Tag: senior

What is a Trend Forecaster?

If you’ve recently read an article about upcoming fashion trends or revolutionary technology products, then you’ve probably already come across the concept of trend forecasting. A popular component of the media and marketing industries, trend forecasting (also known as trend analysis) is designed to identify upcoming trends across a variety of different lifestyle areas such as fashion, technology and culture.

To find out more about trend forecasting and what it’s like to work in the field, we sat down with Sara Radin, a youth culture editor at WGSN, a trend forecasting company.

What does a trend forecaster do?

Although trend forecasting might seem a little bit like magic, it’s actually an analytical process that involves spotting patterns. In order to do this effectively, forecasters use consumer insights to predict what trends are most likely to have an impact on certain demographics. For Sara, who focuses on both fashion and culture trends, this means combining creativity and analysis to spot upcoming trends. Once she has an understanding of what those trends might be, Sara works with clients to develop strategies that will allow them to leverage those insights. “Our clients use us as a resource when they’re designing a fashion collection,” she explains, noting that the information her company provides helps clients optimize their products and develop their marketing strategies.

What are some of the most exciting aspects of a trend forecasting career?

Being on the cutting edge of new trends and technologies is one of the most exciting aspects of starting a career in this field. In fact, it comes with the potential of being an influencer, particularly if you’re an editor like Sara who is creating content that shapes how others see trends. Beyond the ability to shape public opinion and help companies define their consumer strategies, one of the other exciting aspects of this role is the exposure to new places and experiences. “Travel is a really big part of my job,” Sara says. “This year alone, I’ve gone to Montreal and Detroit and now I’m going to San Francisco, London and Miami. I would say that the best part of my job is that I get to have experiences that not only enrich the company but also enrich me.” By traveling to different areas of the country and the world, Sara has developed a great perspective on what’s trending in different places and she’s able to use that perspective when making recommendations to her clients.

What are some of the challenges trend forecasters face?

In our increasingly globalized world, trends come and go with lightning speed and staying ahead of them means that you’ll need to be knowledgeable about different trends and comfortable working in a constantly changing environment. Beyond the challenge of keeping up with the trends themselves, there are also other challenges such as those related to traveling extensively, working closely with a team and maintaining an unbiased and analytical perspective on what’s trending. For Sara, one of the biggest challenges is covering projects that are outside her key areas of interest. “A willingness to take one for the team and cover some things that may not be your passion is probably a big part of any job and I’m still grateful for those opportunities,” she says, emphasizing that those experiences add to her perspective while also making her a valuable asset to the company.

Trend forecasting is a great career option for those who are interested in staying ahead of the curve and passionate about helping others do the same. If you’re thinking about becoming a trend forecaster and want to learn more about the role, consider taking on an internship and getting some hands-on experience of what it’s like to work in this exciting field.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

How to Dress for a Job Interview at a Traditional Corporation

Understanding how to dress for a job interview at a large corporation can be intimidating if you’ve never had an internship or entry-level job. After all, corporations are typically conservative so knowing how to navigate the dress code can seem a little challenging at first. However, with a little bit of research it’s possible to pick the perfect outfit and still feel like yourself.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when dressing for an interview at a corporation.

1. Keep it conservative

You’ve probably heard of casual and business casual attire, but what exactly does conservative attire look like? In one word: suits. These should be neutral in color, with a button-down shirt and tie for men and a nice blouse for women. Women can also wear a dress with a blazer on top or a skirt suit if they feel more comfortable.

If you’re worried about not being able to personalize your outfit, don’t be. You can definitely do this with some tasteful accessories. For men, this means a colorful tie or fun socks, and for women, a statement piece of jewelry or a nice scarf. Feel free to mix a brighter color among the more neutral tones but be sure to keep it understated.

2. Wear the right shoes

Wearing appropriate footwear is a must for all interviews and interviews at corporations are no exception. This means wearing comfortable but nice shoes, the ones that are clean and professional but not over the top. Shoes can tell a potential employer lot about a person — whether you’re neat and tidy (clean, polished shoes), or unkempt (dirty, old shoes). Often people see footwear as a small glimpse into who you are as a person so make sure yours are clean, professional and comfortable for you.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask

Even if you feel comfortable with your outfit for the interview, it never hurts to ask just to be sure. Reach out to your contact at the company, whether it be the hiring manager or HR. You can say something like, “Do you have any suggestions for interview attire?” Since they encounter this question on a regular basis, they’ll be able to give you some tips on how to put your best foot forward and ensure that you’re confident and well-dressed on the day of your interview.

