Category Archives: Internship Search

Gain That “Real Work Experience”: Internships NOW!

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When thinking about undergraduate internship opportunities, most students will answer “Not until my senior year.” While I am impressed and happy that you are going to do an internship on your senior year, I encourage students to pursue as many internship opportunities as possible before they graduate . While I realize that many internships are unpaid and you probably have to maintain a part-time job to make ends meet, most employers are willing to work around your schedule.

Consider this: If you do an internship (or maintain the same one) every semester from your first summer after your freshman year until you graduate, you will have accumulated THREE years of practical work experience! This work experience will allow to become much more marketable than the next person who waited until their last semester of college to pursue internship opportunities.

Not only will you have a lot of great work experience, but think of the different types of companies you would have the opportunity to try out. As a recent graduate, you may feel lost in your job search and, because of lack of work experience, end up with a position that may not be the best fit for you. While gaining real work experience through internships you will be able to better assess what you are looking for in your career.

Let’s say you are an accounting major. What are you going to do when you graduate? You can be a public accountant focusing on auditing and taxes. You can be a cost accountant. You can be an in-house finance manager for a non-profit organization. You can work with an accounting firm- the list goes on and on! Why not choose three or four different areas you think you might like and pursue internship opportunties. By doing this, you will not only probably figure out the type of company you wish to work with, but you will most likely also figure out the type of company you do not wish to work with. Not to mention you will have expanded your networking skills exponentially.

Keep an open mind about the types of internship opportunities you consider. Even if you cannot find an internship that sounds ideal, consider doing that internship that isn’t what you are looking for, or one that is in another field- this will only add to your work experience and make you well-rounded in networking.

Another possibility to consider is that many companies use their internship programs to recruit their full-time employees. What better way to interview a person than to have the person work under them for three to six months? Many students who I have come in contact with have acquired full-time positions through doing an internship with a company, myself and many of my co-workers included. Make sure to create a good reputation for yourself within the organization – that’s great networking!

How are you going to find those internships and get this valuable work experience? Log into your RIC online account and begin searching for that perfect internship – and keep an open mind!

Don't wait! Gain experience NOW by taking an internship.

Don't wait! Gain experience NOW by taking an internship.

To find your internship now, check out our current internship listings!

How to Use LinkedIn?

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how to use linkedin

Image extracted from: How to linkedIn

The GlobeandMail.com website ran an article called LinkedIn: Sign up, then what?. I found it more interesting than I normally would because I was just saying the other day on one of my free job search workshops, how there are still so many people who don’t know what exactly they should be doing on LinkedIn and how to use LinkedIn!

The article refers LinkedIn to the “Facebook” for adults.  I have heard others say that too and I guess in a way it could be, but it’s not even close to being like Facebook either :)

I think it’s more of way to relate using LinkedIn to Facebook because adults do use Facebook and post and connect with friends.  LinkedIn is just more professional, it’s geared toward business and industry and events and employment.  Facebook, well you know, it’s not geared towards that stuff.   Bottom line: if you are using facebook, there’s no excuse to not being on LinkedIn.

There are tons of local targeting such as Pittsburgh, PA.  You can find Pittsburgh networking groups, Pittsburgh alumni groups and professional groups.

Being Part of a Team and Your Teamwork Skills

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Being Part of a Team and Your Teamwork Skills

Image extracted from: OG Dude 13 Blog

The Business Dictionary defines teamwork as “the process of working collaboratively with a group of people in order to achieve a goal.”  A team is formed based on the basic belief that a group of people can gather their individual strengths an skills to effectively achieve a common goal.  So, to become a successful professional, in addition to skills that are pertinent to your particular field, you need to work on your teamwork skills.

Teamwork sills are exercised in college often through a number of academic group projects that most students need to work on.  This is however, only the first step you need to take in developing teamwork skills.  At school, being part of a team is different from a professional environment because you are dealing with a less diverse group: you are mostly working with people your age, with limited teamwork experience, and that likely are working towards working in the same field as you.

Teamwork in the workplace means dealing with different age groups, lots of previous experiences (good and bad), and also a diverse set of professional fields.  Not to mention personal preferences, egos, meeting schedules, deadlines, etc.  An internship is the best way to be exposed to this kind of teamwork and developing your teamwork skills.

Here are the some of the skills required to be a successful team member:

Clear Communication

Information needs to be shared in a simple and clear manner to ensure all team members understand what needs to be done and what’s expected of them.   You need to be able to speak up your mind in a respectful manner and learn to be a good listener as well. Try to sell your ideas and and show their value, but also know when to compromise and recognize other good ideas.

Commitment

Showing your commitment to the success of the project will make you a valued team member that is more likely to be heard.  For that, you need to ensure a high level of professionalism when dealing with conflict, responding to emails , and participating in discussions.

