Getting started with work....

As I reflect on my internship job seeking experience, I would like to stress again and again to prospective international students about coming to campus in fighting form in terms of learning how to network and developing a killer resume. 

Easy things first......if you got into business school, you already have what it takes to be a leader, you now need to develop a concise one page resume of your career, extracurricular achievements and leadership roles.....easier said than done....ONE PAGE!!....For most international applicants, a one page resume is not the norm.  Having lived in Australia, India and Nigeria, where you drive on the other side of the road, I know how difficult it is to create an effective one page resume. At my summer internship company, interns are expected to have up-to-date resumes on day one.

It is important to network during the internship as well....not only with prospective companies but also within prospective business lines at your current internship company. 

Networking within my internship company or your (going to be) company starts with defining your summer project in a manner that gives you maximum outreach possibilities. Summer projects are not very structured, most are fairly ambiguous and they involve working with cross-functional teams. It is important to set expectations with your supervisor, setting and planning regular meetings and getting contacts with the relevant teams upfront. Most companies will also ask you to get a few referrals at the end of your project and hence you need to continue networking within the organization.  Needless to say maintaining cordial relationships with one’s supervisor is critical to getting a job offer. Towards this, learn your bosses’ management style and adapt so that you seem amicable, approachable and friendly. Also, your work will most likely involve a presentation to management about your project’s achievements and so it would be a good start to brush up presentation skills upfront.

To conclude: networking, defining your summer project and maintaining an amicable and good relationship with your supervisor is critical to converting your internship into a full time job offer.