4 answers
Heather
Student
Renton, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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How should I prepare for internships after my first year of college?
I'm an incoming Freshman Direct Admit at the University of Washington Foster School of Business. When and where should I start looking for internships? I'm hoping to work in the finance field, hopefully in a company/organization related to public healthcare and policy.
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4 answers
Yvette Chung
Consulting Manager
1
Answer
Miami, Florida
Updated
Yvette’s Answer
Reach out to the Career Placement office at U of W. They can assist you in finding an internship or a chance to shadow professionals with companies that recruit on campus.
Jennyfer Laurent
Auditor
3
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Jennyfer’s Answer
Hi Heather, you're off to a great start! You already know the fields you're interested in, which is fantastic. Since you have a clear idea of the industry, try exploring finance companies that collaborate with public healthcare and policy organizations. It's common to start interning in your junior year, but I began in my freshman year as an accounting student. This helped me decide whether to focus on tax, financial accounting, or accounting information systems. Once you identify the companies you want to work for, check their websites for internship opportunities. LinkedIn is also a great tool for finding opportunities and connecting with professionals in your chosen field. Keep going, you're on the right path!
Reanne Wong
Product Marketing Manager
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Reanne’s Answer
Hi Heather! Congrats on being admitted as a freshman direct student at Foster. When I was in your shoes, there were tons of resources offered to Foster students, and as a freshman direct admit, you have access to them from day one. There are a couple of avenues to explore:
1. Foster Career Services: Definitely leverage the career center at Foster. They have more resources tailored to Foster students compared to the university-wide career center. This ranges from sharing available internship/student talent development programs, to helping you prepare for job interviews, to elevated access to opportunities (e.g., when I interviewed with Microsoft through the Foster career center, I was able to skip an entire round of interviews).
2. On-campus recruitment opportunities: Pay attention to opportunities on campus such as career fairs or recruitment events from employers. As a freshman, there may not be as many opportunities (compared to if you are a junior), but this is good exposure and experience for you to talk to recruiters and employees who can share their experience. Fall recruiting is a critical time to be involved.
3. Student org initiatives: Student organizations will organize speaker events and recruitment events with specific companies. These are a great networking and learning opportunity.
4. Case competitions: This is a great hands-on experience opportunity, and if you are a high performer on case competitions, Foster will sponsor you to travel and compete. I know several people who have received job opportunities through competing in case competitions.
Best of luck!
1. Foster Career Services: Definitely leverage the career center at Foster. They have more resources tailored to Foster students compared to the university-wide career center. This ranges from sharing available internship/student talent development programs, to helping you prepare for job interviews, to elevated access to opportunities (e.g., when I interviewed with Microsoft through the Foster career center, I was able to skip an entire round of interviews).
2. On-campus recruitment opportunities: Pay attention to opportunities on campus such as career fairs or recruitment events from employers. As a freshman, there may not be as many opportunities (compared to if you are a junior), but this is good exposure and experience for you to talk to recruiters and employees who can share their experience. Fall recruiting is a critical time to be involved.
3. Student org initiatives: Student organizations will organize speaker events and recruitment events with specific companies. These are a great networking and learning opportunity.
4. Case competitions: This is a great hands-on experience opportunity, and if you are a high performer on case competitions, Foster will sponsor you to travel and compete. I know several people who have received job opportunities through competing in case competitions.
Best of luck!
Paola Zalom
Risk Researcher
4
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Paola’s Answer
Hi Heather. Glad that you are thinking ahead and know what you are interested in.
That is a great start. I would suggest you talk to the University's guidance counselor or the school's website and you may be paired with a paying or nonpaying internship in the Finance field and may even get a grade. I would also look up finance companies that check their websites, for internship opportunities! An internship can guide you whether you love an aspect of the finance field or related to public healthcare and policy. Good luck to you!!
That is a great start. I would suggest you talk to the University's guidance counselor or the school's website and you may be paired with a paying or nonpaying internship in the Finance field and may even get a grade. I would also look up finance companies that check their websites, for internship opportunities! An internship can guide you whether you love an aspect of the finance field or related to public healthcare and policy. Good luck to you!!