Internships

By:  Chris McBeth Ryman, Career Center and GAMP

Here on campus, the unmistakable signs of winter are all around… crisp cold air, a Christmas tree and hot chocolate in Crosby, and Zags huddled in sleeping bags camping out in Tent City for the next big game!

By this time in the semester, your Zag has hit a stride – balancing study, activities and friends. For first year students, college life has started to take on character. And for seniors, reflection is beginning, with the slightly uncomfortable question, “What will come next?”  Yet one thing is common for all Zags regardless of their year:  composing a life that makes a difference, one filled with meaningful work.

Internships can be a way to help figure this out. More students than ever are engaged in opportunities where experience in the workplace tests their interest, training, and builds professional skills. More students are visiting the Career Center & GAMP, forging mentoring relationships with alumni, and building networking communities by attending Treks and Career Fairs. The result?  Young men and women who are equipped and ready to take on “What comes next.”

So how can parents and families participate?

When your Zag returns home for winter break, begin a conversation. Consider these Five Steps to help your son or daughter with a plan.

1. Remind them of their capacities. Talk about what strengths you see demonstrated in their lives, and how these will be important tools as they prepare to transition into a field of work. It takes a lot of courage to engage in change and make big decisions! Feeling confused and vulnerable is commonplace and even college students need assurance to move forward. This will help them confidently communicate their skills to potential employers!
2. Help them construct a list of contacts to hold “informational interviews.” Talking with individuals who are in a field of their career interest can be a great step towards learning about the work and the best way to enter it. It also helps to build a network! Developing contacts can sometimes lead to people in key positions who hire or make recommendations. A well-constructed network can be a long term support as students build a professional life; even open a door to highlight abilities and talents.
3. Take a “field trip.” Find a few local places that might hold career interest and inquire about a visit or tour. Sometimes a personal look from the inside can offer insight into the culture of a professional environment. Having a chance to see how an organization actually operates can light a fire, and inspire direction! Encourage your Zag to attend one of the TREKS conducted each year in Spokane, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco Bay Area or New York. Excursions into organizations and networking can provide invaluable training opportunities and engagement with alumni.
4. Encourage him/her to visit the Career Center & GAMP.  Located in Crosby, this office serves ALL students of ALL majors! Here students can find help in constructing a resume or cover letter, gain practice in interviewing, register for a mentor, and find internships or jobs. Drop in or make an appointment; our friendly 12-person department is always ready!
5. Encourage him/her to attend Career Center Events.

• CONNECT events held each semester bring panels of professionals from diverse fields who give professional insights, tips and answer questions. Always free of charge, students from every major have a chance to listen and interact first hand with those in careers of their interest.

• Career and Internship Fairs: The Partnership Career and Internship Fair will be held in February, 2014. With other area universities, Gonzaga will bring over 100 employers to the Spokane Convention Center. Career Fair prep sessions will be available prior to the event. Students attend free of charge.

• San Francisco/Silicon Valley Trek, March 2014: Watch for announcements on when to register and which organizations will host excursions for this year’s event.

Parents, next time you are on campus, we invite you to drop by the Career Center and GAMP office. We look forward to another semester of supporting your Zag!