By: Anne Hwang ’23

Let’s dive right in…

Wow, I’m Going to Be Rich

“You can make up to $1000 a week…” If you’ve ever opened one of these “assistant” or “secret shopper” job offer emails, you’ve probably seen this sentence before. Yet, if it looks like it’s too good to be true, that’s because it most likely is. Many scam and fraudulent job opportunity emails will offer anywhere from $450—$500 a week to even $1000 for ~1-2 hours of work in a week. This would mean that the hourly rate is roughly $225—$250 to an even greater amount. While one can hope for such great pay like this, keep in mind that an average physician in the US makes roughly ~$90 an hour, and that’s after nearly 10 years of medical school and residency. With that said, if a professor is offering to pay you that much for minimal work, odds are that the job isn’t an actual job.  

Look at Details

Many fraudulent job offers have common details in their emails. If you’ve received many of these emails before, you’ve probably picked up on the pattern. They usually involve a student who is reaching out to you on behalf of a professor, and you might see some details that state the professor is either “away” or “receiving a medical treatment.” Other details to pay attention to in these emails include grammatical and spelling errors. You might also notice that scam emails often aren’t formatted professionally, and the job description may even be attached as a poorly written word document. Simply put, there are often many giveaways that signal the email is a scam, and if you read carefully, you should pick up on these red flags.

Do Not Click the Links 

A very important thing to remember here, is that regardless of whether the email is truly fraudulent or not, if you have your doubts, DO NOT click any links listed in the email! If you think there is a chance that the position may be a valid one but are uncertain, you can contact both your campus and Macaulay’s office of career development to seek help to verify the job offer. Your computer has been and will continue to be your best friend during the times of virtual learning, so keep it safe!

Do Some Research

Thanks to technology and a plethora of internet resources, vetting a job opportunity has become significantly easier than it once was! Some great sources include glassdoor.com and indeed.com When looking at the job opportunity in a potentially fraudulent email, start by researching the names in the email, the organization, and the address. If you can’t verify that all three of these have a solid connection with each other, then that email is for sure a no-go. Go ahead and delete that email and try searching for opportunities on Career Path instead!

Flag and Report the Email

Lastly, don’t forget to flag and report the email as a scam. While it is difficult to avoid receiving these emails, it is not impossible to avoid falling victim to their scam offers. Remember to read carefully, and don’t fall for the lucrative pay! 

For more information about scam emails towards CUNY student, visit: 

https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/cis/information-security/cuny-issued-security-advisories/secret-mystery-shopper-personal-assistant-scams/ 

For questions about job postings and employment opportunities, visit Careerpath or send us an email at: csm@macaulay.cuny.edu.  

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Interested in writing a blog for the Career Development blog? It’s open to Macaulay students

and alums. If you would like to contribute or have any questions, feel free to email

Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu.

By: Samantha Fang ‘23

Whether you need to fix up your resume, practice for an interview, or search for an internship, Macaulay Career Development is your place for all things career-related. (Plus, you have their services for the rest of your life — many CUNY campuses’ don’t offer that!) Their office has all the tools to help you succeed and develop your career. Read on to learn about the role Career Development can play in your career pursuits!

Career Counseling Services

Macaulay Career Development Office offers Career Counseling services, which involves meeting with Macaulay students one-on-one. This could be in-person, via phone or video call. During these sessions, topics can range from resume review, cover letter review, interview prep, enhancing your LinkedIn profile, assisting in your job/internship search, or networking tips. You can also schedule a session to discuss career paths you might want to pursue!

To make an appointment with Gianina Chrisman or Jamie Ruden, log onto CareerPath and you will find the appropriate banner on the home page under “Schedule An Appointment.”

Career Path

CareerPath is the platform we use to post job opportunities. On this portal, you will find the following types of opportunities: 

• Job (full-time)
• Internship/Externship
• Fellowship/Program
• Part-Time/Seasonal
• Research Assistantship
• Volunteer
• Conference/Summit

These opportunities are vetted and curated specifically for the Macaulay community. We only share opportunities that we feel would interest our students/alums and are the caliber our students deserve.