Although interviewing at a large corporation can seem intimidating, it doesn’t need to be. By picking an outfit that’s conservative but still fits your style, you’ll be setting the right tone for the interview and feeling great about yourself to boot.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About a Time You Made a Mistake.

What Is a Communications Specialist?

A fast-paced and exciting career, working in communications is a great way for recent grads to learn about the field of communications while helping companies get their message across effectively. If you’re considering a position as a communications specialist, you might be wondering whether the role might be a good fit for you.

Here are some of the key things you need to know about working in communications.

What is a communications specialist?

Similar to a public relations specialist, a communications specialist is responsible for building and maintaining relationships between the company or brand they represent and the outside world. Depending on their role, communications specialists may also be responsible for managing communications within the organization itself including crafting company-wide newsletters, creating brand awareness programs and getting feedback from employees about the company’s communications strategy.

What does a communications specialist do?

In addition to working on internal communications strategies and branding programs, communications specialists also act as the public face of the brand. Working either with PR specialists or on their own, they are responsible for responding to media requests, crafting press releases and even managing events on behalf of the company.

What are the challenges of working in communications?

Being a communications specialist certainly does come with its share of challenges. These include having to perform “damage control” in any instance where the company gets bad publicity, being able to ensure consistent messaging across all communications materials and generally being able to balance all of the different tasks involved. In addition to these challenges, communications specialists are also sometimes called upon to handle problems with the organization or with external third parties and they must ensure that they keep their cool while always representing the company in the best possible light.

What are the benefits of working in communications?

Although this job definitely has its share of challenges, it also has a lot of benefits. These include establishing great relationships with the public and the media, liaising with thought leaders in one or more fields and and organizing high-profile events that are likely to generate attention for the company. This is a great way to gain exposure to various areas of the communications and media industries, while building a solid reputation and a strong professional network.

What is the typical salary of a communications specialist?

A typical entry-level salary for a communications specialist is around $45,000 with senior communications specialists earning a median salary of $75,000 and directors earning anywhere from $75,000 – $120,000, depending on location and experience.

From handling media requests to working on internal communications for the company, being a communications specialist has a lot to offer recent grads. The best way to find out if being a communications specialist is right for you is to get a hands-on feel for the role by doing an internship.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 3 Ways to Be More Productive at Work and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are You Passionate About?

How to Use Your WayUp Profile As a Resume

If you’re just starting your job search for your first internship or entry-level job, you probably have some questions about the best way to create a resume. For example, what resume template should you use and what’s the best way to ensure that you’re highlighting your skills and experience effectively?

WayUp is taking the guesswork out of the resume generation process by providing each user with a student profile that doubles as a digital resume and portfolio. As an added bonus, you can use your profile to apply to jobs directly, making your job search both easy and effective. The best part? Businesses are searching through student profiles every day and inviting qualified candidates to apply.                                        

Here’s how to make your profile stand out.

The Basics

Making sure that each section is completely filled out (and interesting) is the first step to getting the most out of your profile.

About You

The first section includes a short description of who you are along with a “Fun Fact” and “Languages.” Use this section to show off your personality and include everything that makes you unique. It’s important to keep in mind that employers are interested in more than just your GPA. They want to see your personality shine through and they’re likely to take notice of unique traits and hobbies.

Education

This one is straightforward but very important. To make the most of it, we recommend taking it a step further by filing in 3-7 of your favorite classes so that employers can see what you’re interested in.

Internship & Work Experience

This is a wonderful chance to highlight your work experience, whether that experience is based in an office or not. Jobs like being a camp counselor or a waitress are awesome to include because they demonstrate important skill sets like how to work with a team and how to interact with customers. If you’re interested in becoming a teacher, your work as a counselor will also show potential employers that you have the right training for the job.

