When to Start Applying for a Summer Internship

One of the most important ways to explore your career options and get hands-on job training while still in school is to engage in a summer internship. The key to landing the right internship is not only knowing what you’re interested in doing but also when you should apply. Since different industries have different timelines with structured career paths like finance, consulting and technology requiring internship applications to be submitted almost a year in advance, it’s important to know the timelines for different fields and what you should be doing each semester to ensure that you land the summer internship of your dreams.

Here is when you should begin applying for a summer internship.

What to do during the fall semester

As a general rule, if you’re looking for a summer internship you should start thinking about the process first semester of that year. It’s never too early to start the process, and the more time you give yourself, the less stressful the process will be. To begin, it’s important to reflect on the types of jobs you’re interested in. A great place to start this is to meet with people who are in the fields you’re interested in and ask them questions about what it’s really like to work in those fields.

Once you have a general sense of what jobs you’d like to focus on, research interesting companies online (via WayUp, social media, and the company’s own website) and attend networking events (i.e. corporate presentations, career fairs, networking nights) these companies are hosting. You should check-in with your career center for a calendar of all upcoming employer events. Many of these happen starting in September and October, so be sure to go to campus ready to start networking. You should also reach out to alumni or interesting employees at these companies – most are more than happy to answer any questions you have, and even set up informal coffee chats or informational interviews to help you prepare for the working world.

Most applications (ie when you actually submit your resume online) open anywhere from November-January. The company’s website and/or your career center portal will likely have those dates published months in advance, so you can schedule reminders and plan your time accordingly. This varies according to industry and company size. Large, well-established companies (Goldman Sachs, Google, PwC) will have very structured recruitment processes that will likely move very quickly (networking, applications and interviews will be wrapped up by January).

For less structured programs, or for small companies and startups, internship opportunities are likely to come up throughout the spring semester and even during the first few weeks of summer break.

What to do during the spring semester

Smaller, newer companies (startups, family-owned businesses) will likely have more lenient timelines and move a bit slower. Many of these companies do not have the resources to come to campuses for fairs or advertise their openings on the university portal, so you’ll need to do some extra legwork (research the company and their openings, reach out to a current employee to introduce yourself, etc) before applying. We recommend starting this during the first part of spring semester and planning for interviews running from March-May.

If you haven’t found anything by the middle of the spring semester, don’t worry. Instead, head to WayUp to look for internship opportunities in your chosen field. You can also book an appointment with your faculty advisor and/or campus career advisor to ask about existing college and university partnerships. There may be a small, local internship nobody has applied for yet.
To avoid stressing too much about early internship deadlines, think ahead. The most competitive internship programs may require you to prep a year in advance to give you ample time to comfortably complete your application. But even if spring semester is coming to a close, chances are that you’ll be able to find an internship that will meet your needs. And when you’re ready to apply, we’ve got lots of paid and unpaid internship opportunities that are just right for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Should I Intern As a College Freshman? and find answers to common interview questions such as Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

Should I Intern as a College Senior?

Considering an internship during your senior year can seem overwhelming, particularly when graduation and the post-college job hunt lie ahead. Still, interning during your senior year can give you the chance to add some new skills to your resume and build up your professional network. When deciding whether or not to take on an internship during your final year, it’s important to weigh out factors like your class schedule, your previous internship experience and the field you’re hoping to enter.

Once you’ve done that, here are a few other factors to consider when deciding whether to intern as a senior.

Internships help build your professional network.

Internships are a great way to expand your professional network by introducing you to key players in the industry you’re hoping to enter. This is especially helpful if you’re getting close to graduation and would like to have more contacts in your field.

Employers want to know that you’re spending your time wisely.

By the time they graduate, each senior should have something solid on their resume. While several college students will opt to do summer internships, an internship during your senior year will show employers that you take initiative and have a desire for continuous learning.

You continue to hone time management and professional skills.

Senior year goes by fast, but when you’re balancing an internship on top of your classes and extracurriculars, you quickly learn time management skills. These skills will come in handy after graduation regardless of what field you got into because they’ll help you prioritize tasks and make the most of all the hours in the day.

You’ll be top of mind for the employer.

