Preparing Yourself for the Best Job and/or Internship Experience You Can Get

By Gaylan A. Rasmussen

MLA Professor and Extension Specialist

Michigan State University

 

A Chinese proverb states, “A man who does what is required of him is a slave. A man who does more than is required of him is free.”

This proverb is based on the assumption that the ability and the challenge of the position match. Everyone is the architect of his or her educational structure. You have the freedom to choose the area of interest, the amount of education, the corresponding degree and also the amount of experience you can get to support your course of study.

Getting to the point of qualifying for the entry-level position, in many professional positions, the investment in both time and money are substantial. The education can provide you with the ability to perform in a given profession. Experience and interest in your chosen profession will form the attitude that accompanies the performance.

There are three tracks of development for students seeking a degree. They are social, academic and performance. The combined experience from these three areas develops your self-confidence and professional ability.

1. Social. Not all of the formal education is coursework. There is ample opportunity to serve on committees at the department, college, and university levels. Student volunteers in related fields and professional organizations will not only get experience but also will provide references for future positions. Peer interaction in and out of the classroom will help establish individual codes of ethics. Habits, both good and bad, can be formed. It is up to the individual to shape his or her reputation. A good social background development will form communication skills, define writing skills, and teach one to listen as a valuable part of communication.

2. Academic. Once the field of interest is decided and the major established, the core courses would guide the student through the minimal background necessary for entry into the professional arena. Electives free or structured, give latitude to the academic competence of the student. Be selective in the courses chosen. Elective courses can strengthen you; they can provide breadth to a narrow focus area; and can give an opportunity to become more involved in disciplines dealing with a particular sport, a language, or a culture. An important lesson learned from the academics is not what is learned but how to learn. It has been stated that five years after you graduate the information you have learned will be obsolete. You will need to continue to learn. Develop your learning techniques early and they will grow with you. There will be many opportunities to work on projects in the laboratory or in the field. These are usually team oriented. The ability to work as a team member is basic to success. A team has to move forward usually on a predetermined time line. Each individual member has responsibilities. The ability to perform these responsibilities at a high level will establish good working relationships and skills.

3. Performance. The ability to give “110 percent” reflects the part in the proverb of doing more than is required at a professional level. Ability is always a potential. The more effective you are the more efficient you can become. That is why setting not only goals but also measurable objectives to reach the goals are important.

The knowledge base gained, the individual ethical conduct, and the ability to solve problems provides a foundation that can be built upon. The direction you build will relate directly to the vision and mission

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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