Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Special Note About Alcohol:

• Alcohol will be served at this event, and each student attendee will be given one complementary drink ticket.
• ID will be checked for each person who wants to drink an alcoholic beverage.
• If you do plan to drink alcohol, please ensure that you are also drinking water and provided light snacks.
• More information on DU’s alcohol policy here: https://www.du.edu/handbook/alcohol

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tips for Success

• We encourage you to bring handouts or signage about your organization to have at your high-top table. 
• There is no dress code requirement for students. You are welcome to come dressed casually as you might be coming from class, work, or other extracurriculars. 
• There are many forms of greetings such as verbal, handshakes, waving hello, etc. Individuals will have various comfort levels involving physical contact. Please respect boundaries and consent. 
• Although we share the list of student organizations ahead of time, employers may not research your organization. Be prepared to share important information even if you are not asked. 
• Come with questions to ask about the employers, their organization, and their proudest moments working with other student organizations. 
• Don’t let the connections and conversations end with the event. Make sure to exchange contact information with the employers! 

If you want to take the next step to finding a summer internship, we encourage you to connect with your career advisor or a peer advisor to start your internship search! You can schedule career advising appointments on PCO under the appointments tab (www.du.edu/PCO), and you can find the peer advising drop in schedule HERE.  

Myth #1: Your internship determines the rest of your career. 

An internship is a great way to “try out” a career field without committing to it. All internships have some sort of learning component to them, and the purpose of them is to help you develop skills and clarify if you want to continue seeking that type of work in the future. Remember you always have the freedom to change your mind! 

Myth #2: You need prior related experience.  

You do not need prior related experience for most internships! While they do often ask for certain skills, you likely have learned these skills in other settings, like classes, clubs, or other experiences. We call these “transferrable skills” because they transfer from one type of work to another. Examples include communication skills, time management skills, etc. 

Myth #3: All internships are unpaid. 

Incorrect! While some internships are unpaid, many are paid or have an equivalent payment or stipend. Pro tip: All the internships posted in PCO tell if you if they are unpaid or not! 

Myth #4: I’ll just be making copies and getting coffee as an intern. 

It’s a stereotype that interns only do menial tasks – internships often include attending team meetings, regular meetings with a supervisor, goal setting activities, and special projects or assignments to help develop your learning. Sure, you might have to make copies once and a while, but that won’t be all you’re doing! 

Myth #5: An internship isn’t worth it. 

While it can be tough to “give up” some of your precious summertime to complete an internship, we have found that getting experiences like internships is a critical factor in your success after you graduate from DU. So be intentional about getting more experiences and building your skills for your future! 

If you want to take the next step to finding a summer internship, we encourage you to connect with your career advisor or a peer advisor to start your internship search! You can schedule career advising appointments on PCO under the appointments tab (www.du.edu/PCO), and you can find the peer advising drop in schedule HERE.  

Micro-Internships are short-term, professional assignments that help you build skills, explore career options, and prove yourself to prospective employers. Unlike a traditional internship, these paid opportunities typically range from 5 to 40 hours of work, and many can be completed remotely. Not only can you gain valuable experience by doing real work, but you will also be getting paid! Career & Professional Development is partnering with Parker Dewey, an organization that sources micro-internships for students and alumni. Continue reading to learn more and how to get started. You can also join Parker Dewey to learn more at one of their upcoming events:

FAQ Webinar: This webinar covers how to apply for these paid, professional experiences! (Register at https://info.parkerdewey.com/parkerdewey/studentfaqwebinar)

Office Hours: Have a profile already? Get it reviewed by Parker Dewey staff. (See Details/Join at https://info.parkerdewey.com/student-office-hours)

‘Creating Your Own Opportunities’ Webinar: Learn how to reach out to specific companies you’re interested in. (Register at https://info.parkerdewey.com/create-your-own-micro-internship-opportunities)

Here are 3 reasons to consider a micro-internship.

