Virginia Wesleyan University is pairing with Handshake to provide students with a number of on-site and remote summer internships. Available internship opportunities will include anything from a Youth Ministry internship with Peninsula Community Chapel to a marketing, social media and graphics internship with Norfolk Admirals.
VWU’s newly-hired Director of Career Development, Alice Jones, encourages students to take advantage of the many summer internship opportunities. Jones is eager to provide support to students and alumni who are interested in making sound career decisions, developing career pathways and implementing career plans.
“As the Director of Career Development, my role is to serve as a bridge between students, alumni, faculty and employers,” Jones said. “I work collaboratively with individuals to help them see their potential while they develop the skills and experiences they need to succeed.”
Jones, along with the rest of The Lighthouse staff, persuades students to check out all of the available internships and choose a few to apply for. Resources like Handshake, LinkedIn, Chegg Internships, Idealist, USAJobs, Indeed and Parker Dewey make searching and applying for internships easy.
After applying and being contacted by an employer, students will then enter the interview process.
“The interview process for internships is very much like the process candidates would go through when looking for full-time employment,” Jones said. “Many employers will request a résumé or other application materials, then meet in person, or via virtual means, to further evaluate those candidates who meet their basic requirements.”
Employers will ask field-specific questions in order to assess which applicants are most compatible with their company. While interviewing, employers will also ask if the applicant has any questions for them. Applying students are encouraged to prepare a few questions to ask employers in order to show their interest and enthusiasm for the position.
“All employers are looking for candidates who fit with their team, are good communicators and are able to clearly identify and articulate their strengths and abilities as they relate to the position or the career field,” Jones said.
In addition to those listed above, some of the other available summer internships include those offered through Chartway Credit Union, Blue Orange CPA Group, Target Stores, Aflac, GoldKey PHR, Hajoca Corporation and Studio Center, many of which include a mix of in-person and remote positions.
“Whether the experience is in-person, virtual or a mix of the two, students should always check to make sure that the experience is legitimate and that they will be able to gain skills and experience to benefit their career goals,” Jones said.
Check out The Lighthouse and all of the summer internships offered in VWU’s surrounding communities at their website, linktr.ee/vwulighthouse, or their Instagram page, @vwulighthouse.
Carey Seay
clseay@vwu.edu
