Searching for an internship requires hard work. Nowadays, it seems as if internships are the only way to come close to landing a career after college. Thankfully, Oklahoma Christian University students have many opportunities. The process may not be a piece of cake, but your advisors and professors are here to help you achieve sweet success.
You would be surprised by how many alumni make a living right here in Oklahoma City after graduation. No matter what you are majoring in, your advisor probably has several connections on and off campus. My advisor was able to work his magic with individuals who were willing to hire me on as an intern. So why not give it a try?
Talk with your advisor if you want to utilize the opportunities Oklahoma Christian has to offer through its faculty and staff. Because I am not from Oklahoma, it was challenging for me to step outside of the “OC bubble” and get off campus. Though it was a difficult task, my advisor was able to give me a list of people I might contact about internships. He even talked with the right people to steer them in my direction. When people say, “it’s all about who you know,” it’s the truth because connections are key.
When I returned to school this semester, I had two internship opportunities. Instead of feeling nervous about the interviewing process, I was thankful because I had options. Thanks to my advisor and what I have learned so far here at Oklahoma Christian, I was able to take another step forward in my career.
Oklahoma Christian has several connections not only with people located in Oklahoma, but across the nation and the globe. Although our school has much to offer, there is some work we have to do ourselves. If you don’t put in the effort to make yourself stand out from other candidates, then you probably don’t want an internship bad enough.
Still willing to work hard? Consider doing your part by having experience in your major before applying for an internship. If the place you want to apply notices you have experience behind you, you are definitely more likely to be considered for the position. And don’t forget about that important piece of paper – your resumé. Make sure you have your advisor or professor review it to check for any errors. I had my advisor look over mine and I probably wouldn’t have been considered for any internship if I had not allowed him to proofread it.
Above all, prayer is extremely important during this entire process. Although we attend a Christian university, do we really allow ourselves to let God intercede with our professional career? I learned to let God take every part of my life by praying about the internships. Instead of asking God to give me the one I most desired, I asked Him to give me an opportunity if it was his will. Especially if you feel like you are walking alone during this process, he will help you find your way. Putting your faith in him can make your internship dreams become a reality.
It sounds tough, but it will be worth it when you land the internship you’ve been hoping for. With the support of Oklahoma Christian and our mighty God, you’ll be on your way. Don’t give up.
Jessica Estrada is a senior at Oklahoma Christian University
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