Friday | February 10, 2012
All-Pro Internship
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By
Megan Imbert
25 January 2007
College students face challenges when entering the work force. Being surrounded by political figures, sweaty professional athletes, or well dressed executives all day without pay takes outgoing, determined individuals to change their career paths by landing high-profile internships.
"An internship is designed to be a ‘win-win’ situation. Employers gain a motivated worker to assist in activities while bringing new insights to the workplace and re-energizes the staff," explained King’s College (Pa.) Center of Experiential Learning Director Chris Bedwick.
Many powerful executives were once ambitious student interns. They started from the ground floor and climbed the corporate ladder. National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell interned with the league offices upon graduating from Washington & Jefferson College in 1982. Through use of connections and hard work, Goodell is now in the top tier of the industry.
"If my story is inspiring or gives people hope, that’s a wonderful thing. I’m fortunate to have been able to follow my passion in life," said Goodell about his accomplishments.
While interning with the Washington Redskins media relations department, I met inspiring people, including current vice president of media relations, Chris Helein. Helein began as an intern for the Redskins in 1991 during training camp and then returned for the 1994 season. As an intern he aspired to have the job of director of public relations and now has the opportunity. "I can tell my staff and interns that no job is too small or too demeaning to do because I have done it all," said Helein.
Internships will guarantee an edge against the competition. If an internship doesn’t fall into your schedule, check out your campus newspaper or radio station for jobs. "In the end, it all comes down to hard work and luck. One you can control and the other you can’t, so you do your best with the one that you can control and hope that luck follows," concluded Helein.
Justin Taroli, a junior mass communications major at King’s College, had an internship with MTV Entertainment this past summer. "I used every task assigned to me as an opportunity to learn or make a connection, and was never afraid to ask questions," said Taroli of his experience.
How did I make it to Monday Night Football? I made contact with a connection and went to an interview while showing genuine interest. With a full class schedule and a four-hour drive, I make the trip to FedEx Field for Redskins games to work. In the past, I looked at professional sports as overpaid athletes with nice jerseys. This summer, I became a part of the game. From transcribing quotes from Redskins player Santana Moss after practice, broadcasting NFL news on Redskins Radio, editing the annual media guide, or conversing with broadcasters George Michael and Sonny Jurgensen. I was able to see the industry from a new perspective because of my internship.
Research is the critical step to acquire your dream internship. Look for contacts like neighbors, old high school coaches, or that acquaintance you met at the party last weekend that mentioned his uncle worked for sportswear maker Under Armor. Whatever your career goals are, there is someone in that position already that may help you.
Connections are not the only way to get the job. Amy Walker, a junior political science major at Notre Dame, did a summer internship working for Virginia Senator John Warner on Capitol Hill. "To get the internship, I filled out an online application along with my resume and recommendations," said Walker.
Through independent research, Walker furthered her career path. While on Capitol Hill, she was able to perform serious research and writing. Her experience proved that experiential learning can be more rewarding than class lectures. "While almost all Americans learn about the legislative branch in school, witnessing it first hand made the processes much clearer," said Walker.
Not only can high-profile internships strengthen your present knowledge, but they can increase confidence and self-esteem. Most companies, even the elite large groups, are excited to have aspiring students learn the market and do an internship. "Students I’ve talked with are hesitant about applying with big companies because they don’t think they will get hired," revealed Taroli.
Many big name companies provide unpaid internships that are for academic credit only, but don’t be discouraged. You will be paid through experience and valuable connections.
Information on high-profile internships is obtainable through Experiential Learning Center listings, directories, and websites. Be aware that many large organizations and alumni will directly contact universities to attract candidates.
It’s easy to get an internship at the office where your brother works. But if you don’t try to break some boundaries, you will never know your true career potential. The secret to obtaining your dream internship is to have confidence and aim high.
© 2008, Young Money Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
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I’d enjoy hearing from people who have had experiences with government internships.
Thanks, Debra Karplus, author