With a limited number of internships, students are looking for help to better their chances of landing an opportunity.
“There has been an increase in the number of students seeking assistance in preparing for interviews and internships because of this growing number in availability,” said Ryan Brechbill, director of the Center for Career and Professional Development.
There are currently 63 active internships available to students in central Ohio and the number and availability of internships is always changing.
To help students, employers from BMI Credit Union, Manifest Solutions and Cardinal Health visited Otterbein’s Center for Student Success last Wednesday to meet and review student resumes.
Otterbein’s Center for Student Success supported the employer resume review. This review offered resume advice to students who are preparing for an interview or are planning to apply for an internship.
The Center for Student Success combats this increase by keeping students informed of events like the employer resume review so that students are prepared for interviews and internships.
“To keep students informed of opportunities, Ashley Strausser sends out a weekly internship list to which over 450 students are signed up for,” Brechbill said.
The next step for students who have completed a resume and had it reviewed is to prepare for an interview.
The first thing students should do when preparing for an interview is to dress professionally. Brechbill said that when a student goes into an interview they are sending a professional image. The way a student chooses to dress is a part of that image.
“Prior to interviews, candidates should research organizations to find more information about key sources, services and products in order to find questions to ask the interviewer,” Brechbill said.
Brechbill offered other tips for students preparing for an interview, including the preparation of a list of questions to ask the potential employer.
“This shows that you spent time doing research and it indicates how strong your interest is in that opportunity,” he said.
Otterbein’s Center for Career and Profesional Development offers several internship and interview help opportunities throughout the academic year. Brechbill said that students are able to make an appointment with staff for advice.
As a follow up to the employer resume review, the Center for Student Success will host employers to offer practice interviews and feedback for students April 3.
Other events related to internships and interviewing include the Student Internship Panel on April 10 at 5 p.m. in the library where students will share their internship experiences.
If there are still any questions about interviewing, Timmy can help.
