Where will you be this summer?

"What should one wear to an interview for an internship? What about for a job?"

Dress professionally, which usually means a suit. Lean toward the conservative side with charcoal or navy fabric and closed-toe dress shoes. Men should wear a solid-colored, ironed button-down shirt and tie, with a belt that matches their shoes and dress socks. Women should wear hose with skirts and keep jewelry and makeup simple.

Extra tip from The Collegian staff:

Dress to fit the environment you are applying to work in. When in doubt, always dress more formally. There's nothing worse than showing up underdressed!

"What should I do differently during a phone interview? Should it be any different from an interview in person?"

The best part about a phone interview is that you can have your organization research, notes and resume in front of you. Be careful to listen closely because you won't have the advantage of reading the interviewer's body language. It's a good idea to dress like you're at an interview - this will actually be communicated in your voice. Be sure to find a space where you will not be interrupted or disturbed by background noise, and it's best not to use your cell phone in case service breaks up.

The Collegian staff:

Stand up while you're speaking because your voice will project better (a special thanks to a certain journalism professor for this advice). Also, speak slowly so your interviewer can understand what you're saying.

"If I'm looking for a last-minute internship, what should I do?"

CDC advisers can help students target organizations and opportunities and come up with a plan. Also, network! Get on the UR Career Network or LinkedIn and see who works in your area of interest - contact them with a proposal of how you could benefit their organization. You can volunteer in that setting 10 hours a week.

The Collegian staff:

Don't be afraid to get creative and find businesses in your area that might not be putting up job posts. E-mail or call them for 15 minutes of their time.

"If I'm graduating and don't have anything lined up for the summer, what should I do?"

The Collegian staff:

Keep looking and try to get a side job. There are lots like you! Also, attend a job fair and do some networking - you may not get your ideal job, but at least you will get experience.

"Do you have any suggestions as to how I might stand out from other people who interview for the same position?"

Do meticulous research and be able to talk about how your experiences uniquely fit with the organization's mission and goals.

The Collegian staff:

Find out information that other people who are interviewing might not know. For example, reference something the company recently did.

"I'm not making any money at my internship, but it's what I want to do. How do I rationalize this?"

See if you can work part-time at your internship and take another paid job part time. Consider it an investment. The more related experience you have, the better candidate you will be in the future.

"I have the internship I want for this summer. How do I stand out from the rest? At the end, is it appropriate to ask for a letter of recommendation? How do I keep in touch with the people I've worked with after my internship has ended?"

Stand out by having the attitude that nothing is beneath you. Don't expect to get advanced assignments if you haven't proven you are trustworthy in the basic things. Do everything you are assigned as well as you can, and volunteer to help with other projects. Definitely keep in touch after the summer is over - let them know what's happening with you and ask about projects you worked on, etc. If you need a letter of recommendation and had a good experience with the organization, it is appropriate to ask.

The Collegian staff:

Don't be forgotten after you've finished your internship. Even something as small as a thank-you card can be memorable.