1. Get Experience Year-Round

We still love longer-term internships, but you may have limited availability outside of your classes or are looking for a short-term opportunity such as during winter break. Micro-Internships are flexible enough to allow you to work over breaks or to work while continuing to take classes. Many projects can be completed remotely – freeing you from scheduling around class time!

 2. Do This in Your Free Time

Many students find themselves involved in various activities on and off-campus with the goal of gathering enough experience to be able to find a job after graduation. These projects complement those experiences and are professional opportunities that you can do in your free time. Now, you can spend some of that downtime developing important career skills.

 3. Connect with Employers and Alumni

As a DU student, you appreciate the intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and other capabilities that are ingrained in our culture. As a result, these projects provide you an opportunity to apply your skills and see if the employer is a place you could see yourself working at and enjoying in the future.

Starting a micro-internship is as easy as applying for your first project. Get started here today.  Need additional support?  Here is a series of short videos to help you set up your profile and maximize the platform to find the right micro-internship for you.

Technology is rapidly expanding, evolving at the speed of light. And these innovations are changing the way industries operate. Many professionals are finding themselves amidst changing times, wondering whether or not it’s time for personal change, too.

Whether due to the demand for new skills or personal interest, now is as good a time to switch industries. But, of course, doing so isn’t for the faint of heart. Switching gears takes time and effort – and it doesn’t always make sense.

Here are four signs that it really is time for you to move to a different industry (and how to start from scratch again).

4 Signs It’s Time to Change Careers

Here are four red flags that are telling you it’s time to consider a career change.

1⃣ You’re feeling stagnant.

If you’ve noticed a lack of growth opportunities ahead of you, you may feel stuck in your current position.

Advancement and professional development are critical motivators for many people – and without them in sight, work can feel much less enticing. After all, it’s human nature to crave newness and to want to learn.

If you’re feeling stagnant, now is an excellent time to seek out that newness elsewhere. Switching industries might be the rejuvenating kick you need to reignite your passion and provide fresh growth opportunities.

2⃣ You’re experiencing low morale and poor job satisfaction.

Being happy with your job plays a vital role in our overall well-being.

After all, we spend such a big chunk of our time at work. If you don’t feel satisfied in that department, you might end up dreading going to work every day or opening up your laptop. Experiencing a constant sense of dread isn’t healthy for anyone, and this low morale level can quickly lead to burnout. 

If you’re feeling like wishing away the work weeks, maybe it’s time to explore something new. Take a look at what you enjoy doing and your strengths, and consider some other industries where you can combine what you love and what you’re good at doing.

3⃣ Industry advancements are attractive to you.

The world has been short-circuited by technological innovations, which are rapidly changing industries and work environments.

An industry that may not have been so appealing to you before may have recently become more enticing. Similarly, jobs that never existed before are cropping up left and right, such as with artificial intelligence. (And, in the same vein, artificial intelligence may be replacing some jobs – like yours – potentially making specific skills obsolete in the near future.)

These kinds of changes may entice you to try something new. They may also push you to make moves before you’re forced to do so if your job is on the line. Transitioning to an industry that requires different skills or more specialized skills isn’t easy, but it can be fun to find new ways of working.

4⃣ You’re just plain curious.

So many people “just get a job.” Any job. One that pays the bills or that just happened to them.

And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But maybe you have other untapped potential that you never gave a chance or curiosities that you never explored. 

It’s never too late to follow a passion. Personal growth and a sense of fulfillment are hugely significant in life and in work. And while making the jump to pursue a passion might seem scary, the reward can be so much greater than the risk.

4 Tips for getting started again

Consider your interests first. What brings you the most excitement when you consider it as a career? Is it a realistic career path? 

