No internships for summer before college senior year = screwed?

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

<p>Hello all,</p>

<p>So I have currently been unable to get any internship that I have applied to (and that's quite a few, although admittedly with quite competitive companies). My major is Business/Marketing, I go to a Top 10 Public School in the US and have basically a 3.5 GPA. I did get a phone interview for one--which I bombed because of a stressful situation the night before (although yes, I could have prepared much better for it and will next time) and an interview request for another (which I found out I was unable to do and automatically removed because I currently studying abroad for Spring semester). Basically, I'm learning it really is a lot about prior work experience and networking.</p>

<p>I guess my only relevant experience within the business field though are self-created ventures in high school and college--totally relevant of the skills of marketing and business but not really what employers are looking for I guess because no supervisor/well-reputed firm can qualify my skills. I do have leadership experience though--VP of a club, involved in other extracurriculars, and the past few summers I have been working as a counselor/mentor/teacher for children (which I am doing again this year because I was unable to find something else).</p>

<p>Basically though, it's kinda stressful for me to see a lot of my other friends landing these coveted internships while it's almost graduation...and I am worried about the prospect of living in my parent's house for months trying to find a job! If I can't be an intern, how will I expect to be an employee, especially in this economy? I am going to try and do as much as I can to secure some sort of experience in the Fall and Spring and consult my school's career center. I don't know what I will be able to do with my career plans but I am also considering a Masters of Accounting degree or Teach for America (summer job has given me an interest in teaching).</p>

<p>Does any one else have sympathy/hope stories? Smacks in the face/unfortunate truths? Advice?</p>

2

<p>Try craigslist. Firms will sometimes post last minute internships there during May/early June after an intern backed.</p>

3

<p>Cold-calling. Repetition should land something by June/July.</p>

4

<p>Volunteer to work for free anywhere that can provide you with solid work experience. Make sure you do something during the summer whether is volunteering at a non- profit (you would be a unique applicant for a position because of your background) because many of them are struggling financially and you could probably offer them a unique perspective! This could easily translate to the for profit world if mirror the tasks you would have at a for profit corporation! Also constantly work to improve your resume so that you stand out. Also interviewing is something that people get better at with time so try and go to practice interviews on your campus and get an interview book!!! Good luck you just have to be relentless and aggressive in your search and you will land something eventually. ALSO try and get an internship DURING your last school year so you can put it on your resume! GOOD LUCK!!!</p>

5

<p>Keep on the look out. The student org for my major (logistics) keeps sending out last minute opportunities, so things might be looking up.</p>

6

<p>Thank you all for the input. The think is I have already taken the summer job working as a counselor mentor. I suppose I should cold call local firms around the area in the last month or so of summer when I am free to see about shadowing opportunities?</p>

7

<p>also, indeed dot com</p>