By Rafal Rogoza
On the east side of Manhattan, around 45th St. and 1st avenue is the headquarters of the United Nations. Such prolific figures as Mandela, Castro, Kissinger, Clinton, among many others, have met at the UN to discuss global affairs.
Twice a week Edwin Quito, 24, political science major from West New York, walks in awe through the same entrance as the leaders that have shaped the world since World War II.
“It’s amazing, it’s unbelievable to be in the UN,” said Quito.
Since January 17, Quito has been attending economic and social council meetings as an intern of the Permanent Mission of the Dominican Republic. Quito’s responsibilities include researching topics to be discussed during the conference, preparing reports, and translating documents for the Dominican mission.
“I meet a lot of ambassadors and officials from many countries,” said Quito, who has rubbed elbows with the Vice Secretary of the UN, ambassadors from Ecuador and Sri Lanka.
Christian Diaz, 22, international business major from Union City, is interning this spring at Atrinsic an internet marketing company.
“I did five projects at once. I couldn’t even eat but it’s really interesting. I like the environment,” remarked Diaz about his internship. Atrinsic has offered Diaz a job after his internship ends.
“Honestly, I would like to experience what other companies are about and what they can offer my career,” said Diaz.
NJCU’s proximity to New York City gives students the opportunity to intern for international corporations, various organizations, and local small businesses. NBC, Sirius Radio, Madison Square Garden, Google, the Center for Bio Defense, FBI, and the CIA are only a few of the many places where students can seek an internship.
If you’re eager to find an internship related to your career goals here’s a basic breakdown that can serve you as a guide.
First you have to meet certain requirements. Your GPA must be at 2.5 or higher, you need to complete at least 45 credits, and you have to officially declare your major.
Next, visit the office of Career Planning and Placement in Vodra Hall room 101. Take the time to ask the secretary any questions you may have and schedule an appointment with a cooperative education assistant director. Your major will dictate which assistant will be advising you through your internship process.
Have a sample resume ready for your first meeting. Your assistant will help you revise your resume and will also tell you about other resources such as interview coaching that will help you get the internship you want.
Think about what internships you are interested in pursuing. Do some research on various companies and feel free to discuss what you find with your assistant.
Keep in mind that some internships have early deadlines and others have extensive back round checks that can take months.
“Everyone should come in the semester before. The reason why is because a lot of these places have deadlines to apply. If somebody wants to do something for fall 2012 they should come in now and see us,” said Christopher Cofone, an assistant director at the Office of Career Planning and Placement. Cofone advises political science, business, history, and psychology majors.
Dean Brianik, assistant director who advise students majoring in national security, criminal justice, and fire science, advises students to come in freshmen and sophomore year. Back round checks in security sensitive fields can take months. The earlier you see an assistant the faster you can get a file started and look for an internship.
After your meeting with an assistant you’ll be provided with a Place Pro account. Place Pro is an online service that helps you shop around for internship opportunities. You’ll be able to post your resume and file internship applications for positions of your choosing.
Besides Place Pro, you can also apply to companies directly. Take a look at the classified section in the newspaper and browse through Craig’s List, you might find some surprising opportunities.
Be persistent and stay positive. Eventually you’ll get a call from a human resource representative and land your first interview. Schedule a visit at the barbershop or beauty salon and make sure you look fresh for your interview. Relax, with all the resources on campus preparing you for this moment you shouldn’t have a problem getting the position you seek.
Internship hours are flexible and vary depending on your employer. Typical internships can range from 8 to 24 hours a week. If your lucky, you may find a paying internship. Also, keep in mind that you may only take up to 12 internship credits.
Students that work and attend school can still intern.
“If they [students] could commit to one day a week they can still work at their jobs,” said Pamela Taylor, assistant director advising chemistry, physics, and math majors.
Once your foot is in the door don’t drop the ball. An internship can do wonders for your career. It will spicy up your resume and help you stand out from among the many students that make the poor decision to forgo an internship. In a highly competitive job market, an internship is a great way to boost your skills and network with employers that can offer you a job.
“If there is a problem people are going to have it’s either they don’t have any campus activities like the newspaper, student government, and they don’t have an internship. So their resume is lacking,” said Cofone.
Taylor stressed the positive influence internships have on developing a successful career. Taylor also said that internships make students applying for grad schools more competitive during the application process.
“We have more internships available than students,” said Juan E. Arroyo, assistant director advising art, English, media, foreign language, and theater majors.
Understanding the expectations an employer may have will help students avoid rookie mistakes once they land a job. Showing creativity once you begin your internship is always a bonus.
“If you bring a set of skills you can network in that company,” said Arroyo.
“Don’t limit yourself,” remarked Quito,”Just go for it, there are many opportunities.”
The Office of Career Planning and Placement is located in Vodra Hall, Room 101. Phone number is 201-200-3005. For more information visit the Office of Career Planning and Placement website on njcu.edu.