1. Be realistic about your strengths and weaknesses. Know what you’re good at and where you have room for improvement. Is there an industry that can help you hone in on your skills, or perhaps one that can help you strengthen your weak points? 
2. Educate yourself. There are plenty of online resources these days to which you can turn for valuable insights and information. If you’re considering a career change but aren’t quite ready to dive in head first, take a free online course with Udemy or Coursera to get a taste. Then you can seek out further education or any other certifications you may need if there’s a fit for you.
3. Network. Reach out to your personal and professional networks to speak to someone who works in the industry where you want to work. Ask them questions and talk to them about their own personal experiences. If no one comes to mind immediately, check out networks through LinkedIn or social media platforms, where you might find people at specific companies through mutual connections.

The bottom line

Changing careers isn’t easy, and changing industries altogether can be even more challenging.

You will likely need to obtain new skills and knowledge to make an industry jump mid-career, which could require courses or certifications that cost money and take time. But making moves to change up your work life can be massively fulfilling and well worth the effort.

While you don’t need a sign or reason to make a change in your life, these four red flags are major indicators that now is a good time to consider making those moves.

For students and early-career professionals, there’s no better time than now to start forging meaningful connections. In this post, we’ll explore various types of networking and provide tips to help you make the most of each interaction.

Why is networking a valuable activity and skill?

As you prepare to embark on your professional journey, networking can give you access to a wealth of knowledge, opportunities, and resources that may otherwise stay hidden. A solid network can differentiate successful candidates from their equally qualified peers, as many employers increasingly value interpersonal skills and personal recommendations.

According to a survey from 2011, just 26% of respondents said that networking opportunities were very important for their career. However, more recent data shows that this is absolutely true. A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis shows having more connections directly correlates to high-quality job offers. If you don’t network, you could miss out on the perfect job.

6 effective networking strategies to consider

Ready to try out networking for yourself? Use these ideas to spark inspiration and find a method that will work for you.

1. Join professional organizations

Joining a group related to your field is an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals, and gain access to valuable resources. To make the most of your membership, contribute to discussions, and look for ways to share your skills.

For example, if you’re an aspiring marketing professional, join the American Marketing Association (AMA). You can attend local chapter events and webinars and participate in workshops to make connections.

2. Attend in-person events

Networking events, like conferences, workshops, and career fairs, offer a platform for professionals to connect and share ideas. To make a lasting impression, actively engage with others, ask open-ended questions, and listen attentively.

3. Participate in online networking

Social media platforms like LinkedIn and industry-specific forums can help you expand your network and access career opportunities. Create a professional and polished online presence to stand out. Then instead of just scrolling through your feed, connect with people in your field and engage with their content.

4. Conduct interviews

Once you get a good sense of the landscape and find some people who are doing well in your field, reach out to them. Ask these professionals if they would be open to having a chat with you about what they do and how they got there.

When you successfully schedule an interview, you can start preparations so that it goes well. Come up with thoughtful questions about their career journey and ask for advice they might have for someone in your position.

5. Volunteer

Consider lending your time to events or causes related to your industry. This demonstrates your commitment to your field and creates opportunities for networking. Those strong connections may lead to future collaborations, recommendations, or job prospects.

If you’re interested in the tech industry, volunteer at local hackathons or coding bootcamps. Offer your skills as a mentor or even an event organizer. This will help you establish your reputation with others in the community.

6. Get in touch with alumni

Alumni networks serve as a rich resource for insights into the job market, industry trends, and potential work. All from an institution you know and trust, along with people who share your educational background.

Do some digging to find out what your school has for alumni. From there, you can make contact with the right people and start using what they offer to kickstart your career. Your alumni association can serve as a helping hand in your job search.

How to establish a meaningful relationship with your connections

Knowing that you need to build a network is just the beginning. Making a good first impression and nurturing those relationships is crucial for long-term success. Here’s how you can do this the right way.

Engage respectfully

When attending networking events or engaging with professionals online, always be respectful and considerate of others’ time. Also, express your appreciation when they offer thoughtful insights and advice.

Follow up

Picking the conversation up again is essential to solidify any connections you make at an event. Send personalized emails or messages within a week of meeting and mention specific details you remember.