Be sure to include 2-5 bullet points that describe each role and use action words like “led,” “developed,” and “created” when explaining what you achieved at each job. Emphasize your accomplishments and give an example for each one. Did you double a company’s Instagram followers at your social media internship? Be sure to note that and, if possible, use metrics to quantify the impact of your work.

Above all, show that each of your previous jobs was a valuable learning experience. If you were a Starbucks barista, the skills you picked up in customer service and upselling are going to be really useful for the sales internship you’re trying to land, and it’s important to emphasize that.

Extracurriculars

This is the section where you can highlight some of the fun things you’ve done on campus. Whether you’re an athlete, in a sorority, or part of a club, mentioning the organizations you’re involved in will give employers a sense of how well-rounded you are.

Skills

From hard skills like programming and writing to soft skills like communication and leadership, this section is the perfect opportunity to emphasize your strengths and play up your experience.

Hobbies

This section offers a great chance to add a bit more color to your profile. Whether you love to snowboard or know the full Netflix lineup every month, listing your hobbies is a good opportunity to round out your profile with some more things that make you unique.

Choose the right profile picture

Adding a picture to your WayUp profile is a great way to boost your chances of getting hired, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind when picking the right one. Your picture probably shouldn’t be the same as your Snapchat selfie or Instagram thumbnail. Instead, pick a high-quality photo that makes you look professional while still showing your personality. The picture should be a solo shot — no friends, family members or cropped out arms should be visible.

Pro Tip: When deciding what to wear, go with something casual but conservative. Think about what you might wear to dinner when your friends’ parents are in town, and choose your outfit based on that.

Make it public

Once your profile is filled out, we recommend making it public. This will make it possible for employers to find you and it will significantly increase your chances of getting hired.

To do this, go to the very bottom of your profile page. There, you’ll see a box labeled “Public Searchability.” Click “Yes” and then make sure to click “Let Businesses Find Me” on the Account Settings page too.

Filling out your WayUp profile is a great first step in landing the job you want. In addition to serving as an online resume and portfolio, your WayUp profile will also make it easier for employers to find you and to consider you as a serious candidate for both internships and entry-level jobs. Ready to get started? Starting filling out your profile now.

 

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 5 Tips for Getting an Entry-Level Job Unrelated to Your Major and find answers to common interview questions such as What are you Passionate About?.

How to Dress for an Interview at a Startup

Deciphering what to wear to an interview at a startup might be a little confusing. You need to show that you’re a professional who is taking the opportunity seriously, but you also need to be ready to dodge a ping pong ball or two. Whether you’re interviewing for an internship or an entry-level job, here are a few tips to keep in mind when picking out your outfit.

1. Check the office dress code online

Review the company’s social media channels to get a sense of what the office attire might be. If the company has an office tour video on its site, take a look to see what people in the office are wearing. If there is no video, revert to the company’s social media channels and do some investigating there. Scroll through Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat to get an insider’s perspective on the company dress code. This will help you pick an outfit that complements the company culture and shows off your ability to fit in with the rest of the team.

2. Ask questions

Potential employers want you to excel in the interview, so asking the right questions is crucial to setting yourself up for success. Since startup culture being such a gray area, asking the hiring manager about appropriate attire shows that you’re interested in the role and committed to making a good impression. This simple question will help you avoid any awkward moments and ensure that you start off on the right foot.

3. Wear what suits you

Once you know the dress code, adapt it to fit your style. One of the hallmarks of startup culture is a comfortable workplace and that means dressing in a way that feels true to you. For women, this typically means a nice pair of dark-wash jeans, a button-down shirt or a blouse and nice flats. For men, khakis, a button-down shirt and shoes without scuff marks. It’s okay to be a little more adventurous with your outfit choices than you would be at a corporate interview, but still important to look pulled together.

Pro Tip: Avoid sneakers. Although these might be fine to wear to work once you land the job, showing up in sneakers sends the message that you’re a little too relaxed.  

4. Keep it clean

Make sure your outfit is clean and presentable for the interview. Stain-free, wrinkle-free clothes can definitely get you far, so take the extra time to look over your outfit before you leave for your interview. If you’re nervous about your cleaning or ironing skills, don’t be afraid to take your clothes to a dry cleaner. The extra money will be worth it when you get that offer letter.

 

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Using Social Media to Network and find answers to common interview questions such as What Gets You Up in the Morning?.

