The pandemic has affected college students in different ways. Many have had to adapt to new class styles, working from home and finding new ways to excel outside the classroom. One of the biggest challenge students are facing is finding internships in the new landscape of Zoom meetings and online work.

Leah Fletcher, director of career development, shared ways to overcome the challenges to finding an internship. She said that students need to have a specific understanding of what they are looking for when searching and applying for internships.

“Understanding what a student wants to do–if they’re wanting to go into the finance industry; understanding what organizations have big internships programs and then looking on their direct website to make sure they’re up to date on timelines,” Fletcher said.

According to her, the best places to find companies that are looking for internships are on LinkedIn or Handshake–which is partnered with Park to specifically look for Park University students.

Fletcher also emphasized the importance of showcasing adaptability on a resume and application.

“Students should be trying to do as much as you can to make yourself marketable. Making an online profile through LinkedIn and sharing information and industry specific content,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher is also part of the team that brings employer sessions to Park. These are weekly meetings done virtually that feature organizations looking to hire Park students as interns.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to connect directly with employers and recruiters that are hiring,” she said.

Along with the employer sessions, students can also get one-on-one mentorship with Fletcher or anyone else in Career Services for help finding internships, creating a resume or learning interview techniques.

The biggest tip that Fletcher had is: “Really try to think about how you are applying what recruiters are looking for and making a match between your experience, your skillset and even going beyond paid experience to things you are doing on your own time that might be beneficial to them.”

You can visit career services, reach out to Leah Fletcher, or go online at advancing.park.edu/career/ for more information about mentorship and hiring sessions.