How to stay organized…and still obtain that internship, coop or work abroad!

It’s that time of the semester again. Mid-terms are here, projects and group work are in full swing and you do not have enough time to look for a summer internship, co-op or full-time job. Most applications for summer positions for internships and co-ops need to be turned in by late February to the end of March so it’s time to start prioritizing! We have a few suggestions for you to help you prioritize your time.

1. Set aside a time (at least once a week) on your schedule to search for internships/co-ops/jobs. Treat this time like it is a class. It’s better if its the same day and time every week, like a class. And remember, you are not allowed to cancel this just like you can’t cancel class because you are too busy!
2. Prioritize where you are looking for internships, co-ops or job
A. Co-ops or internships: Search P2D2 and Career Buzz
B. Full-time jobs: Career Buzz
C. International internships or co-ops: P2D2
3. Every Sunday evening take ten minutes to make a short list of goals of what you are going to do this week for your internship, co-op, job search and make sure to include
1. How many applications will you send out this week (set a goal for yourself!)
2. Networking events (plan at least one event per week to attend)
Good luck!

Why Not?

Why work abroad? Not many people ask me that but I still think it would be fun to answer. Students should work abroad to gain global work experience to better prepare themselves for a career. It also happens to also be REALLY fun to work in another country and most students return telling me that it this was the best time of their entire life. To learn another language – again this really helps boost your resume and skill sets. To learn more about yourself, gain independence and confidence. This is a perfect time in your life to do this … you are not married and you have no kids! To network and expand your network of potential employers that will hire you when you graduate. You can work in a small company, a big company, a NGO, government entity … we have quite the variety of opportunities for students. Plus if you work abroad you get to travel and see parts of the world you have never seen before. Last year students went to over 30 countries. Georgia Tech is one of the few universities in the USA that has a program that assists students in finding international internships, co-ops and full-time jobs for FREE. Take advantage of these programs while you can … go out there and see a new part of the world, get great practical experience, meet people from around the world, prepare yourself for a wonderful, global career!

Working abroad in South America … Chile is your answer!

I have been trying to develop internships and jobs in Latin America for four years.  I have not been very successful in the past in developing internship in Latin America as it has many challenges – full-time internships are not part of their work culture, the pay is not enough to live on, etc. However, I think I have found a new gold mine – Chile! Chile is an amazing country in South America. I find that many students do not know much about it at all. It ranges from desert to southern Patagonia and has some of the most beautiful coastline in South America! In addition, it has internships! I am hoping to send at least 6 students to Chile this spring semester. It is helpful to know some Spanish though as 95% of Chileans do not speak English. So, take a few minutes and learn more about this wonderful South American country:  http://www.visit-chile.org/splash.php