Targeted Emails

The Career Development Office sends targeted emails through CareerPath as a way to share upcoming events or job/internship opportunities. Be sure to have an email you check often associated with your CareerPath account and indicate your major(s), areas of interest, and career interests on your profile. This way we can easily filter for these options and send you emails about events and opportunities you will be interested in! 

Events

To engage the Macaulay community at all eight senior campuses, our office hosts the following events throughout the year:

• CUNY Hackathon: The Annual CUNY Hackathon consists of a coding competition, prizes, judging, mentoring, volunteers, workshops and more! The CUNY Hackathon is open to all CUNY students and lasts for 3 days (Friday – Sunday).
  
• Industry Talks: Industry Talks provides an initimate opportunity to network with a panel of professionals within a particular industry. After the professionals engage in a moderated panel discussion, attendees will be divided into smaller groups where they will be able to ask questions and network with the professionals. Plus, each speaker is required to bring an opportunity be it that of an entry-level position or internship.
  
• Professional Lunch Series (PLS): PLS was created to introduce students to employers, alums and experienced professionals and teach students the importance of networking and mentorship. Students who attend learn about a diverse set of industries, how to get involved in the field, and what a day-in-the-life looks like in said field.
  
• Office Tours: Typically on these office tours, students get to meet employers and learn more about the industry. Past tours include: ABC News, The New York Times, LinkedIn etc.
  
• Information Sessions: These sessions are either held on campus at MHC or on-site at the employer’s office. These information sessions can cover topics including: application process for internships at certain companies (i.e Deerfield Management), programs that offer scholarships (i.e. Schwarzman Scholars Program), and summer programs!
• Discovery Learning: Macaulay partners with companies to develop a project-based learning challenge that will help students gain a deeper understanding of their field of interest beyond academic studies. Students will get the chance to “learn by doing,” working in teams and with the guidance of mentors, finding solutions to real-world issues.

Be sure to check out the events page to RSVP for upcoming events!

Career Guidebooks

These guides offer an in-depth look into various career topics including resumes, cover letters, interview questions, networking, and mentoring! You can find all our guidebooks here or on CareerPath in the Resource Library. 

Career Blog

Our Career Blog (where you are now) is a place for career tips and advice from the perspective of Macaulay students and alums! We cover anything from managing your internship search and interview tips to healthy habits and ways to stay productive. If you would like to contribute to this blog, feel free to email Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu!

Mentoring

The Macaulay Mentors Program connects current students and recent graduates at Macaulay with mentors to help them build a professional network and gain valuable career advice. Mentors are professionals who are currently working or pursuing graduate studies in a variety of fields. Activities are up to individual mentor/mentee pairs, but can include resume review and interview preparation, job shadowing, networking opportunities, and general career guidance. 

You can find the list of our current active mentors under “Professional Network” on CareerPath. Check out our mentee guidebook here!

Alum Support

If you are an alum, we are here to assist you as well! Please feel free to contact the Career Development Office and utilize CareerPath to view open positions in our database. We are always posting new opportunities!

Career Development Contact Information 

Gianina Chrisman

Associate Director of Career Development

gianina.chrisman@mhc.cuny.edu

Jamie Ruden

Career Program Coordinator

Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu

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Interested in writing a blog for the Career Development blog? It’s open to Macaulay students and alums. If you would like to contribute or have any questions, feel free to email Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu.

By: Anne Hwang ‘23

“I’d like to join your LinkedIn network.”

If you have a LinkedIn profile and are an active user, then you’ve probably seen this message before. Frequently, when LinkedIn users are sending out a connection request, many will tend to skip over customizing the invitation note. However, in customizing your invitation note, you are more likely to make a better impression and be accepted by the other party. Here are 3 simple tips on how to customize your LinkedIn invitation note. 

