Business and across the university can help students navigate those options, prepare for interviews, revise their resumes and develop a competitive application.
Coaches are available for consultations of 10 to 15 minutes during drop-in hours in the Center for Career Services Resource Room, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students can schedule a coaching appointment through GWork.
2. Talk Through Your Options: Join the Division of Student Affairs Twitter chat
Students can join the Division of Student Affairs Tuesday at 4 p.m. for the second Twitter chat with Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Peter Konwerski—@GWPeterK— titled “Making the Most of Your Summer Opportunities.” Using #ColonialChat, Dr. Konwerski and a panel of GW staff, students and alumni will field questions and refer students to resources.
“I anticipate our second #ColonialChat will be another fast paced flurry of advice, information and techniques as we strive to help students prepare for an array of jobs, internships and other activities on the horizon,” Dr. Konwerski said.
3. Explore Opportunities: Visit the Spring 2015 Career and Internship Fair
More than 100 employers are confirmed for the Spring 2015 Career and Internship Fair Wednesday, including those looking for summer interns such as Arena Stage, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Clark Construction, Macy’s, Bloomingdales and the Council on Foreign Relations. The fair will feature the GW Alumni Association LinkedIn Photo booth, a prep room to practice a professional introduction and—new this year—the “Rock Your Profile” booth for graduating seniors who’d like to improve the content and appearance of their LinkedIn profile.
“Meeting a prospective employer in person when you are prepared is one of the best ways to connect,” Ms. Brown said.
4. Make Your Experience Count: Learn about the New Internship Credit course and policy
The Student Association, the Center for Career Services and the Office of the Provost recently adopted a one-credit online summer internship course for undergraduate students. The course will be available to students through the Center for Career Services for a fee of $50. Credit earned will not count toward degree requirements but will appear on transcripts. More information will be available later this spring from the Center for Career Services.
In addition, a new policy also will allow students with 17 academic credits in a semester to take internships worth one academic credit during the academic year at no cost. The change is aimed at accommodating students with four-credit lab courses on their schedules, SA President Nick Gumas said.
“About 90 percent of GW undergraduate students will have at least one internship or other hands-on learning experience before they graduate,” Mr. Gumas said. “These changes will ensure that GW students have greater access to internship credit without incurring a large cost.”
5. Think Financially: Apply for a Knowledge in Action Career Internship Fund grant
For students who secure internships that are necessarily unpaid, the Career Services Council created the Knowledge in Action Career Internship Fund to provide up to $3,000 to students completing eligible, unpaid internships. To date, more than 140 students have received $255,000 in KACIF funding.
The Career Services Council will accept summer 2015 KACIF applications Feb. 15 through April 1. Selected students will be notified in May.