Students blog

Would you like a sweet summer internship that is more than just something to add to your résumé? What if it could help you discover what you’re capable of, help you build lifelong connections, and give you a taste of the career you’ve been working toward? That’s exactly what I found during my summer internship with Hershey Entertainment and Resorts.

Importantly, landing the opportunity didn’t happen through luck! It took preparation, persistence, and knowing how to make myself stand out.

Whether you’re dreaming of working for a global brand or looking for an opportunity closer to home, your ideal internship journey starts long before your first day. Here’s how to make your next internship application process a little sweeter.

Start Your Search Early

To stand out and make a good first impression, apply early to the internships you hope to join. If possible, start your search during your fall semester, so you can stay up to date on openings and timelines for specific roles. Pay attention to application opening dates, as most companies hire on a rolling basis.

Need guidance before the selection process begins? Reach out to the company's recruiters for advice, program details, and more. This helps you stand out and makes your name recognizable when the selection process begins.

The best way to start your research is by checking your school’s job board and searching on websites like Handshake and LinkedIn. By staying ahead of the game, you’ll learn about more opportunities and have more options for where you could intern.

Find the Right Opportunity

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Your ideal internship might not include specific keywords like finance or marketing in the title, but it might still be structured to help you develop those skills! The best way to find the right fit is to read the details of the day-to-day responsibilities.

Don’t be afraid to look beyond big-name companies. Smaller companies can provide just as much hands-on experience, sometimes with even more opportunities to make an impact. They may even extend return offers.

Finally, investigate turning your interests into opportunities! For me, I love traveling, hospitality, theme parks, and trying new foods. I was able to combine those passions into something I got to do every day with The Hershey Company. By working on something I was passionate about, I was able to give my all and be excited to show up to work every day.

After You Interview

Follow up and don’t be afraid to do so. A thoughtful thank-you email can help you stay on someone’s radar and keep your name in the hiring conversation.

No matter how much you want a specific internship, keep applying to others while you’re waiting for a decision. It’s best to pursue multiple opportunities, so you still have a backup if you don’t get the one you were hoping for. You can also use another offer to negotiate with your top choice.

Don’t let rejection define you! Not every opportunity is for you, and that’s okay. A “no” can be just as beneficial for understanding what to improve next time. Keep persevering and building your skills.

Final Thoughts for Sweet Success

Your internship journey won’t always be a straight path, and that’s okay! Start early, stay persistent, and be open to unexpected opportunities. Every application, conversation, and experience is another step toward discovering your path and landing a sweet summer internship!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Moving thirteen hours away from home was an enormous step in my life’s journey. While studying at Howard University, I coped with homesickness by texting, calling, and FaceTiming my friends and family. Hearing their encouraging words and support kept me going as the school year progressed.

Yet, there was one family member who didn’t understand why I left or when I would return: Glitter, my sassy, energetic, eight-pound Yorkie.

The Language Barrier

Leaving my “precious baby” four states away for months at a time was one of the most emotionally challenging experiences I’ve ever faced. Not only had we been inseparable since I adopted her ten years ago, but she had no idea why I was packing up and leaving her. On the day I left for college, she tried to climb onto my suitcases, attempting to pack herself along with me.

I tried to express to her that I’d be back for Thanksgiving, but she didn’t understand. For the first few months, she spent her time whining and sleeping outside my bedroom door instead of in her cozy bed. Seeing her actions broke my heart and prompted me to create a plan to help other students prepare their pets for a big college move.

During the Summer: Transfer Care Duties

First, slowly start to shift responsibilities onto your pet’s new caregivers over the summer. Once you move, you won’t be able to take them on walks, feed them, or give them treats. To ease this transition for everyone, gradually transfer these responsibilities to their new caregiver.

This process helped Glitter significantly as she adjusted to her new walking and feeding schedule with my sister, Olivia.

Before the Move: Leave Your Scent

Make sure you leave something behind with your scent on it to comfort your pet. Have an old sweatband, pair of socks, or T-shirt? Wear it around the house in the weeks leading up to your move. That way, your pet can have a personal keepsake of you whenever they feel lonely.

After the Move: Call Your Pet

Once you’re settled in at school, continue to check in on your pet via FaceTime so they can recognize, hear, and see you. The adjustment process may take time. However, seeing your furry friend run to the phone when they hear your voice is worth it.

Even though your pet may not “speak,” they still want to hear from you and know you’re looking out for them. Little check-ins go a long way!

Prepare for Change Together

Overall, following these steps can lead to a smoother emotional transition into college for both you and your pet. It helps new caregivers ease into their roles and allows pets to accept the changes that college brings.

Even though I may be away for months at a time, these adjustments seemed to help Glitter understand I still care. And the quality time we have together during my visits home reassures her. She knows we still have many dog park days, pet store visits, and pup-cup trips in our future!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!