Professional Greeting and Salutation 

When drafting your invitation note, the first thing to recognize is the greeting, as the greeting is often the first part that is seen by the receiver. The greeting can be something simple like “Hello” or “Dear” followed by the receiver’s name or Mr./Ms./Mrs./Mx. and the receiver’s last name. 

Once you have finished typing your message, don’t forget to end with a proper salutation to sign off on a good note. You can conclude your note by thanking the person, wishing them the best, or stating that you are eager to speak with them/ looking forward to hearing back.     

Do They Know You?

After your greeting, it’s important to identify yourself and whether the receiver knows you. If the other person does not know you but you know them, then you can explain what you know them from or how you know them. If you were given this person’s contact information by someone who knows them, make sure to include the name of whoever provided you with the contact information. This section of the invitation note is significant, as it gives you a chance to stand out, especially if you are reaching out to someone after an informational session. 

What is Your Intention? 

Lastly, state your intentions for reaching out to the other party. If you cannot think of a reason as to why you want to make a connection with the other party, then chances are it’s likely not in your best interest to do so. Common reasons why people make connection requests include: wanting to learn more about a career field or wanting to speak with someone experienced about their professional career trajectory. Whatever your intentions may be, make sure you state them politely. While writing, you should also keep in mind whether or not your intentions are appropriate— if you tell someone that your intent is to find a job or internship, chances are you likely will not be accepted. On the flip side, if you would like to inquire for more information about a company, one’s experience, or a career field, the chances of the other party accepting are likely to be greater, so choose your words wisely!   

Happy connecting!

For more information, check out these resources:

• LinkedIn Invitation Examples
• How to Write the Perfect LinkedIn Connection Request
• Writing the Perfect LinkedIn Connection Requests (Templates Included!)

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Interested in writing a blog for the Career Development blog? It’s open to Macaulay students and alums. If you would like to contribute or have any questions, feel free to email Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu.

By: Anne Hwang ‘23

Webinars have truly become the new of learning and networking in 2020. With the transition to online learning and virtual work, webinars have enabled colleges and universities to continue to host career fairs or industry workshops for their students. If you’re familiar with Macaulay’s Career Development office, then you’ve probably heard of our Industry Talks or Professional Lunch Series webinars that highlight a panel of speakers or one featured speaker from a particular field. 

When attending a webinar, most students aim to learn more from the professionals about their experiences and about the field of interest. In addition, webinars are also a great way to network and build connections with the panelists, so here are 3 tips you should know on making a good impression at a webinar.  

Be Punctual, Listen Actively, and Ask Insightful Questions 

It should go without saying that punctuality is always a key factor when making first impressions. When attending an in person event, we all know how awkward it can be to walk in late, and therefore we try to avoid it. Yet with virtual meetings, it’s easier to get away with being late without being noticed. However, if you want to make a good impression, show up on time to show your professionalism. 

During the course of the webinar, you should also listen actively to what the presenter is saying, and you can even jot down notes or questions. If there is a Q&A session at the end of the event (which I have found typically is one), be sure to ask a few of your insightful questions to show you were engaged throughout the session. The more well thought out your questions are, the more likely you are to be remembered by the panelist(s). 

Dress Professionally and Turn on Your Camera

Although many of us have become accustomed to rocking out our pajamas while participating in webinars with the camera off, it’s best to avoid doing this if you can. Panelists and speakers often take the time to prepare for the event by dressing professionally and having their cameras set up nicely. If you want to stand out and you have the ability to sit in a quiet, well-lit room, put on some nice business casual attire, and turn on your camera. You will definitely stand out in the sea of dark boxes with names. 

