Today was our college’s career fair so I figured I’d go on down and just get my name out, practice talking to employers, etc. Ideally I’d love to get a summer internship but most companies don’t take applications from freshman like me too seriously. Surprisingly I’ve been offered an interview for tomorrow morning. Now I realize there’s a good chance that I won’t land the internship - the odds are pretty stacked against me for a few reasons:
I’ve NEVER been interviewed for a job/internship/position ever (I worked for my parents on our farm in HS)
I’m a freshman who’s just starting to get into major specific classes (statics, creo)
I’m not a member of any campus engineering organizations (should probably change that soon)
I wasn’t a big “leader” in HS or thus far in college either (no student council, president of clubs, etc.)
Did I mention I’ve never been interviewed before?
Now obviously one night of preparation isn’t very good at all for an interview and I probably should’ve been practicing up on my skills a long time ago - but I didn’t. Regardless of how unlikely it is that I get the position, I want to present myself in the best way possible. Worst case scenario I guess I’ll get some experience being interviewed.
Right now my plan for tonight includes researching up the company some more, going over and practicing answering common interview questions, identifying what qualities I have that would apply to the position, etc.
I’d be welcome to ANY AND ALL advice for tomorrow that you guys might have for me. Even for dress - I’ve been told business casual? I wore a suit to the fair today, should I go with the suit again or just a dress shirt/tie?
Thanks in advance!
Relax; that’s probably the best advice. When I was interviewing college hires (not interns) the biggest question I was trying to get answered was the “plays well with others” question. I can get your grades to see how well you have learned the material. But, as engineering is very much a collaborative effort, the ability to work in teams in very important.
How was the company representative dressed at the job fair? You should dress about the same is what I would say. You could probably get by with dressing a little down from that, after all you are a student.
Researching the company is the right thing to do. Have some questions ready to go for the time when you get asked if you have any questions. These questions should focus on the work and maybe how the company is organized. Things that will give you a better understanding on what your role would be as an intern. It is OK to ask about the money side, just don’t dwell on it or make it your primary focus of your questions. It shows the wrong focus.
Thanks! That helps a lot, I would’ve forgot to prepare some questions of my own if it wasn’t for you, I’ve been so focused on figuring out some of my own answers. It sounds like I can leave the suit at home which is good news for me anyway
Very well! Most of the questions I had prepared for which helped me give some smooth answers. Got a little tied up when asked to name a few other companies I respect. Other than that the only “different” question was what I’d do if I’d won $500 gambling at a horse race :). I guess I tried to play it safe so I said I’d invest $250 smartly and gamble the other $250. Got a digital interview and assessment to take this weekend now so I guess things are still moving forward.