Employers love to hire people they know and trust. If you’ve performed well at an internship and maintain strong relationships, it’s likely your employer will be willing to vouch for you. Even if they can’t hire you at their company, they can share your resume with people in their own network.

You’ll be able to earn extra money.

If you land a paid internship, you’ll be able to not only purchase things for yourself, but also save extra money for your first apartment or an emergency fund. And best of all, paid internships are much more likely to get you hired when you graduate.  

Balance is a tricky thing in college, especially during senior year. However, if you find you have the time to take on an internship, doing so might be one of the most useful things you can do to help you land a job after graduation. In addition to providing you with much-needed experience, taking on an internship as a senior will help build your professional network and set you on the path to success.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is a Chronological Resume? and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About an Accomplishment That You’re Most Proud Of.

How to Dress for a Job Interview at a Bank

Whether you’re interviewing for a paid or unpaid internship or an entry-level job in banking, there are a few things you need to know about the dress code that will help you put your best foot forward.

Here’s what you should keep in mind when deciding what to wear.

1. Know what’s appropriate in the industry.

Many bank positions require you to interact with clients all day long, so you’ll want to make sure you maintain a professional look at all times. In general, the banking industry is known for its upscale, clean look. In the past, a three-piece suit was required. Nowadays, things are a bit more relaxed, so you’ll want to wear something that falls within the realm of business casual.

2. Pick a conservative outfit that fits your style.

Men should wear a dress shirt, slacks, dress shoes and properly matching accessories, such as a tie and belt. If you do decide to wear a suit or blazer, make sure that you choose one with dark, muted colors.

Women should stick with a suit — slacks or a skirt on bottom, a blouse and a blazer on top. A classic black dress will also work, and can, depending on the style, be paired with a colorful blazer. If you’re going to go the dress route, avoid anything without sleeves. Go light on jewelry since subtle details are best for interviews.

As far as colors go, neutrals are best. You can add a pop of color with accessories such as jewelry for women or a vivid tie for men. If you’re traveling far for your job interview, go with lightweight, breathable fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily.

3. When in doubt, ask questions.

Potential employers want you to excel in the interview, so asking the right questions is a great way to set yourself up for success. Don’t be afraid to ask the hiring manager (or the recruiter who set up your interview) what would be most appropriate to wear for your interview. This simple question will ensure that you start off on the right foot.

Pro Tip: Don’t skimp out when it comes to footwear. Believe it or not, people really notice them. Good-looking, polished shoes convey attention to detail, so be sure to wear your best pair.

By picking an outfit that’s appropriate for the interview and fits your style, you’ll be sure to impress the interviewer while being comfortable and confident.

 

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get an Entry-Level Job with No Experience and find answers to common interview questions such as How do I get an Internship?

Career Opportunities for Sociology Majors

While being a sociology major might seem like a broad course of study, the great thing about this major is that it helps you build a diverse skill set and prepares you for a number of different careers including politics, social work and education. And because of its broad scope, it also allows you to understand the social implications of your work and to seek out opportunities that align with your passions.

Some of the most common career fields for sociology majors include:

Social work

Sociology majors are usually people who are dedicated to helping others and making the world a better place, so they will often turn to social work as a means of making that happen. And since they have a solid understanding of the complex issues affecting the people they work with, sociology majors can be especially effective in this type of role.

Politics

Because they desire change, many sociology majors also work in politics, either trying to enact change as policymakers or working behind the scenes to get politicians elected or to promote causes and bring them to the attention of influential figures.

Activism

After seeing the big problems society is dealing with, many sociology majors turn to activism as a way of effecting change on a large scale. Activism comes in many forms, including working for a nonprofit that specializes in promoting a particular cause or becoming an advocate in Washington D.C.

Journalism

Sociology can also be a great foundation for a journalism career. By doing field work and analyzing data, you’ll learn how to find subjects, approach them and get the information you want. Additionally, sociology gives you exposure to a variety of societal problems and this can help you figure out your journalistic focus. For instance, if you’ve taken lots of criminal justice courses in college, writing for the crime beat is an easy transition.

Academia

Many sociology majors go on to become experts in a particular group or type of behavior. For instance, a professor could focus on social movements and how they have and haven’t changed over time. Another professor could study something as specific as rap music over the course of the 1990s and what that means for society today.

