Summer Internships in Rochester and Beyond

The college student must always be looking ahead, and summer is fast approaching. Wherever you spend your summer, it is wise to be proactive and find an internship. Internships transfer classroom experience and knowledge into the “real” world (though sometimes I doubt there is such a thing; thanks, philosophy). In addition to a fun and engaging summer experience, internships are a great résumé booster that can help open doors beyond college.

During the last few weeks, I’ve been researching internship opportunities. Thankfully, the University of Rochester offers students access to local and national opportunities through the Career and Internship Center. Through their department, there is a great resource that I check all the time. It’s called Career Link and it easily connects you to jobs and internships exclusively listed for Rochester students.

Since I’m still new to the area, I decided to stay for the summer and experience Rochester’s warmth as well as network with local professionals. But, if I were in the mindset to travel, I would have applied to the many internships offered across the country and beyond: Seattle, NYC, DC, California, and London, to name a few.

Before applying, I visited the Career and Internship Center and had them take a look at my résumé and cover letters. They were a HUGE help. In addition, they offered interview tips and techniques that gave me an extra push of confidence. The Career Center is an awesome resource at Rochester; I’d recommend checking them out ASAP. 

Since applying, I’ve interviewed for a couple local internships. There are some more opportunities on the way if I decide to keep looking, though I’m currently feeling good about my options.

Here comes summer: internships, some steady sunshine, and a healthy serving of who knows what can happen. I’ll put one foot in front of the other, I suppose; I can’t wait to explore my new home.