Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

Hi Brian,

I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. I am presently looking for a job and it is tough. I believe I am lacking major professional experience. I have worked on several personal projects as well as volunteering my skills to create a sales management system for a local business in an effort to enhance my technical skill set.

I would welcome the opportunity to engage in a professional internship in which I could develop and grow new skills, but it seems like the idea of an internship after graduation is alien to companies.

Are there situations in which grads do internships or pre-professional jobs after graduation? If so, how do you suggest I approach companies about this unconventional job search.

Thanks for your time.

From: Shawn, Recent Grad, Texas A&M University


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Shawn -

As you've already found, the term "internship" can have several different meanings to different people.

To you, it is referring to a position immediately preceding (or possibly preparing for) an entry level position, by giving you additional professional experience.

For most companies, it refers to a position filled during (not after) undergraduate studies, usually during the summer, but also during the school year.

The key here is not to get hung up on the actual term itself. And you should probably cease using the term with companies, since they will often have a pre-conceived notion of what an internship is and who they typically seek to fill it. As a recent grad, you simply don't fit the mold.

But you are doing the right things. By seeking further experience, no matter what it is termed, you will enhance your ability to seek higher level professional positions in the future. It will also place you in a position in most organizations to move up into a higher position if and when it becomes available.

So avoid asking if potential employers have an "internship" available, since even if they do, you don't fit their standard profile. Instead, explain succinctly that you are looking to gain further professional experience in whatever form they would have to offer. If they have a temp position, a contract position, a project position, whatever it is, whatever work needs to be completed, you're there to meet their needs.

No, this approach won't work every time. But it works way more often than "Oh, you don't have any entry level jobs open right now? OK, thanks..." and hang up the phone.

Keep going the extra mile. And keep explaining your quest to each person you come in contact with, direct hiring manager or not. Build your network and you will eventually find the work you are seeking.

All my best to you.

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All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.