Zachary Weaver
      Staff Writer

As the new semester begins, many students’ attention turn to jobs and internships. This can be a difficult prospect, but there is a place on campus to help: the Career Services Center.

    Located on the bottom floor of the Elliott University Center (EUC), Career Services offers assistance on a wide range of subjects from resume and cover letter composition to major and career counseling, and even professional headshots.

    The center publicizes a multitude of internships and jobs from partners both long-term and new.

    A student may begin by finding an internship on the Career Services website, which functions like a job board. Employers post offerings for students to browse and apply to.

    Options for submission include applying through the board, corporate websites or by email, among others. This will be specified in the board listings, so Mary Lesa Pegg, Assistant Director for Alumni and Family Outreach at Career Services, recommends reading listings thoroughly.

    “Check every day for listings,” Pegg said.

A multitude of offerings wait, so finding nothing is vanishingly unlikely.

    Upwards of 50 new posts are added every day along with new employers, maximizing the chances of students finding what they need.

Pegg noted that students often visit because they found nothing on their first search, and then find something upon second glance. Diligence is key in internship searches.

    Often, in order to apply, a resume is needed. Beyond this, a cover letter tailored to the internship may be required.

    The Center offers assistance with both of these. Pegg recommends that an application begin with researching the company. This is to insure that they’re compatible with the position, along with knowing the application procedure.

    Companies seek applicants ranging from entry-level up to experienced and qualified, so knowing the sought applicant is crucial.

    Internships may also require references for their offered positions, so the Center recommends applicants obtain them from individuals familiar with their capabilities.

    Samples of work may also be required for certain internships, such as graphic design, writing, etc.

    Students need not fear scam employers, as the Center verifies legitimacy of all employers.

    Applicants also shouldn’t pay for an application.

“We do not post jobs where students have to put money up front,” Pegg said.

She stressed that these are rare, but applicants should remain aware.

    What’s the most common applicant pitfall?

“Not reading over your resume,” Pegg said. “You may have misspelled something, you may have put an objective at one firm but submitted it for another.”

Minor errors can impede an application, and major ones can entirely derail.

“Have someone read over your resume so you can avoid that” Pegg said.

    The best thing that an applicant can do is “come by the Career Services Center. You should meet with your career counselor your freshman year,” Pegg said. “Build a relationship with our office.”

    The Career Services Center has helped countless students obtain internships with partners. Additionally, Pegg recommends that every student interested in employment or interning attend the fairs in the next two months.

    Two events of note will take place this semester. Reality Check Networking Night on Feb. 25, for connecting potential employers with applicants, and March 2’s Spring Career Fair (professional suits required for the latter).

    Both are notably helpful in assisting students with job searches. Student IDs are a must for entry and participation.

    “Our office is here to help you,” Pegg said.

So if you’re looking for an internship this summer, stop by. If you need internship or job assistance, then the Career Services Center is the place to be.