Contents
- Launch Your Professional Career with an Internship
- Why Should I Do an Internship?
- What are the Requirements Before Enrolling in the Internship Course?
- What Should I Look for in an Internship?
- How Do I Find an Internship?
- How Do I Request Approval for my Internship?
- How Do I Conduct Myself at an Internship?
- I’ve Completed My Internship, Now What?
- Discover More About Career Preparation at the CMC
Launch Your Professional Career with an Internship
Graduates today are entering a tight labor market, but students in the Naveen Jindal School of Management who follow the Career Management Center’s process are well prepared to find success in their internship and post-graduation job searches.
The Jindal School’s mission is to help students leave school as competitive job candidates, which is why every student must complete an internship experience and 100 hours of community engagement before they receive their bachelor’s degree.
The process of securing an internship might look difficult but rest assured with preparation and research you can find the ideal internship to fulfill your graduation requirement.
Why Should I Do an Internship?
An internship acts as a crucial steppingstone from your academic years to your professional career, providing you with numerous benefits that you cannot attain in the classroom. This is why an internship is required for JSOM undergraduates to attain their degree. Beyond fulfilling your graduation requirement, an internship allows you to gain:
- Practical, Hands-On Experience: You apply the knowledge and skills you learned in the classroom to a professional setting. This is important work experience that you can put on your résumé and discuss during job interviews.
- An Opportunity to Develop Skills: Your internship provides a platform for you to practice your technical skills and hone your soft skills. From refining your abilities with software programs to learning how to effectively communicate on a team, internships facilitate your development as a working professional.
- Network Connections: While interning at a company in your chosen field, you can meet and build relationships with people. These network connections can open doors to future opportunities.
- A Chance to Explore Interests and Career Paths: While working in your internship, you gain insights into the kinds of roles you enjoy and what aligns with your long-term career goals.
What are the Requirements Before Enrolling in the Internship Course?
Before you can enroll in the internship course at JSOM, you will need to review the requirements. Please check the current catalog for the most up-to-date information.
Students must have completed 24 credit hours of undergraduate courses with a minimum of 6 credit hours done at UT Dallas.
In addition, students must have:
- A UT Dallas GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Good standing with the University
- No classes marked “I” or incomplete
- Prior approval of their internship
What Should I Look for in an Internship?
Not every internship will be an ideal fit for you. To ensure your internship experience meets both your graduation requirement and helps you achieve your career goals, here are a few things you should keep in mind when applying:
- The employer must be a registered business that has no red flags with UTD.
- The company must have an in-office location.
- The internship must be related to your degree or major.
- You should have a supervisor who will act as your mentor during your internship.
- You need an environment in which you are challenged to learn and supported throughout.
How Do I Find an Internship?
You can increase your chances of getting a great internship offer by following these steps:
1. Research Companies
Every professional journey should start with identifying the companies that offer the kinds of opportunities you are looking for. Start your search early and learn the timing of recruitment for employers. Some employers offering summer internships will open applications for the positions in the fall.
Check out Handshake for employers looking for undergraduate students like you.
2. Create Your Targeted Résumé
Craft your résumé with your preferred employer and position in mind. For the best results, you should customize your résumé and tailor your cover letter to each individual internship you apply for. Take keywords from the job description and highlight your relevant experience and skills from your student activities, volunteer hours and academic projects.
Remember, you can get résumé help from the Career Management Center. Download special JSOM résumé templates to get you started.
3. Network
Never underestimate the power of a network connection. You can meet contacts who work in your desired profession or industry at career fairs, student organization events or through your volunteer efforts. Expand your circle of contacts by joining Join local Meetup groups and professional associations. Ask your new contacts about potential opportunities at their workplaces.
When you identify a company you would like to work for, you can send appropriate introductions over LinkedIn and by email to contacts within that company.
4. Practice Your Interview Skills
While researching your prospective employer, check Glassdoor to see if any other internship candidates have left reviews containing the interview questions they were asked. Add these to the common interview questions you will practice answering.
Rehearse introducing yourself in a way that highlights your strengths and background. The JSOM Career Management Center recommends the S.T.A.R. Method (Situation, Task, Action and Result) to help you answer questions about your previous experiences in an engaging manner that allows employers to see your skills and problem-solving abilities.
Remember, you can reserve interview rooms at the JSOM Career Management Center. Email jindal.career@utdallas.edu to make a request.
What if I Can’t Find an Internship?
You cannot graduate with your bachelor’s degree from JSOM if you do not complete an internship. Start your search early and aim to secure an internship in your junior or senior year.
