Hi Ladies!
To continue our discussion on Summer Plans from the April Meeting, we have posted some of the most common questions asked below. Please comment below and share some of your responses or personal experiences, and feel free to keep asking additional questions or bring up new topics! You do not need an account to comment.
Jobs/Internships
My boss from last summer would always email with a lot of “:)” and a lot of
“!!!!.” I tried to keep my emails super
professional, but should I use those symbols if he does?
How do you decide when you have multiple internship opportunities?
What are some tips for living on your own for the first time for an
internship?
Should you take online classes while working at an internship during
the summer?
What are the major “dos” and “don’ts” of being an
intern?
How involved are intern projects?
What do you do if you don’t get an internship?
For those that have summer internships-What things
did you say or do to nail the job?
What all should I bring with me to a job/internship?
How can I stay connected to Purdue once I start my
full time job?
Are you put behind if you don’t have an engineering
internship the summer after your freshman year?
I felt that the best way to maximize my study abroad experience was to experience all the touristy things as well as the local favorites. I made friends with people my age that lived in the same city as me and they showed me what they do at nights and where they spend their free time. Having that balance allowed me to take all the touristy pictures I wanted while also feeling like I actually lived in a different country and that I wasn't just visiting!
ReplyDelete-Morgan Thome
If you don't get an internship, don't stress! Just make sure you maximize your summer experiences, whether that be studying abroad, doing research, taking summer classes, etc.! There are lots of ways to continue to grow.
ReplyDeleteI find that summer is the BEST time to reach my goals that are so hard to meet during the busy school year. Last year, I went to the gym 5 days a week, and that helped me improve both mentally and physically! It is also good to catch up on other fun goals you have always had on your bucket list. My roommates and I watched every Friends episode from all 10 seasons last summer- it was a great way to bond and relax after a long day at work!
If you have multiple internship opportunities, think about what is most important to you, and ask yourself those questions. Which industry am I most interested in? Have I had experience in this industry? If I have, do I want to try something new? Where is the location? What is the "intern experience" or company culture like? Try to think about all of these factors. You will make the best decision for you!
-Katie Reis
Sophomore in Chemical Engineering
M&M Group LT
Summer Classes
ReplyDelete• What should I do during the time that I don’t have classes?
Believe me…you will be busy! Summer session packs 16 weeks worth of class into 8 weeks, which is why you can only take 1-3 classes. This usually means you have a 1-2 hour lecture every day, and homework due the following day. When you aren’t doing homework, I recommend going to the co-rec, getting a part time job or being a camp counselor, or volunteering to give tours to prospective students.
• How different is it to be on campus taking summer classes versus taking classes during the academic year?
It is different because the campus seems dead and there are not many active student organizations. I worked on school during the week, and I usually had my weekends free where I could travel to Chicago or Indianapolis, or just hang out and relax.
General
ReplyDelete• Is summer a good time for fitness/nutrition goals and for reading books, like Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In?
Of course! Why not?
• Are parking passes required for summer parking?
Yes, during the summer permits are still required for garage parking and A, B, C lots.
• How do you save money during the summer?
I save money while I am on co-op by setting financial goals for myself. I know how much money I need back at school when I am not working, so I make sure I am on track to save that set amount. I pack my lunch at work and try to only go out to eat on Fridays for networking with my coworkers.
Jobs/Internships
ReplyDelete• My boss from last summer would always email with a lot of “:)” and a lot of “!!!!.” I tried to keep my emails super professional, but should I use those symbols if he does?
It depends on the situation or who you are contacting. I would not use or !!! when sending emails to leaders or my boss’s boss. For coworkers, especially young engineers, I don’t overanalyze sending smiley faces. When in doubt, just keep it professional like you have been doing!
• How do you decide when you have multiple internship opportunities?
I made my choice from several offers based on location and opportunities for growth within the company, rather than just salary.
• What are some tips for living on your own for the first time for an internship?
Hang out with the other interns. Learn to cook. “Just because you get clean in the shower doesn’t mean your shower is clean”. Be a respectful neighbor. Remember to lock your doors; you are not on the relatively safe 4th floor of Earhart anymore.
• Should you take online classes while working at an internship during the summer?
If you are worried about graduating on time or fitting a class into your schedule, go for it. Personally, I like to spend my free time after work exercising and catching up on all the Netflix I missed while I was at school.
• For those that have summer internships-What things did you say or do to nail the job?
• What are the major “dos” and “don’ts” of being an intern?
Do: Be safety conscious, take initiative, act professional, complete quality work, network
Don’t: Sit in your office all summer and not talk to anyone, “Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain” (Dale Carnegie)
• How involved are intern projects?
For your 1st internship, you will likely have 1 project to focus on and should be suited for your experience level. For your 3rd internship, you will probably have multiple projects to manage that have more engineering involved. Just remember your boss and your co-workers want you to succeed, so don’t be shy about asking questions.
• What all should I bring with me to a job/internship?
On your first day, bring your ID/passport, social security card, first day paperwork, resume, transcript, and a notebook. Once you get settled at your desk, you can start bringing personal items.
• How can I stay connected to Purdue once I start my full time job?
The majority of big cities have alumni clubs that get together to watch Purdue football/basketball games or have Purdue related events. You could keep in touch with any organizations you were involved in and maybe sponsor them. You can also come back and be an Access Alum someday!
• What do you do if you don’t get an internship?
• Are you put behind if you don’t have an engineering internship the summer after your freshman year?
No, a lot of freshmen don’t have an internship because they haven’t had any of their core engineering classes yet. It will be easier as a sophomore and junior to get an internship. Make the most of your summer by doing research, taking classes, volunteering, and/or getting a part time job.