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Preparation is Key
Robin H. Lacy Jr., Ph.D, Professor and Department Chair, Adult Education & Safety Sciences, University of Central Oklahoma
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As autumn arrives, it brings with it many changes – cooler weather, vibrant foliage in shades of red and orange, and the beginning of a new school year. I want to extend a warm welcome to you and share a few words of advice as you embark on the 2024-25 school year.
Once you’ve settled into your new schedule this fall, I’d like to encourage you to start thinking long-term, especially when it comes to career planning, and more specifically, internships. While most internship opportunities won’t begin until next summer, the school year will fly by, and being ready when the time comes will open the door to those valuable opportunities. Most proactive companies are planning now to identify interns for their summer hires.
Internships give you real-world experience. Not only can you hone your skills, get your foot in the door, and create important connections, but you can also get a better feel for what type of career you’d like to build for yourself. Trying out an internship early in college may completely change the trajectory of your degree, or it may give you the validation and encouragement you need to continue on your chosen track.
If you’re a freshman or sophomore, you may be tempted to put an internship off until your last semester or two in college. But it’s important not to wait until the last minute to start planning. After 25 years of working in academia and helping to place students in internships all over the country, I’ve witnessed firsthand the pitfalls students face when they think they have more time than they really do. Wherever you are, whether you’re a freshman or a senior, start now by working with your faculty liaison for internship opportunities in your chosen major. There may be prerequisites for enrollment, so making this connection now can position you for success next summer.
It doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. Consider creating a checklist of the steps you need to take to prepare for internships. This checklist may include researching the best internships for your field; creating or editing your resume; focusing on your personal strengths and achievements; registering with your career services office; and carving out time to network with professionals in your field of interest. And by all means, join student organizations in your major and attend any and all networking events that your schedule allows. Remember – you make your own luck!
You’ll never regret time spent investing in yourself and your future. Best wishes to you as you begin this fall semester!
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