How to Write A Thank You Note After An Interview

One of the key parts of a successful interview is sending a thank you note after the interview is over. This is a must for two reasons: 1) You’ll be showing the hiring manager that you appreciate their time 2) You’ll be reminding them of what makes you unique and why you’d be a good fit for the role. As an added bonus, you’re also likely to stand out from other candidates who might not send a follow-up email.

Here are some tips to help you write the perfect thank you note.

Jot down notes as soon as you leave the interview.

Writing an outline of the email as soon as you leave the interview is a great way to ensure that everything is still fresh in your mind. Start by jotting down the interviewers’ names and other details you remember from the process. Then, write down three bullet points with things you want to highlight. The bullet points should consist of skills or special projects the hiring manager mentioned during your interview, as well as anything you want to emphasize about what you can bring to the role.

Write your thank you note.

Once you’re back at your computer, start writing your thank you email. Make sure to address the interviewer by name and to thank them for their time. Then, go on to talk about the skills and projects you outlined in your bullet points.

Your email should look something like this:

“Dear Ms. Blocs,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I really enjoyed meeting you and learning more about the position and the team at Company X. I was also excited to find out about the new project you mentioned. This is an area I’ve been interested in for quite some time and I know that I could add a lot of value to the development of this project.

Thank you again for the interview; I look forward to hearing from you soon.

All the best,
Kate

Pro Tip: Run your draft by a friend, parent or someone else you trust to ensure that your email touches on all the key points and is free of grammatical errors or typos.

Send the email the same day.

Once you have your email drafted and you’ve gotten feedback from a parent or friend, send it out the same day. This will show the interviewer that you’re enthusiastic about the role and proactive about showing your commitment. It will also ensure that you’re at the top of their mind as they make their decision.

Whether you’re interviewing for an internship or entry-level job, writing a thank you note is a great way to stand out from the crowd. And chances are, it will get you one step closer to landing that job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is a Panel Interview? and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are You Passionate About?

How Do I Get a Job in Another City or State?

Whether you’re looking for an entry-level out-of-state job or you want to relocate for a job in your dream city, there are many great reasons to initiate a job search in another location. And while the truth is that you are competing with other job seekers who are conveniently located closer to the job location, there are plenty of ways to circumvent this issue and land the role you want.

Here are some tips for getting a job in another city or state.

1. Apply for a hands-on internship

Employers would rather take a gamble on an out-of-state intern than a full-time employee because hiring an intern involves less commitment from them. Most internships are aimed at students, not recent grads, so employers understand that an intern may not have a local permanent address.

2. Network

One of the most important aspects of job hunting comes down to networking. When you are looking for a job in another city/state, networking is crucial. Start off by reaching out to friends, relatives and former classmates who are working in the city that interests you. School alumni are another valuable resource. By reconnecting, you will be on their radar and that can help you get your foot in the door. You can also try cold emailing people in that city who work in the same industry. This is a great chance to expand your professional network and find out about new opportunities in the city.

3. Be flexible

If you are searching for a job in a different time zone or you are in talks with an employer who wants to fill the position ASAP, you have to be ready for anything. You may have to do a Skype interview at an unusual time of day or even book a last-minute flight to meet the team in person with little notice. You must appear eager in the early stages of the interview process, so prepare to accommodate all of their requests.

4. Make it clear that you don’t expect the company to pay for your relocation

Many companies do not want to pay for new hires to relocate, at least when they are entry-level employees. In your cover letter, you should make it clear that it’s the JOB, not the location, that appeals to you. Explain that it won’t be an issue for you to get there because you are serious about moving anyway. Say that yes, you are currently living somewhere else, but you are prepared to move, at your own cost, by a specific date. Not only will this show that you are not a potential burden, it will also make you look proactive.

5. Do your research

If you are eager to live in a certain city, make sure to carefully research the ins and outs of that location before you make your move. That means reading up on the cost of living, figuring out the average rents in neighborhoods that appeal to you, and actually visiting the city to see how it feels. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your future home. Not only will doing so give you a better idea of a realistic salary range, it will also help you determine if you can really see yourself starting a new life there.

At WayUp, we have jobs around the country you can apply to. And best of all, since the opportunities are matched to your qualifications, any job you see you are eligible to apply for.

