By Camryn Beers
No. 1) Taking Advantage of PSU Resources
Penn State offers countless valuable resources, and as a student, it’s essential to take advantage of as many as possible during your time here. Each college at Penn State hosts annual career fairs and job expos, providing students with the chance to network with a wide variety of company representatives. These events should be marked on every Penn Stater’s calendar, as they provide the opportunity to introduce yourself to the professional world and gain valuable experience engaging in a professional setting.
Another excellent resource to take advantage of is the Bank of America Career Services. They offer great tools for enhancing your career skills, such as mock interviews, resume reviews, and career counseling. Getting involved in clubs is crucial for building connections and gaining hands-on experience. Major-related clubs, like Happy Valley Comm, focus on giving students insights into how the professional world operates. Being a part of clubs like these not only makes you stand out to employers but also teaches you lessons that you won’t find in the classroom. There are opportunities to connect and learn everywhere, but it’s up to you to make the most of them!
No. 2) Networking
Networking is everywhere—it can happen at a career fair, during a coffee chat, or even at a social event like a party. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to connect with those around you because one of them could give you a job offer or, at the very least, some valuable advice. Being well equipped for these interactions will help you project a sense of professionalism. Researching the company and the role you’re applying for shows employers that you’re genuinely interested and invested. It also makes a positive impression if you’ve previously applied for the position before meeting them.
When attending networking events, it’s important to be prepared. Carry a portfolio or folder with printed copies of your resume to hand out as you meet with people, along with a notebook for jotting down any important notes. Acting and dressing professionally is key to making a good impression as well, but being personable and authentic makes an even better one. Strong communication skills will make you stand out and show you have experience. I know of people who’ve scored internships by talking about sports or something completely unrelated—just by being themselves. The person you’re speaking with is human, too, so be genuine and natural when engaging with them! It’s not as scary as you think!
No. 3) Crushing the Interview
The most important piece of advice I can offer for an interview is to not stress too much! It’s completely normal to feel nervous, but try not to let that anxiety affect your performance. Remember, it’s really just a conversation. You’re there to learn about the role and the company just as much as they’re there to learn about you. The person sitting across from you is someone’s mom or dad and has a life outside of work—just like you. So, try to relax and be authentic throughout your interview. Instead of just rattling off basic details in your introduction, take the time to share more about your interests, hobbies, and involvement. Being personable helps establish a strong connection and shows why you’d be a great fit for the company.
Another tip I can’t stress enough is the importance of being prepared. Take the time to research the company and the position you’re interviewing for. Write down important information to reference during the meeting, and come up with 3 to 5 thoughtful questions to ask by the end. Asking well-considered questions will leave a great impression and show that you’re interested. Jotting down notes during the interview is another way to keep you on track and show you’d be a dedicated asset to the team.
When the interviewer asks scenario questions, like “Tell me about a time when…” I recommend using the S-T-A-R method. It’s a simple, organized way to communicate your experience clearly. S-T-A-R stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. When answering this question, start by explaining the context (Situation) and the challenge or responsibility (Task) you faced, then walk through the steps you took to address it (Action) and how those actions led to a positive outcome (Result). It’s a great way to structure your answers, make sure you’re hitting all the key points and, once again, shows off good communications skills.
No. 4) Staying on their Radar
Following the tips above is a great way to stand out to an employer, but how do you ensure they don’t forget about you? The key is following up after you apply, have an interview, or connect with someone. This is one of the best ways to stay on the employer’s radar and will increase your odds of landing the internship. Being persistent with updates and check-ins shows recruiters that you’re genuinely interested in the position. Many people shy away from staying in touch during the hiring process because they fear it might come off as annoying, but as long as you remain reasonable and respectful, following up will always be more beneficial to your internship search than simply applying and failing to reconnect. In fact, candidates who follow up after an interview are perceived as more proactive and dedicated, increasing their chances of standing out in the competitive job market. If you follow the tips above and be yourself, you should find success in your field. You are a student, still learning and gaining experience, and the employers know that too. Just give it your best shot, trust the process, and know that you’ve got this!
Happy Valley Comm 