By: Ellie Heider
Contributing Writer
From career development classes to special events, Dominican offers plenty of ways students can get head starts on internships for the summer and into the next academic year.
The first stop should be the Career Center, in Lewis 216, where the staff helps with cover letters, resumes, and the job search process, according to Jamie Shaw, executive director of career programs and employer relations.
The center’s website, also has a list of career mentors who have specific areas of expertise to help students. These mentors were also once students, so they can better identify with what students are experiencing, Shaw said.
The center also offers free professional pieces of clothing through a program called “Suit Up.” There is a clothing rack located outside of Lewis 216 that holds these clothes. If a student does not find a piece they like, they can go inside the office and talk to a staff member for a wider variety. If students opt to take the clothes, then they get to keep them, said Shaw.
According to Shaw, the center is trying to expand its reach and assist more students, especially through career courses. Some courses like this already exist, but the center is advocating to create more.
These courses are designed to help students create their resumes, navigate imposter syndrome, and increase their readiness for the workforce.
Employers also come in to visit these classes to discuss what they do and what internships or jobs they have available. They may even recruit from within the class, Shaw said.
Students also have the opportunity for virtual networking and job hunting through the handshake platform. The website lists different types of jobs available, events Dominican University and other schools are hosting, and an employer page that describes a wide variety of places seeking employees.
In order to increase the likelihood of getting an internship, Shaw recommends students to:
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Check their student email
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Attend career events on campus
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Join Handshake
Shaw said students can apply directly for a job through their website, but depending on the job there may be hundreds of applicants. Going the extra mile with events and networking can help in the long run.
“Take your time but hurry up.” is the advice Shaw once received and gives in reference to visiting the career center.