If you are having trouble, it might be time for a change of strategy. Focus on the quality of your applications versus the quantity, up your networking game, and be sure to Contact the Career Management Center for specific help.
Beware: How to Spot a Recruiting Scam
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in reports from JSOM students who are witnessing predatory behavior from scam organizations masquerading as employers. We encourage our students to thoroughly research potential employers, especially if they are accessed through a job-search vendor not affiliated with UT Dallas.
Be on the lookout for recruiting scam red flags, including but not limited to:
- Unclear job descriptions
- Fast or immediate offers
- Requests for personal information
- Being offered money upfront or required to pay for something upfront.
Does an opportunity sound too good to be true? Chances are you are being baited for a scam.
Please report suspicious activity from potential employers to the JSOM Career Management Center and UT Dallas Police.
How Do I Request Approval for my Internship?
Before your internship begins, you need to report your internship in Orion. Have your offer letter and the original job position description ready to upload.
Approval takes approximately 7 to 10 days. Please respond to requests for more information immediately to avoid delays or denial. You can review your request status at any time in Orion. If you receive a request for additional information, follow these guidelines.
How Do I Conduct Myself at an Internship?
You have landed an internship and gotten approval. Now it is time to conduct yourself professionally and act as a good representative of JSOM.
Your Commitment to the Employer and to the University
As a UT Dallas student, you should follow the JSOM Code of Ethics at all times, during every point of your search and throughout your internship. You are a representative of your school and should strive to make a positive impression on employers for the sake of your fellow students and your school’s standing in the community.
Be polite and courteous in all your initial interactions with employers. When you have an interview, arrive on time and dress appropriately. Be sure you understand your role and duties. If at any point you are unsure about the expectations of your role, ask your supervisor questions. Always communicate clearly and concisely with your colleagues, and consistently request feedback. Allow yourself to be open to any constructive criticism you receive.
If you have any concerns about your internship, report them to your supervisor or the Career Management Center immediately.
How Do I Get the Most Out of My Internship?
Now is your opportunity to work in your chosen field, explore your career interests, and grow as a professional. Take ownership of your internship experience by practicing the following:
- Set Goals: At the start of your internship, create a list of goals for yourself and talk them over with your supervisor and mentor.
- Challenge Yourself: Capitalize on every opportunity to learn. Look for areas where you can improve, grow and practice your skills.
- Network: Introduce yourself to new business contacts both inside and outside of your company. Your next job opportunity may be with one of the people you meet at your internship role.
I’ve Completed My Internship, Now What?
Congratulations on finishing your internship and fulfilling this special requirement for your undergraduate degree! Now you are on your way to graduation and you have professional work experience in your chosen field. It is time to modify your next job search to ensure you attain even bigger and better opportunities.
How to Use Your Internship on Your Résumé
As a recent graduate, you can include your internship in the work experience section of your résumé. List the responsibilities you had during the internship and remember to highlight any relevant skills you practiced. In your bulleted points, focus on any achievements or accomplishments you had during your internship. Whenever possible, try to use concrete figures like numbers and percentages to describe your achievements.
If you are unsure of your achievements, be sure to ask your supervisor for feedback before you formally leave your internship. They might have some insight into how you improved on the job.
Remember, you can contact the JSOM Career Management Center for résumé help before you start your post-graduation job search.
How to Talk About Your Internship During Interviews
When you land your next post-internship job interview, be sure to make a list of the relevant skills you practiced at your internship. Use the S.T.A.R. Method again to highlight specific incidents that tell your next employer about your achievements.
If you have taken a different direction for your next job hunt, then focus on the transferable skills you were able to hone at your internship.
Submit Your Internship Story to JSOM
Once you have concluded your internship and set up your next job search for success, the Jindal School wants you to share your story with your fellow students at JSOM.
Use Internship Stories to help other students learn more about the company you interned for and the kind of experience that you gained there.
Discover More About Career Preparation at the CMC
Establishing a successful career starts by making the most of the resources at your disposal during your undergraduate degree. The JSOM Career Management Center is here to help connect its students to employers in the DFW metroplex and beyond. Maximize your competitive edge by taking full advantage of the assistance the CMC offers.
Career Coaching appointments are available through Handshake. Visit the JSOM CMC Answer Center for answers to commonly asked questions and email jindal.career@utdallas.edu for all other inquiries.
Secure your internship with the help of JSOM’s Career Management Center and embark on the next step in your transition from student to working professional.
