Five Tips for Excelling at PR Internships

Learn how to make the most out of your PR internship with these five helpful tips to ensure that you will exceed expectations at your internship and to gain a competitive edge in today's job market from PR Daily.

1. Remember that your reputation will follow you.
• Don't slack off in your internship even if you don't like it or see the immediate benefits-someone is always watching you and you don't want that to hurt you in the future.
2. Remain flexible.
• Be optimistic and try to learn new things-don't be afraid to ask questions! 
3. Communicate well.
• Ask questions because this gives your employer the opportunity to provide helpful feedback, which can be useful in the future. This will also clarify any expectations the employer may have of you.
4. Receive feedback.
• This is the most constructive way to learn and this is what will help you to grow as a professional. Employer not providing feedback? Don't be afraid to speak up and ask for it!
5. Build your portfolio.
• Keep writing samples and anything that you have contributed on because this helps showcase your professional abilities rather than just writing them down on your resume.

For more information and to view the full article visit: http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/11317.aspx

Original article from Prdaily.com written by Mandie Emerson

The Benefits of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad during college is a great opportunity and in today's world, it could help give you an edge in the job market.

In the article "Student lands job with Apple after studying abroad" by Alissa Skelton, it talks about Todd Lane and how studying abroad in Madrid helped him to land a job with Apple. The knowledge and experience he gained while overseas helped Lane to show Apple how he understood the global impacts of a corporation, ultimately landing him an internship and then a full-time position on the finance team upon completion of graduation in June.

At JMU, there are a variety of short-term and semester abroad programs that can provide YOU with the opportunity to gain cultural prospectives, knowledge and language skills that are being emphasized more and more in today's globalized market. If you are interested in learning more about your study abroad options at JMU, you can check out the Office of International Programs' website.


To view the original article, visit: http://www.usatodayeducate.com/staging/index.php/study-abroad/student-lands-job-with-apple-after-studying-abroad
Original article from USA Today College by Alissa Skelton

Meet the Spring 2012 Career, Internship & Service Fair Scholarship Winner!

Connor Keirce is a freshman, marketing major from Ashburn, Virginia. Though he does not currently have a minor, he plans to add one within the next year or two.

Connor attended this spring’s Career, Internship & Service Fair.  He took the career fair survey after the event and was randomly selected as the$1000 scholarship winner for Fall 2012.

“My experience at the Career Fair was great, I met a lot of great representatives and learned about some internship opportunities. I had no idea that JMU had a relationship with so many diverse groups of potential employers. I specifically connected with Camp Horizons, which is about 10 miles north of here. I am now an employee of theirs, working as an Outdoor Facilitator leading groups in outdoor adventure and team-building exercises. I had a great time, and I'm extremely glad I attended the fair. Everyone involved was strikingly professional, courteous, and friendly,” Connor said.

In the future he hopes to work in a marketing-related field and he hopes to travel.

On campus, Connor is involved as a properties master and set constructor for JMU Theater. He is also part of JMU Grotto, JMU’s caving club, Boarderline, a snowboarding club, and Madison International Learning Community.

By Desirae Vivian Stevens

Contact: desiraevivian@gmail.com

9 Tips for Turning an Internship Into a Full-Time Job

Many internships are used to gain practical experience in the field before gaining full-time employment. While interning for a company, it is important to treat it as if it were a job and though the transition from intern to full-time employee takes work, it doesn't have to be complicated. Here are nine tips to help you turn an internship into a job from Tony Valdivieso.

1. Take your internship seriously.
2. Respect company time and take on more responsibility.
3. Show up on time. Punctuality is key.
4. Ask questions and show that you are eager to learn.
5. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts and ideas.
6. Branch out, show what you have to offer and learn as much as you can.
7. Don't be shy.
8. Get advice from former interns, especially if they have received a full-time position after their internship.
9. Go through the formalities and let the company know you are interested in a full-time opportunity.

Interning is about building relationships while gaining hands-on experience in the field. Don't be afraid to speak up and contribute and if you show you are dedicated it could lead to a full-time position at a company. If it does not, don't get discouraged and keep trying!

For more information and to view the original article, visit: http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/10951.aspx

Original article from PRdaily.com written by Tony Valdivieso.

