Online Resources to Engage with Career and Professional Success

1) If I am in a non-credit bearing internship this semester, should I continue to take my direction from my employer/supervisor?

Yes, many employers have migrated to virtual work. They may or may not expect you to complete your non-credit bearing internship virtually, based on the nature of the work. If the nature of the work requires you to be in person, and:

• Your employer is now virtual, ask if there is other work that you can do
• Your employer has not moved to virtual work and you are uncomfortable working on-site, request working remotely or to end your internship

Whatever the length of your non-credit internship, it is appropriate to list it on your resume.

2) I am concerned about my summer internship. What should I do to be proactive?

Domestically, we understand that many employers are moving forward with their internships. According to a National Association for Colleges and Employers poll,  85% of employers, are continuing their internship programs as planned. Internationally, many have been or will likely be canceled. Some tips:

• Begin now to look for alternative internships if yours has been canceled – there are over 2,000 currently posted in Handshake and many more on the major job boards
• Reach out to your internship site contact for an update
• Do not rush to a decision to renege your internship offer - seek counsel from a career counselor first

3) What can I do to gain experience/build skills if I cannot secure an internship?

No doubt, employers value and expect graduates to have learning experiences - to gain skills that prepare them to add value in their first job and beyond. There are lots of references to the skills that employers value most – typically topping the lists:

• Problem Solving/Critical Thinking
• Teamwork
• Communication/Interpersonal Skills
• Planning and Organizing

The good news is no matter what you are studying, you have developed these skills. The other good news is, these skills can be developed in lots of ways – volunteering, community service, projects, part-time work, etc.  The next step, demonstrate you have the skills through your cover letter, resume, and interviews.

1) I was planning to attend an upcoming event that has been cancelled. How can I get more information about those employers and opportunities?

Follow Handshake’s instructions on how to View Employers Attending an Upcoming Career Fair to find more information on the employer and their open jobs. To receive notifications of new jobs or events make sure you follow employers by selecting the star on their page.

1) I am scheduled for an interview with an employer that will now be virtual, what should I do to prepare?

• Make sure an updated resume is on Handshake for employers to pull for the interview - this way, they have the most current version
• Preparation is key as outlined in this blog post
• Practice, practice, practice -  InterviewStream is a great tool

2) What do I do if I sign up for virtual interviews in Handshake?

• Apply the same way that you would have for on-campus interviews.
• Once you are permitted to choose an interview time slot, click the Zoom meeting link next to your time slot to register with Zoom for the interview.
• After you register, you will receive an email from Zoom with the password for your interview.
• When joining your interview, enter the password when prompted. You will be automatically placed into a virtual waiting room. The employer will move you into the interview once they are ready for you.
• Please reach out to caps@unh.edu with any questions, or if you do not receive the interview password.

1) What can I do to protect myself from a declining job market?

One of the absolute best ways to find the job you want is through networking. Consider, for now and the future, networking as your critical survival skill. Countless surveys and research efforts conclude that the vast majority of successful job searches happen via networking.

If you have not joined Wildcat Connections, join now and make it your goal to connect with people regularly. Think about creating your personal Advisory Board – you can’t go wrong; our alumni are eager to support you.

2) I am nervous that the job offer that I have accepted may be rescinded. Should I reach out to my recruiter/hiring manager?

Yes, stay in touch with your employer contacts and follow your employer on LinkedIn to stay current.