11 answers
Jasmine
Student
Friendswood, Texas
5
Questions
Asked
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Should I still search for a summer internship during #COVID19?
I am a college sophomore who was home for spring break when #COVID19 hit. Now I'm at home doing classes online. I had started looking for a summer internship, but I heard that people may be losing their jobs because of the virus. Are companies still trying #internship to hire interns, or should I put a hold on applying?
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11 answers
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
716
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Jasmine:
Yes, I think you should still seek out an internship during the pandemic. Before you do so I encourage you to do some research on the company, position, interviewing, etc. You will most likely interview virtually for the internship so you want to be prepared in advance. I agree with the comments posted so far and would like to provide you with a few more tips for your consideration.
• TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR SCHOOL'S RESOURCES - Chances are your college or university is thinking about how to help and has a variety of resources you can use.
• HOME IN ON REMOTE OPPORTUNITIES - In order to increase your chance of success, laser in on opportunities that are least likely to hit a corona roadblock.
• USE CROWDSOURCED DATA TO YOUR ADVANTAGE - You can find some useful gems by turning to the hive mind for intel. While there are plenty of places reporting canceled internships and frozen hiring, the trick is to find sources that also have some hope (and leads) to share.
• FIND ORGANIZATIONS AND DEPARTMENTS RAMPING UP DUE TO PANDEMIC - If you can’t beat COVID-19 to get an internship, join the efforts to fight the virus. Despite the disruption and canceled internships COVID-19 has caused, it has also created opportunities.
• STAY ALERT AND BE READY TO ACT FAST - Employers posting internships are likely looking to hire quickly, so one of the best moves you have is to submit your application materials ASAP.
• NETWORK - Reach out to family and friends as well as connections you’ve made at school to see if they have any advice or recommendations for who you could connect with.
• CONSIDER A MICRO-EXPERIENCE - Try your hand at shorter experiences that can help you explore different careers and build your resume.
• VOLUNTEER - Volunteering can be a great way to work for a company or organization, and there may be less competition than for internships.
• PURSUE AN INDEPENDENT PROJECT - Recruiters and managers get excited to see what you can do through self-initiation and the projects themselves are usually unique and interesting.
• TAKE ONLINE COURSES - Online courses are a great way to show initiative and an ability to pick up new and useful skills.
I wish you much success on your journey. Best of luck to you!
How to Land an Internship during COVID-19 • https://www.themuse.com/advice/find-remote-internships-other-opportunities-coronavirus-summer-2020
Yes, I think you should still seek out an internship during the pandemic. Before you do so I encourage you to do some research on the company, position, interviewing, etc. You will most likely interview virtually for the internship so you want to be prepared in advance. I agree with the comments posted so far and would like to provide you with a few more tips for your consideration.
• TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR SCHOOL'S RESOURCES - Chances are your college or university is thinking about how to help and has a variety of resources you can use.
• HOME IN ON REMOTE OPPORTUNITIES - In order to increase your chance of success, laser in on opportunities that are least likely to hit a corona roadblock.
• USE CROWDSOURCED DATA TO YOUR ADVANTAGE - You can find some useful gems by turning to the hive mind for intel. While there are plenty of places reporting canceled internships and frozen hiring, the trick is to find sources that also have some hope (and leads) to share.
• FIND ORGANIZATIONS AND DEPARTMENTS RAMPING UP DUE TO PANDEMIC - If you can’t beat COVID-19 to get an internship, join the efforts to fight the virus. Despite the disruption and canceled internships COVID-19 has caused, it has also created opportunities.
• STAY ALERT AND BE READY TO ACT FAST - Employers posting internships are likely looking to hire quickly, so one of the best moves you have is to submit your application materials ASAP.
• NETWORK - Reach out to family and friends as well as connections you’ve made at school to see if they have any advice or recommendations for who you could connect with.
• CONSIDER A MICRO-EXPERIENCE - Try your hand at shorter experiences that can help you explore different careers and build your resume.
• VOLUNTEER - Volunteering can be a great way to work for a company or organization, and there may be less competition than for internships.
• PURSUE AN INDEPENDENT PROJECT - Recruiters and managers get excited to see what you can do through self-initiation and the projects themselves are usually unique and interesting.
• TAKE ONLINE COURSES - Online courses are a great way to show initiative and an ability to pick up new and useful skills.
I wish you much success on your journey. Best of luck to you!
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Alecia Woody
Customer Success Manager
39
Answers
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Alecia’s Answer
Absolutely. Many companies' plans and roadmap don't change just because of the virus. They will still need interns - not only to get projects completed and/or progressed, but also to feed their full time employment pipeline. Companies rely on converting proven interns to full time, so definitely apply and treat this as any other summer. Make sure to highlight (on your resume and in interviews) skills that translate well to work from home: self-starter, independent, finisher, discipline, etc. Good luck!
Lillian Tsui
Talent Partner
10
Answers
Updated
Lillian’s Answer
Absolutely! You should definitely still search for an internship. There are probably many remote internship opportunities where you can still network and learn a lot of great skills. Pick 5-10 companies you're interested in and do some research on LinkedIn. Whether it's searching for internships or cold emailing people to see if their company has internship opportunities, I think with the diligence and perseverance, you can land something great. You can also ask them what the expectations are and how they're handling remote internships at the moment.
Thank you!
Jasmine
Nicole M.
Content Producer
7
Answers
Santa Barbara, California
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Jasmine,
First, I hope you and your family are safe and well during this time. Second, great question. If companies are still posting open roles for summer internships, it wouldn't hurt to get ahead and start applying rather than waiting too late.
