How to Make Internships Work for You

Traditionally, students have completed summer internships to round out their resume before graduation, gaining valuable experiences and contacts in their chosen field of study.  Many agree that an internship is a great way to increase chances for a full-time position, but how can you ensure that the internships you chose will work for you?  Here are my top three suggestions: 

1)  Know what you really want out of a job.  Employers surely know what they want out of their internships.  Employers use internships as trial periods to assess if A) you can do the job  B) if you want the job and C) if you are a good fit for the company.  So the question is, would you consider working for the company offering the internship? Is it the right field or industry?  Ask yourself, how will this internship help me accomplish my career goals?

2)  Bypass tradition and complete more than one internship.  According to a recent survey by Adecco of 500 graduates of four year degree programs, 71% feel they should have done something differently to prepare for the 'real world'.  18% of graduates surveyed say they would have done more internships.  29% of students surveyed say they would have networked more. Lindsey Redler, senior at Kennesaw State University believes she would have benefited from more internship experience, "The job market is really competitive right now and the good positions are highly contended for.  The work experience you gain through an internship is a priceless tool for securing a job right out of college."  Although there were no openings at the organization where she interned, she "was able to develop strong reference relationships, which can be a major aid in the job application process." (Click here for the top 10 things college graduates wish they had done differently)

3)  Do not be afraid to approach companies, or business professionals you admire to find new opportunities for internships. Better yet, create your own opportunity.  If a company or organization that you are interested in is not offering a formal internship, offer your services.  Send your resume out to companies that you would like to work for, with a cover letter explaining your interest, and the benefit of hiring you as an intern. What is the worst thing that can happen? They could say no, but regard you personally as ambitious and goal-oriented, or they could say yes, and you could have the internship of your dreams on your own terms. 

Please follow @Youth4Hire on twitter, to receive links for resources and internship opportunities!  Also, Check out Eye of the Intern, the official blog for Internships.com, for interesting internship ideas!

Careers in Social Media: The New Frontier

With the emergence of social media websites like Facebook and Twitter, many companies are looking to cash in on the free web market.  Internet marketing previously consisted of such tactics as; search engine marketing, web placement of advertisements and interactive media on targeted websites, and email marketing or 'spam' mail.  Whereas marketing in social media allows for companies to engage in all of the proven internet marketing tactics, while creating a member or fan following in the form of a homepage.  Plus, many social media sites are free, and easier to update and maintain than websites hosted by internet domains.

With new strategies in online advertising, come new career opportunities to assist companies reach a broader audience through social media.  So how can you market yourself as a Social Media Marketing Specialist? 

Since this is a relatively new career field, it is important to highlight the way your skill set and experience relate to marketing in social media.  Some related career fields include: computer technology, marketing, copy writing, 'blogging', and journalism.
*Do you  use social media? If so, add privacy settings, or CLEAN it up!  Most companies will be interested in how you would make use of social media to promote their goods and services. They will most likely visit your facebook pages or twitter timelines. You do not want their first impression of you to be the binger you had on Spring Break.

Know the benefits of marketing with social media, and be able to convince companies the value.  Be confident in your ability to help companies:
1. Reach targeted audiences with advertisements and interactive media.
2.  Create a member group or fan following, helping companies to track results of marketing campaigns.
3.  Send updates and coupons.
3.  Cash in on a FREE advertising.

So whether you have experience in traditional marketing and are looking for a career change, or are a young person hoping to enter the field of marketing and advertising, social media is a new frontier for job opportunities.   So engage your network, specialize your job market, and go to work finding a career in this emerging field. 

@Youth4Hire

"Its what, and who you know"

Youth 4 Hire strives to increase job candidacy for young people , by creating opportunities for real work experience and skill development.  It has been said about job hunting, that its "not what you know, but who you know".  It is our goal to provide young people with the whats and the whos, building a network of job-ready candidates and potential employers.

It is no secret that the economic recession has led to increased layoffs, and a shrinking job market.  Young people have been particularly vulnerable to unemployment during the recession for many reasons: they have less work experience; they have less knowledge about how and where to look for work; and they have fewer job-search contacts.

In turn, young people are subject to long-term unemployment, and if fortunate enough to find work, are often under-employed.  Many young people take part-time employment where they can find it, or feel trapped in an unsatisfactory job, fearing that if they leave they will not find another.  

So are you making the 'school to work' transition?  What has your experience been like? Are you on the job hunt?  Or have you landed a great job?  If so, how?  If not, what type of resources do you need? 

Youth 4 Hire want to know! How can we best help increase job candidacy for young people? We look forward to hearing from you!

For more information on youth unemployment visit:  www.ilo.org/youth