Law

On many occasions, incensed by the huge societal problems at hand, sociology majors will turn to the legal profession as a way of making an impact. While some choose to go to law school to become lawyers, others decide to become paralegals, probation officers or investigators. All of these positions are a critical part of the criminal justice system and a natural fit for those who are passionate about social issues.

Education

Sociology majors also go into education in the hopes of making a difference in the lives of both young people and adults. While secondary and postsecondary education (high school and college) are the most popular teaching areas, sociology majors can be found in teaching positions across all grade levels. In many cases, young graduates may turn to teaching nonprofits (for example, Teach For America) to become certified educators.

Whether it’s exploring compelling opportunities within the legal profession or discovering the exciting world of journalism, being a sociology major can open up the door to many different careers. The best way to find out which one is right for you is by taking on an internship and seeing which type of career fits your interests.

Next, learn more about this college major such as What is a Sociology Major and is it Right for Me? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Interview?

Types of Entry-Level Jobs for Computer Science Majors

If you’re a computer science major who is interested in pursuing a tech-based career, you might be wondering about the best options for entry-level jobs. Depending on your interests and familiarity with the various industry verticals, there are many options to choose from and each one involves a combination of challenging and exciting projects.

Here are the various roles you can pursue to kickstart your career.

Front-End Engineer

Front-End engineers make the interfaces we all love and use daily. If you like to see immediate, “tangible” results from your code and have a flair for design, then being a front-end engineer may be the role for you. As a front-end engineer, you’ll typically be working on the very front of the page. In a nutshell, you’ll be taking mockups given to you by the designer and turning them into web pages; implementing designs, prototyping and writing code that translates directly into what users see on the screen. The code you’ll be writing for this job is almost exclusively HTML/CSS and JavaScript, and it requires a strong ability to write cleanly in order to ensure long-term maintainability and future fast iterating. Deep knowledge of CSS and other front-end frameworks such as jQuery are a must.

Back-End Engineer

If you enjoy learning how to optimize read times on large data sets, crafting large data structures like an architect would a building, or making sure that your app has the best search function around, you may have a calling in back-end development. Back-end engineers are most concerned with what goes on behind the scenes — the business logic, data storage and retrieval, and key features that happen on the server. Knowing your SQL commands and relationships, familiarity with appropriate back-end languages such as Java, C++, Ruby, Python or JavaScript, knowledge of systems architecture and understanding of the hurdles of building applications at scale are helpful for this role.

Full-Stack Engineer

Being a full-stack engineer involves working with a combination of both front-end and back-end technologies, and it’s the perfect role for someone who likes building complete products or features. In addition to being able to develop back-end processes to connect servers and databases, you’ll also be working on the user-facing application to ensure that the product delivers seamless experience from end to end. However, it’s important to note that given the scope of this position, many full-stack engineers are “jacks of all trades but masters of none,” so it’s worth considering whether you want to be an expert in a particular discipline or whether you’re more comfortable when you’re constantly learning new things.

Mobile Engineer

Due to the rising use of apps, mobile engineers are in great demand right now. And since pretty much everyone uses either an iPhone or Android device these days, being familiar with their respective development platforms is a great way to secure your spot for this role.
The best way to show that you have what it takes is by being able to show off some apps that you’ve built on your own. If you already know Java, Android may be the best place for you to start, but if you prefer the iOS ecosystem, you’ll need to start learning Swift and XCode.

DevOps Engineer

The role of a DevOps engineer often differs from company to company, but at its core, DevOps engineers are responsible for the system infrastructure and “keeping the lights on.” If you’re fascinated by networking, intrigued by how the various tools and languages your team uses work and love setting up new servers, DevOps may be for you. The DevOps movement expands on the traditional responsibilities of system administrators to bring as much automation to the job as possible, so DevOps engineers are actually a hybrid of programmers and sysadmins.

Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer

Building scalable software requires that many levels of quality be considered. The first component is that the software must work, but it also must be written according to best practices and in a fashion that will not break other components of the program being developed. As a QA Engineer, you’ll be writing tests and testing suites while also running tests. Familiarity with software best practices and writing comprehensive tests that cover all edge cases will help you land your first QA job.

