Internships help you decide if you really want to do what you think you want
to do.
Employers want to see that you have practical experience, not experience as a cashier or as a waiter (unless that is what you want to do.)
Professional internships often pay very well, much better than normal
student jobs.
Companies tend to hire their interns first. Interns serve as a "farm team."
Don't take unpaid internships. This is bad for your future income, your desire to work in your chosen field, and your peace of mind.
2. You are the only one who will look out for you.
Part of a hiring manager's or recruiter's job is to bring you in on the lowest salary possible. They will make feel like a thief. Don't be pressured!
Know what you're worth! If company A offers $30,000 and company B offters
$20,000, then you are worth at least $30,000. Company B is trying to rip you off. Also, make note of any salary figures you see associated with your job goal.
An interview is as much about you learning about them as it is about them learning about you.
Never take your first job offer. This is an employee's world now.
If the offer comes with any sort of deadline to accept, turn it down. This is a dead giveawy for a bad deal.
Try to get as many offers as possible by doing as many interviews as possible. Choice is the ideal.
Remember, this is your time and your life. You are the boss, so have
standards. What does a company have to offer you?
3. Consulting is not that bad.
Consulting means working at one company's site for their team but getting paid by a second company.
These jobs are also "temporary" in that they involve contracts which have to be renewed. Usual contract terms are six months.
This is not a bad way to go for young technology professionals. These jobs offer more money and generally lead to permanent positions.
The benefits are usually horrible or non-existent.
Overall, this is like dating. You spend a year getting to know a company, proving yourself, and then you get "hitched."
The majority of technology openings are via consulting jobs.
4. What makes a good place to work?
Goal-oriented management, not behavior-oriented management (Cisco vs. IBM)
Relaxed, fun atmosphere. (The less well-behaved you have to be, the better.)
Reputation before claims of excellence. (The best never call themselves such.)
Consultants and permanent employees being treated the same.
Benefits are key. Especially stock options and paid time off.
This site was created especially for students of the UNC School of Journalism's JOMC 050 Class, and anyone else who may be interested.
For more information, please contactdaikat@email.unc.edu