Goal Drive

Make sure you understand the goals of the project and that you are continuously trying to find the most effective way to achieve them.  Being goal-driven is one of the most important teamwork skills because it makes it easier to make decisions in a group setting.  When the team is torn between two different routes, you can show your leadership and teamwork skills by posing the questions:  “Which option makes more sense for our ultimate goal?” and “What is the project mission and which option aligns better with it?”

Make sure to find an internship that will allow you to develop your teamwork skills and try to apply these tips to your academic projects as well.  I ensure you that it can only benefit your career.

Unpaid Internships … DO PAY!

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will work for free - unpaid internships

Image extracted from: Erica’s Public Relations Writing Blog

 

Relaxation from a long and stressful semester, CHECK! Reunion with some great lifelong friends, CHECK! Mid-Summer Vegas Trip, CHECK! Outings with my family CHECK! Commitment to having fun all summer long, CHECK! A Job to pay for these and more expenses … hmmm CHECK???

As spring semester comes to an end, many students are planning out their summer. The biggest decision students face is where to work to compensate for the things they plan to do. One can easily choose a desk or store job, work long hours doing pointless things, or instead, search for internships to gain more experience in their career choice. Many forgo unpaid internship opportunities, strictly because they are unpaid, to menial jobs that pay. But who says you can’t accomplish all tasks on your to do list while doing an unpaid internship? There is so much value in unpaid internships.

As a college student, exposure is fundamental. Both paid and unpaid internships in general can provide you with a more in-depth knowledge about a career, which can change your perspective about it (by pointing out some things you didn’t or thought you knew and were glad you found out about) and guide you in the right career direction. What’s great about unpaid internships, especially if it is early in your post education, you can gain the same substantive and meaningful experience without the pressure of a long term paid commitment. You are able to venture out and take a chance with other careers before sticking to just one. And most have flexible and part time hours so a second job would not be a strain.

Professional Networking was another aspect I gained as an unpaid intern for the Pittsburgh City Council. Working in the Office of Councilman Bill Peduto, I was able to build relationships with him and others working there as well as attend weekly council meetings where I was introduced to many other community leaders. Through the relationships during an unpaid internship I was able to extend my future opportunities beyond my direct contacts. I would have potentially missed out on this benefit if I did not accept unpaid internships.

Lastly, you are branded with great enthusiasm and passion for what you do when you are actively engaged in work with no pay. It’s about choosing the best unpaid internship experience that goes beyond doing simple office work. This has been the greatest benefit for me. I was able to help develop communities, through research and projects, not because I was getting paid to do it, but I had the desire to. When future employers look at my resume they are impressed by the tasks accomplished, voluntarily, and I become one step ahead of the next applicant.

… A Job to pay for these and more expenses, CHECK! Unpaid internships, on the side, that were the best possible preparation for my future success, QUADRUPLE CHECK! ;)

OnlyinPGH: an interview with Entrepreneur Brett Wiewiora

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Being an entrepreneur is a fantastic pursuit, and  small businesses are the backbone of America, and the backbone of the southwestern PA region.

Since small businesses and entrepreneurship are so important to our region, I thought it would be interesting to talk to the man who just launched his new business that focuses on our region.  I had the opportunity to speak with a entrepreneur Brett Wiewiora who recently launched OnlyinPgh.Brett Wiewiora

RA: What is OnlyinPgh?

BW: OnlyinPgh is an online tool for bridging the information gap between local businesses and consumers.  For businesses, we provide a simple and convenient way to market events and specials to local people as well as provide innovative analytics and insights about their customers.  For consumers, we make it easy to find all the great stuff going on in the city, especially the unique things that are “only in Pittsburgh.”

RA: What made you decide to become an entrepreneur, or really, how did you know you were an entrepreneur?

BW: When I was five years old, my brother and I used to go into college classrooms after a class ended, gather up any pens the students left, and then stand in a common area and sell them back to the students for a nickel a piece.  I guess it was just in my blood.

RA: What is the most rewarding thing about starting a business?

BW: The most rewarding thing so far has been being able to focus on doing something I love.  Having your own business means that you have license to be as creative, innovative and driven as you want, and there’s no substitute for that.

RA: What is the scariest thing about starting a business?

BW: Starting a business also means that it’s all on you—if you want a raise, that means you need to make the company that much more profitable.  It also means that you have responsibility for keeping up your end of the bargain to your customers, board members and employees, which can be both empowering and terrifying.

RA: As an entrepreneur, what’s your thought on interns?