Maintain your network

Findings from LinkedIn show that 79% of professionals say networking is valuable for career progression. Despite that, less than half say they keep in touch with their network when things are going well in their career. Remember to keep in touch with your connections through regular check-ins, sharing relevant articles, or congratulating them on their achievements.

By leveraging the power of networking and keeping your connections top of mind, you can build meaningful relationships that open doors to new opportunities. Now it’s your turn. Get out there, start connecting, and watch your professional network grow. If you’re looking for more advice on navigating the early stages of your career, learn how to take advantage of new opportunities next.

This year alone, hundreds of thousands of startup workers have been let go from their jobs. So you may not be part of a company anymore, but you’re still in good company! Even the smartest and most successful people have lost work this year because it doesn’t have to do with them but, rather, the current state of the economy.

While getting laid off can feel like the end of the world, rest assured that it’s absolutely not – and not only are you not alone, but you’re also far from the only one worried about what being laid off entails.

Most Americans (a whopping 78 percent) are worried about losing their jobs right there along with you. It’s so bad, in fact, that “layoff anxiety,” as Harvard researchers call it, is leading to low motivation and diminishing employee engagement. It’s even causing depression, anxiety, and some physical ailments among workers.

For many who do indeed get laid off, the loss of work can take a mental and emotional toll. Plummeted self-esteem, irritability, frustration, feelings of worthlessness, and shame are only some of the side effects. Other physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, nausea, weight loss or gain, sleep changes, and more can also hit some people hard.

But, if you’ve been laid off – however hard the pill is for you to swallow – it’s important to get back up on your feet and forge forward in the pursuit of your career goals. One surefire way to do that is by networking.

Here’s how to start building a network of people after being laid off, even if you don’t feel like you have a whole lot of contacts at the start of your journey.

Hop on social media.

Social media exists for you to be social, albeit virtually. So use your platforms—whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, or another social media site—to network with friends and friends of friends from all over the world. 

There are tons of social groups you can leverage, as well. You’ll find thousands of other professionals in communities such as We Work Remotely or Remotely One, which both cater to location-independent workers seeking remote jobs. Plus, you can use Facebook’s “Explore” tab to find nearby job listings shared on the platform, as well as to find events in your area to meet locals with common interests.

Network on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is designed for networking.

After all, it’s the world’s largest online professional social networking site, with over 660 million users spanning over 200 countries and territories. Just make sure that you fully optimize your LinkedIn profile. This means getting yourself a professional headshot done, writing a catchy LinkedIn summary, and sharing your work and volunteer experiences.

Once you have all of that squared away, you can get to work building your network of friends, former colleagues, clients, classmates, and more connections you can create on LinkedIn. Hunt for jobs on the platform, or just join groups with like-minded professionals in your industry. 

Engage with your community.

You don’t need to only network online.

Networking in the real world can be even more powerful. Look for opportunities to do it within your local community. For example, joining a club sports team or taking up a volunteering project can help introduce you to more people—and probably people who share your interests since you’re doing the same things. 

There may even be local events for job openings, like career fairs or talks by experts in your industry. The first step to networking is showing up. So sign yourself up for the local events and strike up conversations with the people around you when you get there.

Reach out to companies in which you’re interested.

You don’t need to only network with people you know or your “people’s people.” You can also reach out to people who you want to know. This may include people who already work at the companies in which you’re interested in working. 

You can easily ask for informational interviews to better get to know the company’s culture, needs, and any challenges. These kinds of connections are also nice to have if job openings crop up, so you have someone who may be able to help put you in touch with the right people or, at the very least, point you in the right direction. 

Join a career networking platform like Ivy Exec

There are tons of career networking sites out there to help you connect with other professionals in your field—or professionals in fields of interest to you. Fairygodboss, for example, is just one example. Fairygodboss has a forum for women in the workplace where advice is regularly shared. FGBers, as they’re called, also share insights about their companies, swap inspirational stories about their successes, and more.

Ivy Exec is another example. At Ivy Exec, we share executive job openings as they become available, offer you C-suite career advice, and connect you with subject-matter experts with webinars tailored to executives.