Product Manager

An increasingly popular role for computer science majors, being a product manager involves identifying opportunities for new products and working with an engineering team to design and execute them. As a product manager, you’ll be responsible for creating a roadmap of the product as well as market testing the product and launching it. This is a great role for someone who is interested in working on the strategy side of product development and someone who is passionate about the user experience.

Being a computer science major opens up a lot of exciting doors and offers you the opportunity to continue building your skill set as a programmer and beyond. The best way to figure out which opportunity is best for you is by pursuing an internship and figuring out which career path most closely aligns with your interests.

Next, learn more about this college major such as What Is a Computer Science Major and Is It Right for Me? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 5 Technology Trends You Need to Know to Work in Any Industry.

* This article was written in partnership with the team at Outco.

How to Check in With a Recruiter When You Haven’t Heard Back

You met with a recruiter, had a fantastic interview and then you never heard back. If you’re disappointed (or worse, panicking), don’t. There are lots of reasons why a recruiter may not have gotten in touch with you yet. They could be waiting to hear back from the employer, ironing out the details of your offer or they’re just having a really busy week. No matter what the reason, if they said they’d be in touch by a specific date and the date has now passed, it’s perfectly fine to reach out to them and check where things stand with the job. If they didn’t give you a timeframe, it’s still fine to follow up but we recommend waiting a week or two before you do.

Here’s how to do it with confidence and tact.

Let them know you’re interested, but don’t be aggressive.

Keep your tone light and friendly, and focus on next steps. It’s important that you communicate with the recruiter with enthusiasm, not desperation. The most important tip: don’t call. Recruiters are often very busy and they don’t appreciate unscheduled calls. Plus, sending an email will make it easier for them to follow up when they’re available.

Want to really make an impression? Mention a specific moment from the interview. This will help to jog the recruiter’s memory and increase the likelihood of them getting back to you.

Here’s what your email should look like:

“Hi Lisa,

I hope you’re having a great week! I wanted to send a quick note to say that I really enjoyed meeting everyone at [company] last week and I especially enjoyed discussing [X project] with you. I’m really excited about the role and think it could be a great fit. Are there any updates on the position?

All the best,

Mike”

Mention any changes related to your application.

Did you just win an award for a class project or find out you’re graduating summa cum laude? Congratulations! That’s really exciting news and a great thing to include in your follow-up email. Be sure to mention this when you reach out to the recruiter and let them know that you’d like to update your application. It’s a wonderful way to start off an email and it might increase your chances of getting the job.

Establish a relationship that will extend beyond the current role.

Even though the interview went really well, the truth is that the employer may have gone in a different direction. If that happens, it doesn’t mean that your relationship with the recruiter has to end. In fact, the opposite is true. A recruiter can be your best friend in a job search and your ability to take rejection well will show them that you’re flexible and able to go with the flow. Ask them if there are any other opportunities that might be a good fit. Chances are they have a couple. And if not, they’ll still be more likely to stay in touch if they know you’re open to other possibilities.

Pro Tip: If you’re really interested in a company, set yourself a calendar reminder and reach out again after three months. Since you’re already on the recruiter’s radar, they’re much more likely to consider you for roles that are just opening up.

Waiting to hear back after an interview is one of the most stressful parts of the job search. But an effective email can work wonders to reestablish a connection with a recruiter, and potentially with an employer. Following these tips will increase your chance of getting a response and may put you front and center in the recruiter’s mind. But like any relationship, it’s also important to know when to cut your losses. If the recruiter doesn’t respond after the follow-up email, it’s time to move on. Luckily, there are plenty of other jobs for recent graduates and we’re here to help you make the most of them.

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 Are You Willing to Relocate?

Career Opportunities for Religion Majors

From studying ancient texts to understanding how religion shapes societies, being a religion major is a great opportunity to learn about the impact of various belief systems on our day-to-day lives. But when it comes to deciding on a career, what are the best ways for religion majors to apply their skills in the real world? For example, what career paths can you embark on with a religion major and where are you likely to be most successful?

Here are some of the most common career paths for religion majors.

Religion

Since many religion majors are passionate about one or more religious beliefs, a career as a religious functionary is a great way to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical way. By taking on a role as a minister, rabbi or another type of religious leader, you’ll able to guide followers in your chosen religion while also learning more about that religion and its impact on society.

Education

Another common career path for religion majors is education. From teaching elementary school students to high school students, you’ll be able to translate your knowledge of history and global studies into a teaching career that can span a variety of subjects and grade levels. You can also choose to get an advanced degree in order to teach at the college level.

Research

For religion majors who are interested in continuing along an academic path, a research-focused career can be another satisfying option. This includes research conducted for nonprofits and government agencies as well as academic research related to an advanced degree.

Law

With their strong critical thinking and communication skills, religion majors also make wonderful lawyers, paralegals and legislative aides. In these roles, you’ll be working with clients on their respective legal cases or even advocating for policy change in a number of legislative areas.

Social Work

Another field where religion majors thrive is social work. Focused on helping clients address specific issues including drug addiction and mental health concerns, social work is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and to make an impact in the life of those who are working to overcome personal challenges.

With its focus on big-picture issues and human relationships, a religion major is a great way to build a strong skill set while gaining exposure to a broad range of ideas. These skills and knowledge can be applied to various careers including education, research and law. If you’re wondering what type of career is best for you, consider taking an internship in a field that interests you. This will help you develop your skill set while getting some exposure to a field you’re passionate about.

Next, learn more about this college major such as What is a Religion Major and is it Right for Me? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look for in an Internship.

What is a Graphic Designer?

Graphic design is an increasingly in-demand career that offers exciting opportunities to work on branding campaigns for companies and individuals. If you’re an arts or design major, or even if you’re just interested in finding out more about graphic design, you might be wondering what you can expect from a graphic design career.

We recently sat down with Emily Shellenberger, a graphic designer at Adweek, to learn more about what it means to work in graphic design and to get some tips on how to do it right.

What does a graphic designer do?

According to Emily, a graphic designer does “a little bit of everything from digital banners to social media materials to website design and print ads.” Since designers are responsible for creating a variety of marketing and branding materials, their day-to-day tasks can vary widely depending on what particular type of project they’re working on. But one thing remains constant: the ability to come up with designs for a broad range of platforms and to adjust those designs for print, digital and mobile platforms. This can include resizing a design multiple times to adapt it to a specific platform, or coming up with a concept that is relevant to only one channel, like print. Because graphic design is both creative and technical, designers also have to be skilled at using programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

What are the benefits of a graphic design career?

Graphic design is a cross-functional field and one that requires you to stay nimble when moving from task to task. “I’m on the marketing team and we kind of do a little bit of everything when it comes to Adweek’s marketing needs,” Emily explains, emphasizing that being a designer is a great way to be involved in many areas of a business. “Every day is different and for me, that’s great.” What’s the best part of being a designer? For Emily it’s not just about finding ways to execute creative concepts at work but also coming up with ways to apply those skills to her personal life. “A few of my friends found out that I could do design Snapchat filters and now everybody wants them for their weddings and birthday parties. It’s nice to know that you can help people out in a fun way too.”

What are some of the challenges graphic designers face?

Because the day-to-day job of a designer can vary widely depending on what they’re working on, one of the main challenges is being able to think about how the particular task you’re working on fits into the overall design concept of the brand. “You always have to think about how a design would look on mobile or how it would look on desktop,” Emily explains. In addition to the challenge of creating designs for multiple platforms, graphic designers also have to contend with the technical challenges of design itself. “For me personally, HTML and CSS are not my strong points,” Emily says, explaining that understanding how and when to apply this type of code is not always easy. However, she also emphasizes that learning basic coding like HTML and CSS is a great way to give yourself an edge in the industry and to continue developing your skills. “It definitely gives me an edge to know a little bit about them so I’m always pushing myself to get in there and try to make edits.”

Graphic design is an exciting field with plenty of great opportunities. If you’re interested in becoming a graphic designer and want to learn more about the industry, consider taking on an internship and getting some hands-on experience in the industry.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Use a Blog to Apply for an Internship and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

Career Opportunities for Advertising Majors

Despite the fact that advertising falls under the umbrella of marketing, it’s actually an incredibly flexible major that can open up all sorts of career opportunities in a variety of fields. Even better? They don’t all necessarily have to have a marketing focus.

Here are some of the many fields where you can use your advertising degree:

Marketing

Since advertising is part of marketing, most advertising majors will end up in marketing-related roles once they get out into the workforce. Advertising majors can put their credentials to good use as account executives or media planners for a marketing agency, or they can work in more creative roles as art directors, copywriters or event planners. In fact, because of the substantial overlap between these two fields, advertising majors are able to fill almost all of the same roles as marketing majors.

Politics

Many advertising majors have found success working for political campaigns and other initiatives surrounding candidates, causes and policies. Knowing how to market a person or cause to a particular demographic is vital in the world of politics, and your expertise will be wildly important if you choose to enter this field.

Sales

Many of the skills you learn as an advertising major (figuring out what your audience wants and then designing and presenting a pitch that appeals to them through various platforms) can make you a dynamite member of any sales team. Whether you’re working as a sales representative, a sales operations team member or another role within this field, your advertising background will come in handy.

Public Relations

Public relations is in the same wheelhouse as advertising and marketing, so it’s a natural fit for advertising majors who want to get into the world of publicity. Career options in this field include becoming a PR strategist or account executive, developing and executing strategies to boost a brand’s public presence. Depending on the type of role you choose, you could be working either at an agency or in-house at a particular company.

Design

If your advertising studies had a design component, you could find a successful career as a graphic designer or web designer. Your advertising background will also enable you to not only create beautiful designs but also understand the data and psychology behind why your work will resonate with a particular audience.

Next, learn more about this college major such as What is an Advertising Major and is it Right for Me? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 7 Phone Interview Tips That Will Land You a Second Interview.

How to Answer: What Are Your Weaknesses?

“What are your weaknesses?” is the flip side of the coin to “What are your strengths?”  and a great chance to show potential employers that you’re proactive about self-improvement. There are two key parts to this answer: confessing your weaknesses and showing that you’re working to address them. It’s important to realize that the interviewer is less concerned with your specific weaknesses (after all, everyone has them) and more concerned with your self-awareness and desire to improve.

Here are some tips to help you nail this interview question.

Pick a weakness that doesn’t affect your ability to do the job.

Narrow down your answer to only your biggest weakness. Since the interviewer is really looking for candidates who are self-aware and proactively trying to improve, talking about one main issue will give you a chance explain the steps you’ve taken to address the problem and, more importantly, not give the interviewer a reason to turn you down.

The weakness you pick shouldn’t take away from your ability to do the job or to fit in with the company, but it also shouldn’t come across as unrealistic or staged. Don’t say something like, “I’m too much of a perfectionist.” Your interviewer probably won’t believe it (this is no one’s biggest weakness) and it doesn’t give you a lot of room to elaborate on how you’ve taken actionable steps to address the issue. Instead, focus on the things you’ve struggled with in the past, like managing your time when you a have a busy class schedule, not speaking up for yourself during a class project, or not asking for help when you need it.

Pro Tip: Keep this focused and concise. You want to give the interviewer the sense that you’re self-aware, but you don’t want to dwell on all the ways your weakness has held you back. Try to frame your weakness in one sentence.

Walk through the steps you’ve taken to address the problem.

Once you’ve opened up about your weak point, demonstrate your ability to problem-solve by talking about how you’ve worked through the problem and mention some of the successes you’ve had as a result. End on a positive note and, if possible, tie the positive outcome back to the job you’re interviewing for.

Say something like: “I’ve always loved connecting with people and I tend to do that very well in person. However, my writing skills aren’t as strong as I would like them to be over email and in proposals. I’ve taken a writing class and I’ve seen my writing improve, but it’s something that I still need to work on. To make sure that I’m actively addressing the problem, I always ask for feedback when writing papers for class, and I include at least one English class in my schedule every semester. Although writing is one of my weaknesses, I’m taking active steps to get better and I know that I can become a good writer if I keep working on it.”

Although identifying your weak points might be a bit uncomfortable at first, answering “What are your weaknesses?” is a great opportunity to show that you’re able to identify and address problems in a proactive way. This is a skill that employers always look for and something that will help you stand out in a pool of other candidates.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What to Do When You Want a Second Job Offer and find answers to common interview questions such as Would You Describe Yourself as a Leader or a Follower?