BW: Interns bring great enthusiasm and energy to an organization, and when given the right opportunity, can make a huge impact.  This is especially true with startups—interns at startups are given a great deal of responsibility and it can be an extremely valuable experience for everyone involved.  Internships are also THE best way to land a job after getting out of school, hands down.

RA: What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs or people considering starting a business?

BW: Get feedback from everyone under the sun about your business idea and grow thick skin so you can handle the fact at least 75% of them will think you’re crazy.  Talking to people will help you develop your idea and make you better at describing what you want to do, but until you know what you’re doing it’ll be a bit dicey.  Everyone will have some good insight and help you see your idea from a different perspective.

RA: I heard OnlyinPgh is looking for some interns–what kind of work culture can they expect?

BW: You can expect a very open, collaborative culture that prizes creativity and initiative.  If you’re the type of person who gets ideas and isn’t afraid to speak up about them and implement them, you’ll find a good home here.

OnlyinPgh is looking for two summer interns: a Web Backend Developer and a Web UI Designer.  Apply today!

Women in Football: The Pittsburgh Passion

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It’s hard to live in Pittsburgh and not have a connection with sports in some way. We’ve talked with so many students pursuing careers in sports, as in sports medicine, sports management and physical therapy.

Tammy Spencer of the Pittsburgh Passion

Tammy Spencer of the Pittsburgh Passion representing amazing women in football

I was able to speak with Tammy Spencer, a Technical Analyst at Highmark about a different kind of career in sports.  Tammy plays semi-professional football for the Pittsburgh Passion, the most widely recognized women’s full-contact football franchise in the world to be precise.

RA: Tell us a bit about the Pittsburgh Passion.

TS: Well, the Pittsburgh Passion has been around since 2002.  In 2007 we won the National Championship and went undefeated for 22 games.  In 2008 and 2009 we were Divisional Champions.

We were given permanent fixture at the Heinz History Center in association with the Smithsonian Institution.  Super Bowl Champion Franco Harris joined as Co-Owner of the Passion 2010.  We have Partnerships with the NFL, USA Football and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  We don’t just play football, we serve over 250 charitable community events per year.  Two of my teammates Sharon Vasquez and Olivia Griswold were selected for Team USA and won the Gold Medal in Stockholm, Sweden.

RA: Wow, congratulations!  I wondered, how did you get involved in sports?

TS: I got involved in sports when I was about 7 years old.   My parents put me on a softball team and I have been playing ever since.  I have always loved being really active.  I played tennis, tried track.  I always played football with my cousins and neighborhood kids along with playing Co-Ed Flag football for 8 years.

RA: How did you get involved with the Pittsburgh Passion?

TS: I always wanted to play football for the Passion. When they first started in 2002 I was going to try out for the team but I decided to finish college first.  Plus my kids were younger so it really wasn’t a good time.  About three years ago, one of my teammates and I were at the same event, she was selling tickets to their playoff game.  I had mentioned to her I wanted to play; she told me when the tryouts were; I then contacted our owner Teresa Conn and went to the tryouts.  I made the team and this is my third year playing.

Pittsburgh Passion Parade

RA: What is the most important thing you’ve learned playing for the Passion?

TS: Definitely overcoming adversity on and off the field.  My first year on the team I tore my ACL and medial and lateral meniscus.  I was out for the season.  I was not only devastated but I wondered why this happened to me.  I have been playing sports all my life and never got hurt…Sometimes thing happen to people for a reason and I believe God had a reason for me not playing my first season: to help, mentor, inspire and relate to others, not only my teammates, but other people I come in contact with.

No matter what happens in life whether it is an injury, life challenges etc, we can still get back up and be successful.  We don’t have to let our challenges keep us from moving forward, from achieving our dreams, from doing the impossible.

RA: What are your goals for the Pittsburgh Passion?

TS: My Goals for the Passion are: Become National Champions in 2011; change the face of women’s football on and off the field.

RA: What are your career goals?

TS: To take my Project Management Test and to get my Massage license.

RA: What advice do you have for interns and for people just starting their careers?

TS: My advice for interns and young people is to always work hard, believe in yourself, and never give up.  I am a single mom with three girls, my oldest is 18.  Did I think that I would be at the same company for 16 years?  Did I ever think I would get my Bachelors and Masters degrees from Point Park University while being a single mom?  Did I ever think at age 37, I would be playing women’s football? No, and many people probably counted me out.  Don’t let anyone put you down, count you out or tell you that you can’t do it!  You can do and be anything you want to be.  It takes hard work, dedication, commitment, sweat and tears, smiles and laughs but you can do it!

I believed in myself and had faith that I will be okay and no matter what mistakes I made in the past it didn’t matter.  Dream Big and go for it!

You can see Tammy Spencer on the field playing for the Pittsburgh Passion.  Click here for their full 2011 schedule.