 

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Be a Team Player and find answers to common interview questions such as What Was a Time You Failed?.

Top 5 Things to Do When Applying for an Internship

When it comes to starting your career, few things are as important as getting internship experience under your belt. This is because internships help you develop your skill set while also showing you the ins and outs of what it’s like to work in particular field.

Here are five things to keep in mind when applying for an internship.

1. Update your resume

One of the keys to landing a great internship is having a great resume, so before you start applying for roles, it’s important to make sure that your resume is up to date and includes your relevant skills and experience. Having a strong resume is not only likely to get your noticed by employers, it will also help you realize what you can bring to the internship and what you still need to learn.

Pro Tip: Filling out your WayUp profile is another great way to get employers to notice you and to make the job search a lot easier. Best of all, unlike a regular resume, you can include extracurriculars, hobbies and fun facts, which will show employers that you’re a well-rounded candidate with a lot to offer.

2. Identify the type of internship you want

Once you have your resume and WayUp profile filled out, it’s time to decide what type of internship you want. The key to doing this is to have a good idea of what field you want to explore while staying flexible when it comes to the actual position. For example, if you know that you’re interested in marketing, you can consider internships in digital marketing, event marketing or social media. These will all give you great exposure to the field of marketing while helping you develop transferrable skills that you can use in almost any industry.

Pro Tip: In addition to figuring out what type of internship you want, you should also try to identify what type of company you want to work for. This will help to ensure that you’re happy with your decision and working in an environment that’s right for you.

3. Know the application deadlines

When it comes to landing an internship, timing can be just as important as having a great resume and knowing what to look for. If you’re applying for an internship in a structured field like finance or consulting, this means knowing the relevant timelines and following them. In most of these fields, summer internship opportunities are open for applications during the fall semester and candidates are usually offered places before winter break.

Pro Tip: If you’re applying for internships in a less structured field (like marketing, engineering or business operations) you’re likely to have more flexibility with applications since these internships tend to come up on a rolling basis. However, it’s important to still apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of success.

4. Apply for several internships

The best way to ensure that you find an internship that’s right for you is by keeping your options open and applying to a broad range of internships. Although this may seem somewhat overwhelming at first, it’s actually quite easy to do once you have your resume ready and know what types of roles to look for.

Pro Tip: The best way to keep track of your applications is by creating a spreadsheet with a list of the positions you’re applying for and including details such as the job title, company name, job post URL and the date you applied. This will make it easy to follow up with hiring managers and will keep you organized as you move forward with your job search.

5. Prepare for the interview

Once you’ve sent out your applications, it’s time to prepare for the interview. The best way to do this is by researching commonly asked interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “What are you passionate about?” and coming up with an answer that gives the interviewer a clear insight into who you are and what you can bring to the table.

Pro Tip: Practicing your answers out loud (either in front of a mirror or with a friend) is a great way to ensure that you’re coming across as confident and professional. Aim to practice each answer at least a few times, though more is often better.

By following these steps, you’ll be sure to set yourself up for success and get one step closer to landing an awesome internship.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How Much Should I be Paid at an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are You Passionate About?

3 Common Internship Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

From learning new skills to getting a hands-on feel for a particular job, internships have a lot to offer college students. If you’re considering an internship, you might be wondering what you can do to set yourself up for success. And, more importantly, is there anything you should avoid doing during your internship? The answer is yes, especially when it making common mistakes.

Here are the top three internship mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Not managing time well

One of the most common mistakes interns make is managing their time badly. Just as it’s sometimes difficult to juggle assignments for multiple classes, it can also be challenging to juggle the tasks associated with your internship, particularly if it’s a cross-functional role where you’re reporting to several different people.

How to avoid it: The best way to prevent this mistake and manage your time effectively is by getting a handle on your tasks right from the start. Talk to your manager about what will be expected of you in the role and create a list of goals and priorities that everyone can agree on. Once you’ve created that list, focus on your most important tasks first and try to take care of your easier, less important tasks at the end of the day. Project management tools like Asana or Trello can also come in quite handy, letting you track your tasks and progress throughout the week.

2. Complaining about trivial tasks

Another common mistakes many interns make is to underestimate the importance of trivial tasks. These can include research, data entry or filing and although they might not seem that important, they are actually a crucial part of running a business.