Correctly Identifying Strengths & Weaknesses in an Interview

Regardless of what position you're interviewing for, it seems like employers are always asking "What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?" According to wetfeet.com, that question really means:

"Prove to me that you'd bring value to this organization, and show me you're aware of and can learn from your mistakes."  

According to the article, there are a few ways in which you can answer these questions to show off your best self and answer them with ease.

When highlighting your strengths...

• Start by looking at the job description and make a list of personal strengths that support that description.
• Consider other strengths that may compliment that job and list those accordingly.
• Think of an anecdote for each strength listed.
• Choose helpful strengths for the position and if you can present an example how those strengths benefited you, be sure to include that.

When mentioning your weaknesses...

• Show that you have learned and recovered from past mistakes.
• Keep things work-related and don't over share information.
• "Make your interviewer your ally." If they're interviewing you for a position they've held before, they will better appreciate a "graceful" handling of a similar situation.
• Share how the lessons you have learned relate to that position.

Make sure that you research the company and position beforehand and that your answers are related to that particular position. Practice the night before so you are prepared and can anticipate these sorts of questions.

For more information and to view the original article, visit: http://www.wetfeet.com/advice-tools/interviewing/defining-your-strengths-and-weaknesses

Original article from wetfeet.com by the Editors.

Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter

With the Spring Career, Internship & Service Fair just around the corner (February 21) and many deadlines for Summer internships quickly approaching, perfecting your resume is extremely important, but it is important to spend time crafting your cover letter as well.

Here are five tips for you to keep in mind when creating that perfect cover letter, or CV, from Intern Queen Campus Ambassador Ellie, from Iowa State University.

1:  Keeping in mind the company’s mission statement, as well as key words the company uses to describe their employees is important to show that you know the companies values and ideals.

2: Typically, cover letters are only three to four paragraphs long. The first paragraph should be an introduction of yourself, why you would like to intern for them, and then how you heard about this opening. The next paragraph should be a brief background of your experience and knowledge that are applicable to the internship. Also, what skills that you have that would help you be the best intern for their company; in this paragraph, utilize those key words from the company’s website. The last paragraph should entail how you are open to the opportunity to meet and how you appreciate the chance to further discuss your qualifications and skills. Thank them for their time and you’re done! Simple as that.

3: Always send your cover letter as a PDF. It is easier for them to access the file, and it will not get distorted.  Also, entitle it as your name, then cover letter, for example, John Doe Cover Letter. It will make the job a lot easier for the person sorting applications.

4: Usually, applying for an internship includes sending email enclosed with a resume and cover letter. In the body of the email, introduce yourself and what internship you are applying for. Also, ask if they need any writing samples and provide them with your personal blog, or social media pages your write content for.

5: Always take the time to review your cover letters and make sure that it explains how your skills relate to the criteria listed in the job posting.

Even though writing a CV for each position may be a little time consuming, it helps to show a company that you have gone the extra mile for them.


To view the original article, visit:
http://www.internqueen.com/blog/2012/02/five-tips-to-crafting-the-perfect-cover-letter/
Original article from internqueen.com by Ellie, Iowa State University Campus Ambassador

How Much Time Should You Spend Job Searching?

As spring semester continues, classes are not the only thing on students' minds. Many seniors are beginning job searches and other students are looking for summer internships.

Focus on the quality of your experiences over the quantity. You should be spending three hours a day—at most—on surfing career sites and applying for positions recommends Liz Seasholtz in an article from wetfeet.com.

Here are a few tips to maximize your job or internship search experience.

• Volunteer. Even if it's only once a week, it is a great way to gain experience and network.
• Seek out and join professional organizations. JMU has a variety of organizations for students to get involved with like PRSSA, Society of Professional Journalists, and many business fraternities.
• Take on freelance projects. Though they may not bring in money, they can be great resume boosts.

Another tip is to put your best self forward. Always have an updated resume available and a link to or print version of your portfolio with a few sample pieces and clean up your social media sites!

For more information, visit: http://www.wetfeet.com/blog/2012/january/how-much-time-should-you-spend-job-searching

Original article by Liz Seasholtz