Finding your dream internship

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Finding your dream internship
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What is an internship?

• Career related work experience, usually full-time
  in the summer.
• A chance to test the waters.
• Not cheap labor.
• Not just grunt work.
• Using independent problem solving skills.
• A chance to learn from a mentor.

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What you can gain from an internship

• Develop apply your skills.
• Network gain valuable contacts.
• Explore different fields.
• Discover your work preferences.
• Demonstrate your work ethic.
• Possibly earn academic credit, be paid, or both.

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Timeline

• Begin your search in November.
• Summer of Sophomore and Junior years are
  excellent times to have internships.
• Use ePACK and networking to uncover the best
  opportunities.

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Determining Your Goals...

• Focus on your career objective.
• Why do you want an internship?
• Where do you want an internship?
• Venture out for a summer.
• What do you hope to gain from the internship?
• Patient Contact? Hands on with animals?
• Dont be shy to ask for what you need.

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Two Search Strategies

• 1- Networking Search- few do this!
• Use your contacts
• Create your own opening
• 2- On-line Search- most do this!
• Advertised vacancies
• Apply for actual intern openings
• Much more competition

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Networking to create your own..

• Identify target companies.
• What are their needs?
• How can you help?
• Draft a 3 month plan
• Schedule an appointment to discuss your proposal.

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Networking with people that might help...

• Career Advisers, Faculty
• Friends, Family, Fellow Job Hunters
• Alumni
• Supervisors and Co-workers
• Professionals
• Clubs/Service Groups

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Be persistent!

• Networking intimidates most people.
• Be a go-getter.
• You will impress your future boss with your
  initiative.
• Could be the difference between an OK summer and
  an amazing summer!

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Networking to land the ideal internship...

• Stand Out!
• Email to explain how interested you are in what
  they are doing.
• Ask to meet face to face to learn more and
  describe what you can contribute.
• Highlight your skills and qualifications.
• Explain your interests outline benefits.
• Follow-up!

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5 Easy Steps to secure an advertised Internship...

• Research internship listings.
• Create an outstanding resume.
• Customize your cover letter.
• Prepare for an interview.
• Write follow-up letters to thank the interviewers.

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Salary Negotiation

• Varies Negotiation Tip Sheet
• One time stipend of 2 to 3K
• Expenses, travel, lodging
• Hourly rate- 10-15 an hour
• Volunteer

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Academic Credit

• Talk to your academic advisor to arrange before
  hand.
• Requirements vary based on the department.
• Be sure your supervisor understands the academic
  component.

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How Important Is Research

• Research is an invaluable tool that will enhance
  your academic experience
• It will help you determine what kind of career
  you wish to pursue
• Research builds a resume and will increase your
  chances of getting into a graduate school

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How Do I Get Involved

• The best way to get involved is to read fliers on
  campus and emails sent through CALS Career
  Services
• If you already have an idea of what type of
  research you are interested in you can contact
  the professor directly
• Often times you can ask a professor who has
  taught you a class to join their lab

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How Do I Apply

• Whether you complete a formal application or just
  send an email you need to include your resume
• It is also a good idea to provide a cover letter
  so you can relate why you are interested
• Include references
• Make sure to follow up

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Benefits

• Receive course credit
• Resume booster
• Graduate School Applications
• On the job experience
• May help you get an internship!

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Professors

• Dr. Clay Clark- Molecular and Structural
  Biochemistry,
•     Email clay_clark_at_ncsu.edu         
• Dr. Barry Croom- Agricultural and Extension
  Education,
•     Email barry_croom_at_ncsu.edu
• Dr. Vivek Fellner- Animal Science,
•     Email vivek_fellner_at_ncsu.edu
• Dr. William Hoffman- Botany,
•     Email william_hoffmann_at_ncsu.edu
•  

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Professors

• Dr. Sarah Ash- Food Science,
•     Email sarah_ash_at_ncsu.edu
• Dr. Michael Goshe- Biochemistry, 
•     Email michael_goshe_at_ncsu.edu
• Dr. Jane Lubischer- Zoology,
•     Email jane_lubischer_at_ncsu.edu
• Dr. Jonathan Olson- Microbiology,
•     Email jonathan_olson_at_ncsu.edu
• http//ceres.cals.ncsu.edu/cfdocs/ugres/index.cfm