Connect with the Speakers After the Event

Almost every speaker or panelist is more than willing to speak with students and connect after the webinar. Generally, students will be provided with their email addresses or LinkedIn profile, allowing students to build a connection with the panelist. If you’ve built up a good impression for yourself throughout the event, you should definitely connect with the speakers afterwards. When sending a LinkedIn connection, make sure to write a note kindly reminding the speaker where they know you from, and if you’re sending them an email, make sure to do the same and follow proper business email etiquette.

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Interested in writing a blog for the Career Development blog? It’s open to Macaulay students and alums. If you would like to contribute or have any questions, feel free to email Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu.

By: Samantha Fang ’23 

Transferable skills are critical when applying to job opportunities, especially if you have limited working experience or are interested in changing careers. Transferable skills are applicable to many different industries and career paths. They can be acquired through school, volunteer work, past employment, or even hobbies! See below for five transferable skills that are critical to success in today’s job market. 

Communication (written and verbal)

“Excellent written and verbal communication” is one of the most common skills you will find in a job posting. This should be no surprise as being able to communicate ideas clearly and concisely is key in any role. Once hired, you will have to report to a supervisor on a regular basis and depending on your job, you may have to regularly engage with clients and customers as well. Effective communication is also key when contributing to team meetings!

Common Examples of Oral Communication Skills:

• Customer Service
• Phone Skills
• Public Speaking
• Presentation Skills

Common Examples of Written Communication Skills:

• Professional Email Etiquette
• Research
• Report Writing
• Blogging

An important part of being an effective communicator is being an avid listener. While this skill is not as often included on resumes, it is critical for communication and building relationships at work!

Team Work

Being an excellent team player means being able to work with others to successfully achieve a common goal. In most positions, you will need to work with others on a daily basis or at least regularly for large projects. Many job descriptions will include some form of the following to describe this skill: “Ability to work in a team setting” or “Comfortable working in a fast-paced collaborative environment.” Collaboration and interpersonal skills are crucial for effective team work. When working with others, you not only need to communicate well, but you also have to be flexible, sensitive, and considerate of others on your team. 

Leadership

You do not need to be a senior level manager to benefit from strong leadership qualities. This is why “demonstrated leadership” is often included as a desired skill for entry-level positions too! On the job, leadership can come in the form of taking charge of an assignment, overseeing a project, or leading team meetings. You may also eventually be tasked to train or mentor new colleagues! Employers want to see you take ownership of your work and show initiative. Leadership is very closely tied to this. 

Problem Solving

Another common qualification on job descriptions is the following: “Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills.” In any role, you will likely have to resolve conflict at some point, whether it be with a colleague or a customer. You will often also need to use creative and analytical thinking skills to make decisions and correct judgements on the job, particularly in fast-paced environments. Employers want to hire people who are adept at addressing new challenges as they come and who are adaptable.

Organization

Organizational skills are critical for success at work. You will often find “attention to detail,” “excellent organizational and time management skills,” or related phrases under qualifications. You need to be organized with your time in order to prioritize multiple ongoing projects and manage deadlines. Careful attention to detail is also key for many research and planning related tasks. You must be organized in order to effectively compile, synthesize, and present information in a thorough and diligent manner. 

Additional Resources To Check Out:

• What Are Transferable Skills? from The Balance Careers
• Transferable Skills: Definitions and Examples from Indeed

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Interested in writing a blog for the Career Development blog? It’s open to Macaulay students and alums. If you would like to contribute or have any questions, feel free to email Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu.

By: Anne Hwang ‘23

With the fall semester half-way through and the winter semester quickly approaching, many students have started to ponder about applying for internships for the upcoming months.

But where do you start?

While many students know about internships, it’s not always easy to find credible internship opportunities. Fortunately for Macaulay students, the Career Development department takes the initial process of vetting every internship opportunity before it is posted to our job portal, CareerPath, so students can easily find a varierty of credible opportunities. Aside from CareerPath, did you know that Career Development events can actually be found on a variety of platforms? Check out four sites where Macaulay and other credible organizations post events and opportunities.

