Tips for Pathway Experiences

Planning for an internship is appropriate at any time during your academic career. Job shadowing can be done as early as freshman year. Some employers require applicants to have completed specific classes before applying. Requirements can vary by employer and by industry so start looking for opportunities by your sophomore year. In addition to working with the Pathways Program, check with your academic department as some academic disciplines require an internship, practicum or student teaching during the last semester of senior year.

Set Goals -  Meet with your supervisor at the beginning of your experience to outline their expectations  and to establish goals you would like to accomplish. Make sure to request weekly feedback from your supervisor to make sure you are on the right track. 

Watch and Learn -  Understanding the culture of an organization is important. Review the organization's website, marketing materials, policies, and procedures. Observe and seek guidance from your colleagues.

Meet Your Coworkers -  Introduce yourself! Building connections is key to growing your professional network so exchange contact information with your co-workers (LinkedIn and Email). Your supervisor and coworkers may be more likely to recommend you for future opportunities if they are familiar with your personality and work ethic.

Be Professional -  Be mindful of how you present yourself. Limit when and where you use your phone. Arrive early, dress appropriately for your career field, proof read emails and message before sending them. Never hesitate to ask questions and don’t forget the basics of common courtesy – be punctual, follow up, and follow through. 

Stay Organized - Take notes during meetings and keep to-do lists with deadlines. Maintain a neat, clean and organized workspace. Make sure you are aware of all office policies in regard to accessing and/or sharing files and documents. When in doubt, ask for clarification.

Manage Your Time Wisely - Always complete projects on time, and when one task is done – ask for another. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with projects, talk to your supervisor about prioritizing your work.

Keep Track of Your Projects - Start a list of the projects you are working on so you can discuss your progress with your supervisor. It will also help you remember the details when it's time to update your resume, add to a portfolio, or talk about projects in a future interview. Ask if you can keep examples of projects you have worked on for a portfolio. Remember that some of this information will be confidential, so always get approval before taking any copies of work with you.

Leave on a Good Note -  Be sure to express your gratitude for the experience, tie up any loose ends or leave detailed notes on projects that were not completed, and if you had a positive experience with the employer, make it known when you are starting the full time job hunt. 

Parker Dewey is a platform for students to apply for short-term, mainly remote, micro-internships and projects. These opportunities are all paid and range from five (5) to 40 hours of total work.

Micro-internships can help you:

• Explore potential career paths and industries
• Develop or hone a job-critical skill
• Make extra money over breaks or in between semesters
• Grow your professional network
• Enhance and expand your resume

Register for your account on Parker Dewey and start applying for micro-internships today!

Use your pathway/internship as a springboard into your full-time career path by making an effort to develop what employers call career readiness competency skills: