First Generation

Connecting on campus is crucial in many different ways. First, it’s a way to combat feeling socially isolated or alone and allows for you to build a sense of belonging on campus. Second, it gives you an opportunity to build relationships that can benefit you down the road when you’re looking for internships/job opportunities. Lastly, involvement on campus is a great way to begin building your résumé! Find connections through: 

• First Forward
• Mentoring Program
• Student Organizations

One key to being a top candidate for internship opportunities is to have a strong academic background. Many organizations have a minimum GPA requirement that they look at when accepting interns. Get academic support through:

• The Academic Support Center
• Your Academic Advisor
• Academic Tutors
• The Writing Center

We offer many resources when it comes to drafting résumés and cover letters. Your Career Development Specialist can also meet with you to edit and review your résumé / cover letter. 

Finding an internship can seem daunting at first, but with the help of Career Development we can make the process a little easier! There are many online resources for finding and applying for internships. Your Career Development Specialist is here to help you locate, apply for, and succeed in internships! 

All Gustavus students are eligible to apply for The Engaged Learning Fund. Students can apply for funding between $500 – $1,500 to support them through unpaid or underpaid internships. This funding can also be used for travel / lodging related to internships. 

Students of Gustavus have access to Big Interview, an online platform that lets you learn and practice your interview skills (both for internships, jobs, or graduate school). The Center for Career Development also offers resources on interviewing, examples of interview questions, and practice interviews. If you’re in need of professional dress for an interview, ThrifyGold hosts events throughout the year focused on discounted professional wardrobes! 

Meeting with a Career Development Specialist is a great way to move forward on your career journey, clarify your major or career ideas, learn how to search for opportunities, and articulate your strengths and experiences in application materials or interviews. Here are some examples of questions you could ask in an appointment: 

• Can you tell me more about how Career Development helps students? 
• I’m not sure that I’m in the right major. Can you help me think about my interests and where they align with major or career ideas? 
• Can you help me start a résumé/cover letter/searching for opportunities?
• What are some things (internships/jobs/graduate school programs) that other students have done with my major?
• What can I do to prepare for an internship? 
• How can I find opportunities related to my major or career ideas? Who are organizations who typically hire for my major or career ideas? 
• What is networking? How do I start networking? How can I find my career champions/build my network/find alumni who are similar to me? 
• I have an interview! Can you help me prepare? What will it be like? 
• Can you tell me more about Graduate School? Why do people go? Do I need to go? How do I apply? 
• What should I be doing as a student to make sure I’m career ready?