CareerPath

Let’s start with CareerPath. Oftentimes, underclassmen will ask an upperclassmen about CareerPath (usually they’re just guessing and aren’t 100% sure). Therefore, I will break it down easily.

CareerPath is the online job portal where the Career Development team will post hundreds of opportunities, including internships, programs, fellowships, part-time jobs, and even full-time jobs. The platform serves underclassmen and alumni. All postings on CareerPath have been vetted and approved by their team. Thus, the job opportunities you find are credible and legit. If you want to see what jobs are available and more information about these opportunities, CareerPath is the place to go.  

LinkedIn

If you’re not looking for an internship or job opportunity, but would like to find news, events (i.e. information sessions), industry talks, professional lunch series, and other events that get passed on to the Career Development team, our LinkedIn groups are where it’s at. We often post career related events on our LinkedIn groups, so it’s a good idea to join both groups if you’re interested. We have a Macaulay Student network as well as a Macaulay Alumni network, and you can feel free to join both (If you’re an alum, until then just join the Student network)! In addition to learning about events, the Macaulay network groups are also a great way to make connections with fellow peers and alums! 

Club Macaulay and Macaulay Website

Club Macaulay is an app specially designed for Macaulay students exclusively. Along with many other clubs, the Career Development department will utilize Club Macaulay to share information regarding events, programming or even opportunities that may be of interest to students. Aside from Club Macaulay, all of Career Development’s news can also be found under the Career Development section within the main Macaulay website. Here, you’ll find the events page, the career development blogs, and the access page to CareerPath. You can also make appointments for career guidance, career coaching, and more on this page! Think of this page as the hub of all Career Development news and resources.    

https://macaulay.cuny.edu/event-category/career-event/ 

Social Media

Of course, we can’t forget about good ole’ social media. If emails aren’t really your sort of thing, then try following Macaulay on one of its many social media sites to keep yourself posted and up to date with the latest career development events. Check out Macaulay’s Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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Interested in writing a blog for the Career Development blog? It’s open to Macaulay students and alums. If you would like to contribute or have any questions, feel free to email Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu.

By: Harleen Ghuman ‘22

Finding a job that is suitable for you is an already difficult process.  But let’s say you have had an eye on a career opportunity, whether it be an internship or an entry full-time. After reviewing the qualifications and researching what qualities they are looking for in a potential candidate, you find yourself in a situation where you may not qualify for the job opportunity, due to not meeting their pre-set expectations. By reverse job-searching, you can attract your opportune employer through the lens they want to see you through.  

What Exactly is a Reverse Job Search?

A traditional job search revolves around finding a job opportunity that you qualify for and see fit. Reverse job search is the opposite and requires planning ahead of time (ideally you start this process as early as possible). The reverse job search allows you to take time to build the skills required for future work by using the job description of your dreams as a checklist. This way, you’re checking off the items the employer desires and will view you as the most qualified candidate.

A reverse job search is about working towards those qualifications through internships, student organizations, volunteer opportunities to align your qualifications to that of the job posting’s requirement. If you find yourself in a position where the job opportunity you aspire to achieve has requirements that you find yourself not qualified for, then you can find other opportunities to obtain those qualifications (likely 1-3 qualifications from the dream job list) to be the most suitable candidate for the job. Oftentimes, the reverse job search technique is compared to being your own marketing manager in building your “brand.”

How Do I Reverse Job Search?

Reverse Job Search can be confusing to understand. It is all about aligning your qualifications with the company’s set qualifications they included for the job opportunity you are striving for. If you find that you do not check off an asset on that list, whether it be a coding skill like Python or knowledge in the financial markets, then you would work towards obtaining those skills. 

For example, you could attend a virtual coding academy or self-learn coding and develop an at-home project. You can also complete a certification course to prove your existence of knowledge in certain topic areas, like the financial markets, respective to the example provided. There are countless ways and techniques in which you can achieve these qualifications. A great tool is LinkedIn learning! They developed a partnership with the New York Public Library where you’re able to obtain badges and certifications with the simple entry of your Library ID for FREE. To learn more, click here.