Another good measure is to connect with the recruiter or whomever has posted the role and confirm if 1) they're still accepting applications given our current situation and 2) if not, ask if they have an estimate on when they plan to post summer internships again.
Companies around the world are in a strange time trying to figure things out as news and updates unfold. Keep in mind they're doing work behind the scenes and do what you can to receive updated information from them if you do decide to send in an application.
Best of luck!
First, I hope you and your family are safe and well during this time. Second, great question. If companies are still posting open roles for summer internships, it wouldn't hurt to get ahead and start applying rather than waiting too late.
Another good measure is to connect with the recruiter or whomever has posted the role and confirm if 1) they're still accepting applications given our current situation and 2) if not, ask if they have an estimate on when they plan to post summer internships again.
Companies around the world are in a strange time trying to figure things out as news and updates unfold. Keep in mind they're doing work behind the scenes and do what you can to receive updated information from them if you do decide to send in an application.
Best of luck!
Thank you!
Jasmine
Katya Lev
Financial center manager
119
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Katya’s Answer
Hi Jasmine, absolutely. Don’t let this global situation prevent you from thinking forward.
Instead, think of this as another new opportunity and career goals that have opened up.
Many companies do invest in college students and do have summer student programs. Many companies do offer summer internship online and do hire. So, please, continue to search for the opportunities with positive thinking and thinking forward as this has become the new norm for many . Having the ability to work from home -might sound great for many reasons but companies do understand that it takes many adjustments around quite working space, just having space, so many do support.
So, please continue to apply, stay positive, learn new virtual professional skill set, embrace the new change ad move forward.
Best of luck
Instead, think of this as another new opportunity and career goals that have opened up.
Many companies do invest in college students and do have summer student programs. Many companies do offer summer internship online and do hire. So, please, continue to search for the opportunities with positive thinking and thinking forward as this has become the new norm for many . Having the ability to work from home -might sound great for many reasons but companies do understand that it takes many adjustments around quite working space, just having space, so many do support.
So, please continue to apply, stay positive, learn new virtual professional skill set, embrace the new change ad move forward.
Best of luck
Katya Lev
Financial center manager
119
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Katya’s Answer
Hi Jasmine, hope this answer will find you well. First, I want to say don’t rely on the majority or general responses as there are so many companies that still hiring and still hire for the summer internship. For example, Bank of America has summer internship and student leaders program.
It’s all about exploring especially during this I presented time. But, what important is that you continue with your goal and you continue to move forward toward your goal and don’t let anything prevent you or put you backwards as it’s the easiest thing to do.
Yes, absolutely during this time many people have lost jobs, companies have downsized, eliminated jobs-but also there are companies that continue to look for talent and offer work from home option as well because they need to support their clients and they have the assets to hire more individuals.
Yes, companies need more digital experts as the world is moving faster and faster towards this area but that doesn’t mean that You won’t find your path . Time will pass and during this time-stay positive, continue learning new skills, continue to do more research on companies and look for opportunities and knock on those doors.
It’s all about exploring especially during this I presented time. But, what important is that you continue with your goal and you continue to move forward toward your goal and don’t let anything prevent you or put you backwards as it’s the easiest thing to do.
Yes, absolutely during this time many people have lost jobs, companies have downsized, eliminated jobs-but also there are companies that continue to look for talent and offer work from home option as well because they need to support their clients and they have the assets to hire more individuals.
Yes, companies need more digital experts as the world is moving faster and faster towards this area but that doesn’t mean that You won’t find your path . Time will pass and during this time-stay positive, continue learning new skills, continue to do more research on companies and look for opportunities and knock on those doors.
Kelsey Fromal
Social Impact
18
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Kelsey’s Answer
Hi Jasmine! This is a really good question. I definitely think you should still be actively looking for and applying for internships. We currently have interns at our company and they are working from home at this point in time same as our full-time employees. Situations may change, but I don't think it would hurt to at least apply. I'm sure companies will keep you in the loop if they are no longer offering internship in the summer. It may also vary depending on which field you are interested in moving forward with professionally. Not all professions have the same ability to work from home. Thank you and I hope this helps!
Alice Egan
Solutions Consultant
1
Answer
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Alice’s Answer
I would definitely give it a shot! Companies are going to be trying to operate as normally as possible, and that means continuing at current growth plans and hiring new people. Let them tell you that they're calling off the internship program, don't assume. You can always shoot the recruiting team a message on LinkedIn to check before taking the time to fill out an application
Lynne Lent
1
Answer
Updated
Lynne’s Answer
Hi, You definitely want to look for a job during the summer. This will give you experience in dealing with interacting with different generations of people and learning your interpersonal skills.
Amrutha Vidyala
Cloud Engineer
1
Answer
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Updated
Amrutha’s Answer
Hi Jasmine,
During the COVID times, there is a shift in the working style and people are becoming very comfortable to work from any part of the world. Please use this time to learn more skills and explore volunteering opportunities online if there are no internships being offered. Few steps you can take during your leisure hours:
Look for online volunteering option.
Develop a Work From Home skill
Online certifications
Strengthen your resume with Volunteering skills
Reach out to people across the world learn new skills and broaden your network
During the COVID times, there is a shift in the working style and people are becoming very comfortable to work from any part of the world. Please use this time to learn more skills and explore volunteering opportunities online if there are no internships being offered. Few steps you can take during your leisure hours:
Amrutha recommends the following next steps:
David Browne
Software Development Intern
24
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
David’s Answer
You should definitely try to get an internship during Covid-19. I participated in a virtual internship during Covid-19 and it was a very rewarding and enjoyable experience despite being virtual.
Hey David, can you share a little more on how you found the internship? Lots of students are struggling to find virtual opportunities so any extra info could be really helpful!
Gurpreet Lally, Admin