How to avoid it:  The first step in avoiding this mistake is realizing that everyone at the company (including your manager) has to do their fair share of grunt work. Once you have that understanding, it’s important to demonstrate your commitment to the job by showing that you’re a professional and a team player. Take pride in the tasks you perform — whether they involve filing or drafting emails — and be confident about the fact that you’re adding value to company.

3. Not asking for feedback

One of the keys to being successful in any role is asking for feedback on your performance and identifying ways that you can improve. Unfortunately, a lot of interns overlook this step, expecting managers to deliver feedback only if something critical comes up.

How to avoid it: Instead of waiting for your manager to bring up the subject of feedback, take the first step and ask them to weigh in some of the tasks you’re working on. For example, if you’re a marketing intern and you’ve been tasked with doing market research, you can show them the results of your initial research and say something like, “Am I taking the right approach with this?” This is a great way to show your manager that you value their feedback and that you’re committed to doing a great job.

Although on-the-job mistakes are often hard to avoid, you can definitely spare yourself from some of the most common ones by knowing what to expect and coming prepared.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Become a Software Developer and find answers to common interview questions such as What Motivates You?

Paid vs. Unpaid Internships: How to Decide

Choosing between a paid and unpaid internship may seem like a no-brainer, but there are several factors you should consider when making the decision. From your financial circumstances to the type of experience you’re looking to gain, finding the right internship should take into account both your current situation and your future goals.

Before we dive into the full list of things that may affect your decision, let’s cover the basics. What’s the difference between a paid internship and an unpaid one? The answer seems pretty simple: money. But it’s actually a bit more complicated than that. Unpaid internships need to meet stricter standards than paid ones and are more likely to be eligible for college credit. They are a great way to gain valuable hands-on experience that can be hard to come by in school. Unpaid internships can also help you land a job and grow your professional network. To find out more about credit requirements for your school and see how an internship meets your financial and professional goals, set up a meeting with your advisor.

And if you’re ready to take a more in-depth look at other factors, we’ve come up with a list of questions to help you narrow down your options.

1. What do you need to get out of the internship?

If you really need a summer job that pays, your focus should be on either a paid internship or a non-internship opportunity. But if you have the resources to support yourself (or are able to get another job in addition to your internship) an unpaid internship may offer some perks that a paid one doesn’t. For example, many small companies don’t have the budgets to pay interns, but sometimes they can offer a lot more hands-on experience than larger companies.

The key is to find out what opportunities the company is able to provide and to make the most of them. Maybe you can set up weekly meetings with the leadership team or one-on-one mentoring with a senior manager. Companies want interns who are motivated and enthusiastic, and they’re usually excited to work with you to provide the kind of experience you want.

2. Which type of internship will be most helpful to your career path?

If you’re nearing the end of your time in college, chances are you’ve already had an internship (or two) and you’re probably ready to take the next step towards your post-college career. In a recent survey, the National Association of Colleges and Employers noted that 65.4% of seniors who have paid internships on their resumes are more likely to get a job offer prior to graduation. If you want a paid internship but haven’t found any options, we’ve got several paid internships that might be right for you.

On the other hand, if you’re a freshman or sophomore and are looking to gain experience in a specific field, you may consider unpaid internships that give you the chance to develop certain skills and build your resume. The good news: You’re more likely to land a paid internship with an unpaid internship under your belt.

3. Is there a possible future with the company?

One of the best things about internships (both paid and unpaid) is that they can lead to a full-time job with a company. In fact, the promise of landing a full-time job is one of the main reasons why students consider unpaid internships in the first place. The best way to find out if the company you’re considering interning with has a history of hiring interns is to ask directly. And if a company does frequently hire interns, they’ll usually tell you that during your interview.

Choosing an internship is one of the most important decisions you can make during your time in college, and having as much information as possible will help you pick the right one. The key is to know what you want and work with potential employers to find the best fit. And if you want more advice, don’t be afraid to reach out to former interns or employees who are alums of your school. They’ll have the inside scoop on the companies you’re considering and be able to tell you what they got out of the experience.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Dress for a Job Interview at a Bank and find answers to common interview questions such as What Gets You Up in the Morning?