Often times, you can apply the experience you already have and have it align with the requirements they have listed. At the end of the day, it does not matter where you apply the skill, but rather how you have applied such skill. To learn more tips about matching your qualifications to a job opportunity, visit this website for more information! Tip: You’re allowed to have more than one resume!

Outline the Steps

It may be helpful to write out and outline the steps. Listing everything out onto a spreadsheet will not only keep things organized, but you can compare your findings and keep track of your progress. To start you off, we have created a template to get you started and visualize more clearly the process of a reverse job search. An example has been provided to show how you can customize your input and fill in the corresponding sections.  

Finding a job is all about how you present yourself to the employer. You do not have to go out of your way to make sure you are the cookie-cutter employee companies are looking for. Utilize what you know and the skills you possess and apply it to their job description. It is helpful to gain experience, but remember to not change your entire professional profile to appeal to one job opportunity. Good luck with the job search!

Great resources to follow up:

• https://www.bobsearch.com/blog-job-seekers/reverse-engineer-your-job-search 
• https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-match-your-qualifications-to-a-job-2060941

Our template in case you missed it, click here.

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Interested in writing a blog for the Career Development blog? It’s open to Macaulay students and alums. If you would like to contribute or have any questions, feel free to email Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu.

By: Samantha Fang ’23

If you are a good writer and want to share your insights into an industry or have an artistic background, you might want to think about creating a personal website or shareable online portfolio. Personal websites can also be utilized as a blog to showcase your writing skills and knowledge of the field you’re interested in. See below for some dos and don’ts when it comes to personal branding!

Personal Branding Dos

Brief Introduction / About Me

On your personal website, it is important that you dedicate a small section to self-introduction. Visitors of your site want to learn more about you so be sure to keep this section updated and relevant. Your “About Me” section should focus on who you are, what you do, how you got to where you are, and what your future plans and goals are. Expanding on your elevator pitch is a great start to writing this section! If you have never written an elevator pitch before, check out this post from our Student Career blog! 

Here are some questions to help get you started (adopted from the Balance Careers):

• What are you currently doing (in regard to your career) and how did you get there? How does your background make you unique?

• In terms of the work you do, what aspects are you most passionate about and why? Share what you love most about your work.
• What do you consider some of your biggest professional and personal accomplishments? How did your attributes contribute to those accomplishments? Be as specific as you can.
• What are you looking for right now? If you’re job seeking, considering a career change or looking to take on projects or gigs, mention it in your statement. Include your email address in the last sentence, so it’s easy to get in touch with you.

Check out the full About Me page guide on their website! 

Examples of Your Best Work

Since your personal website can act as a shareable online portfolio, be sure to feature your best work and projects! If any of your work has won awards or received special recognition, definitely make a note of it on your site. If any of your work is located off your site, such as on Github, make sure to link to it so visitors can easily find your work. Any article features, interviews you have done, and contributions to websites and blogs should definitely be showcased as well if you feel they are relevant to your professional goals and career! 

Blog Section (If Applicable)

You could also utilize your personal website as a blog, which is an excellent way to showcase your industry knowledge. Great topics to write about are notable new developments in your field, passion projects outside of your current work, professional accomplishments and career goals!

Contact Information

With a great personal website, visitors will likely want to reach out and connect with you! Always include a section on your site with contact information so they know where to find you. This section could include a professional email address, your LinkedIn profile, or a contact form. Remember to only include an email you check often and/or a contact form that you will regularly keep up with.

Keep Your Website Updated

If you are consistently sharing your website on your professional profiles or to new connections, make sure you are updating your website regularly to reflect new posts, accomplishments, and projects!

