What career or industry would you like to learn about? A summer job or internship can help you make important career decisions later. The following are some guidelines and suggestions in searching for a summer job.

Self Preparation

• Start Early! Some summer programs have early deadlines. It’s never too soon to begin! Set up an appointment with a Career Services (CSO) Counselor to discuss your interests and to plan your strategy for finding a summer job.
• Summer Job vs. Internship? The definition varies by organization and job-seeker! If you want to get paid, specify a “position” or “employment” on your resume, letters, and contacts with employers. Many employers assume that “internship” means for credit; make sure that’s what you want, too. If you’re not sure, or simply want experience regardless of whether you’re paid or not, use “experience,” instead. (Remember, you might not get paid if the employer thinks you’ll work for free! An “internship” possibility could become an “employment” opportunity!)
• Develop a Resume! Career Services (CSO) can help...we offer a Walk-in Assistance with a Career Counselor from Monday-Friday, 1-3 pm, Walk-in assistance with a Career Assistant through out the week, and appointments with Career Counselors.
• Participate in Practice Interviews. Videotaped Practice Interviews allow you to improve your self-presentation skills. You and a counselor will simulate an interview situation, discuss your strengths and weaknesses, and view the videotape. An Interviewing Guidelines Handout is available, as well.

Job Searching

1. Form Networks! Talk to parents, friends, professors, relatives, etc., to find out if any of these individuals can offer assistance when it comes to seeking opportunities for the summer. The purpose of connecting with each person is to see if these individuals can share information in regards to your field of interest as well as direct/refer you to a second person who can provide additional insights. This is the #1 way to find a job! Many great summer jobs are not a part of formal summer student or intern programs. Again, CSO can help you form your network of summer job search contacts.
2. Explore Positions With Your Villanova GoNOVA Account: (formerly eRecruiting/Experience) With Your Villanova Experience Account: Upload as many versions of your resume as needed into your Experience account. You are then eligible to apply for summer jobs and internships with employers who interview through on-campus recruiting and/or at their office locations, and participate in resume referrals. Include your resume in a Web Resume Book so that employers may view your information.
   • Job Listings: Summer/internship openings received by CSO are accessible through your GoNOVA account (formerly eRecruiting/Experience) with use of the current password. Additionally, you may be able to obtain helpful contact information (e.g. names of companies/contact people, addresses, phone numbers) from full-time job announcements. Students are encouraged to check job listings periodically in that new postings are added daily.
   • Web Resume Book: Employers contact CSO with information regarding summer job openings, including the qualifications that they are looking for in potential candidates. Based on these criteria, CSO searches the resumes in our database and forwards those that match to the employer. The employer will contact you directly if an interview is desired.
   • On-Campus Recruiting: A limited number of employers will conduct interviews, on campus, with candidates for summer positions. Information on these companies, position, and interview dates is accessible through your GoNOVA account (formerly eRecruiting/Experience). Many companies that interview on campus for full-time positions have summer jobs for which they are NOT providing on campus interviews. Utilize the recruiter contact and company information to communicate directly with those organizations in which you are interested in pursuing summer employment.
3. Career Library: Books and directories are available that offer contact information (e.g. names, addresses, profiles) of employers to contact for summer work.
4. Volunteer or be an Entrepreneur: If you cannot find paid work in your field, consider volunteering. Many nonprofit organizations cover a variety of fields; many would greatly appreciate volunteers. Or, you could form your own business venture. Remember, on your resume it’s not how much you were paid, but the experience that you gained that matters.
5. Make an appointment! If you have any questions, or don’t know where to begin, make an appointment with a Career Counselor. We’ll be happy to help!

Internship for Credit

• Students of the College of Arts & Sciences interested in an internship for credit should contact the Arts and Sciences Internship Office at 610-519-4232, or visit the office in SAC 451.
• Villanova School of Business students contact the Clay Center 610-519-5532, or visit the office in Bartley 1054.
• Students in other departments should consult their department chairs for information and approval.

Checklist

Prepare Attend Resume Workshop/Critique Review resume w/Counselor Sharpen interviewing skills Attend Interview Workshop Participate in Practice Interview		Gather Information Review summer job, internship, full-time job listings. Collect names, phone numbers, addresses CSO Career Library Job Choices Directories Through GoNOVA - (formerly eRecruiting/Experience)		Job Search Use your GoNova account (formerly eRecruiting/Experience) to create online resume Call prospective employers for further information Forward resumes/cover letters and follow up with phone calls/e-mail messages Participate in interviews on-and off-campus