Personal Branding Don’ts

Don’t Fill Your Site With Blocks of Text

Filling your site with huge blocks of text will likely turn visitors away! Your website should be engaging and easy to read. Within a couple minutes of looking around your site, visitors should be able to get a good sense of who you are and what you have accomplished so far! The last thing you want is visitors feeling overwhelmed or struggling to locate your work once they have found your site. 

Try and find other sites you admire and write down what they do and use that as inspiration.

Don’t Include Everything You’ve Ever Worked On

Be strategic about what projects you choose to display on your site. Only include your best work and the projects that really showcase your skill sets! 

Don’t Link To Personal Social Media Accounts

Linking to a personal social media account will likely be seen as unprofessional and a form of oversharing. Unless these are business accounts or ones that further showcase your work, refrain from linking to them! (other than LinkedIn)

Eportfolios@Macaulay

At Macaulay, we encourage you to use ePortfolios to create your site! Please see here for more information on how to use this platform. You can find guidelines for use and FAQs here!

Other Ways To Build A Professional Online Presence 

If you do not want to create a personal website or if this does not really apply to your specific field, you can build your online professional presence through LinkedIn and other platforms as well. Check out this guide from The Balance Career about this! 

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Interested in writing a blog for the Career Development blog? It’s open to Macaulay students and alums. If you would like to contribute or have any questions, feel free to email Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu.

By: Anne Hwang ’23

As the fall semester begins remotely, you might find yourself receiving emails one after another, encouraging you to apply for internships. While many internship opportunities may seem intriguing, it’s important to evaluate your situation to see whether or not you are ready to begin interning. 

Freshman Year

Starting your first year of college can be very intimidating. Not only are you in a completely new environment, but your class structures and schedules are different every day. So while you may be very eager to learn and participate in both student life and internships, it’s important to recognize that you need some time to settle in and get used to this new college life. As a freshman, it is highly recommended that you focus your first semesters on adjusting to the classes and joining any clubs or student activities. After you feel more comfortable with your schedule, you should then consider looking into internships of your interest. 

Summer Internships

Interning in the summer can be a great way for students to build experiences without having to worry about the workload from classes. A summer internship also offers more flexibility, as you have the option of applying for both part-time and full-time internships.

Before applying for a summer internship, check your summer schedule to ensure you have amble time to partake in the internship (don’t forget commuting!) Once you’re ready, you can begin applying for internships! Just keep in mind that summer positions are often very competitive, and some companies begin accepting applications as early as September for the following summer, so keep an eye out for those deadlines! (Macaulay’s Career Development sends emails curated just for you, so be sure to open those!)

Fall/Winter/Spring Internship

Aside from summer internships, there are also ample opportunities for students to intern during the school year. However, fall, winter or spring internships during the academic year are a bit trickier, as you now have to balance your academic coursework.

Before applying for a fall, winter, or spring internship, you should evaluate your class schedule and course load. Depending on the number of credits you have applied for and the type of classes you have enrolled in, your schedule may already be extremely packed. Additionally, the internship position may also require you to travel, which means you will also have to take into account travel time. You don’t want to put in only half of your effort in an internship or schoolwork. 

While many honor students often have the habit of taking on multiple things at once, overloading yourself during the academic year could potentially lead to more stress and negative outcomes. Therefore, it is best to pursue an internship during the academic year only if you feel confident in managing your time and balancing your coursework and internship.    

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Lastly, keep in mind that you may not always feel so certain about whether or not you are ready for an internship. You may also feel indecisive about whether you should pick a fall, winter, spring or summer internship. However, there’s no need to fret! You can always speak with your Macaulay advisor or the Career and Development Team for guidance and tips on how to approach applying for an internship!

Additional Resources:

• https://www.wayup.com/guide/community/timing-is-everything-when-to-do-an-internship/
• https://www.thebalancecareers.com/when-to-apply-for-an-internship-2059852#can-first-year-students-apply-for-internships 

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Interested in writing a blog for the Career Development blog? It’s open to Macaulay students and alums. If you would like to contribute or have any questions, feel free to email Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu.