Navigating the Internship Process

By: Julia Leroux

If you are like me and have parents haggling you about an internship for this summer, hopefully this blog post will guide you in the right direction when it comes to navigating the process. UMass and Isenberg School of Management offer a variety of opportunities for its students to seek internship positions at various companies and businesses. 

To start the internship process, it is suggested you begin with a job and internship platform to search for any available positions within your area. 

Handshake is a platform open to all UMass Amherst students; and you have the ability to apply any filters necessary when finding internships. You may filter internships within your field of study, your location, and many other aspects relating to the position. 

IsenbergWorks is another internship platform that is limited to Isenberg students only. It offers the same filtering process as Handshake in order to narrow down your internship search. This platform also offers events for students to attend, where you can learn and interact with employees from a company you are interested in.

LinkedIn, another common business platform, allows its users to network and connect with other LinkedIn profiles; and they offer internship opportunities, as well. Similar to Handshake and IsenbergWorks, LinkedIn has a filtering process that allows users to narrow down internship searches to fit specific interests and needs. 

The application process for most internships is relatively simple, but it requires your resume to be up-to-date. Your resume is very important when applying to internships as it is the first impression you make on hiring directors for a company or business. A cover letter, though not necessary, is a great way to showcase your knowledge of the company you are applying to; and it proves your interest within the business.

The Chase Career Center offers a program called Career Peers, which allows students the opportunity to meet with an Isenberg undergraduate and discuss anything related to career planning. They can assist with perfecting your resume and cover letters in order to impress hiring managers.

The interview is an intimidating aspect of the process for most students when it comes to landing an internship, but it is also a crucial role for hiring managers to get a glimpse of the person they are looking to hire. 

Big Interview is another opportunity offered by Isenberg School of Management for students to take advantage of. With this platform, you have the ability to practice your interview skills. Big Interview proposes sample questions to students that could potentially be asked in a real interview, and it offers tips for when you land an interview for a potential internship.

The Chase Career Center also offers mock virtual interviews to help prepare students for a real interview with companies and firms in an online environment. The virtual interviews can be accessed through Handshake and IsenbergWorks.

With these steps I hope it alleviates some of the stress the internship process can cause for many students. Just remember to not be discouraged if you do not land an internship for this summer. Personally, I have had two interviews with well-known companies and did not land either internship; but I am still searching for other opportunities with other companies. Keep your head up and have a great second semester!

(Each platform and program offered by UMass and Isenberg has been linked. If you would like to get started with the internship process, simply click on any resource; and it will bring you directly to that page)

Podcasts To Get Through the Semester

Remote learning and isolation can get very quiet without the typical presence of others. The absence of a roommate or having your friends around can definitely impact motivation. During last semester, I found that podcasts were my best friend. Podcasts are almost like radio talk-shows, but there is a variety of different types to accommodate every personality.

Personally, I love listening to podcasts while I am driving or even doing basic chores. It either feels like a quick Ted Talk or a Facetime call with a friend. The best part is the anticipation of new episodes that give something to look forward to each week, especially knowing the conversation will never end.

Here are my recommendations and personal favorites on getting through this semester!

“Anything Goes” by Emma Chamberlain

Although it might seem silly to be getting my advice from someone younger than me, Emma is super personable during her podcast and super transparent. She deals with topics of school, burnout, personality dilemmas, and other personal topics that you would think only you deal with. Emma is a Youtuber from California who started her journey young in high school and has matured incredibly since then. She uses her experiences to relate to others, as she does not see herself as a crazy big influencer, but rather a peer to others. If you want to feel like you are on a casual call with a friend, this is the one for you! I recommend starting from the first episode of “Anything Goes” and making your way up (it’ll definitely keep you occupied for some time)!

“The Michelle Obama Podcast” by Michelle Obama

Regardless of your political background or views, Michelle Obama is the mother to all of us! Some of the episodes focus on more mature topics like children, marriage, etc., but it is still helpful to hear as she talks about how she herself was raised and how relatable she actually is to us all. Like the Emma Chamberlain podcast, it is very candid and casual and a great pick if you want advice from someone who has gone through life through its entirety! As a black woman, Michelle Obama gives great insight to all on how to get through life feeling fulfilled at every moment. Her first season is only 11 episodes long and a great way to feel more accomplished as you get through the semester!

“Dissect” by Spotify Studios

If you are interested in music and learning more about your favorite songs, this is the one for you! “Dissect” really dives into different albums and gives almost a deeper “Genius” review into the song structure. The cool thing about this podcast is that the details they go into connect to an overall story behind it all or a theme that encompasses the artist’s ideas. Each season covers an album, so you can pick wherever you would like to start! Some artists covered are Childish Gambino, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, Kanye West, and more! This is a great alternative to just listening to music and furthering your knowledge on the music you are interested in.

“TED Talks Daily” by TED

This was the first podcast I ever listened to and I have been listening to it since high school! These episodes are very short and range from about 5-20 minutes depending on the topic. TED talks are popular amongst many platforms, but can honestly be lengthy to watch. As a student, time is precious and this is a great opportunity to incorporate some motivation into your day to really be your best self. I love shuffling this podcast and listening to random episodes each time. Some are news-related, others are personal, and some even are testimonials from different people around the world. If you want to start listening to podcasts, this is a great place to start!

Podcasts can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and other music streaming platforms. They are great ways to fill time, stay motivated, and feel supported especially through times like these. A new semester is a fresh start, and a fresh start is the gateway to new healthy habits! Give it a try and browse around, or even start your own! If you like talking more than listening, start your journey and upload clips of you just talking and see where it takes you! Happy Spring Semester!

Tips For A Successful Finals Week And A Productive Winter Break

By: Ariana Capozzi

As November comes to an end, the one thing standing in our way from winter break is finals week. For many of us, this can be a really stressful time because finals can impact our grades greatly. Therefore, I have some useful advice for students who want to be successful when preparing for/taking these important exams on November 30th through December 4th.

Make a detailed plan to avoid procrastination 

As someone who struggles with procrastination, I know what it is like to get so stressed about an exam to the extent that I will put it off until the last minute, which only makes everything worse. This semester, I made a promise to myself that I would work on this, and I found some really great ways to stay on top of my workload that might help others.

A great way to keep track of all the different exam times and due dates for each class is to get a planner, or even using Google Calendar. For each day of the week, map out what subject you need to study for and for how long. This will have you doing a little bit each day, rather than procrastinating and saving everything for the night before. Also, put aside some time everyday to allow you to clear your head. If you don’t, you will burn yourself out before finals even arrive. Mental health is important, and breaks are completely acceptable. Whether it is grabbing a coffee or writing in a journal, do what works best for you. Remember to study in order of importance and stay focused, but always prioritize your well-being.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to others

Remote learning has definitely made it harder for us to meet new people or get the face to face experience and help that we desire. But, it is important to remember that everyone is going through the same thing. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a fellow classmate and ask for help on something that you do not understand. I have found that the Class of 2024 Facebook Group has exposed me to so many people that have similar classes. You could form an online study group or ask questions in a class discussion to help prepare for the exams.

Create the ideal test-taking environment

Find the place that keeps you comfortable and focused for the most time. Everyone is different, and some people may not know what works best for them, so try new things. I created my own personal dorm in my basement to get some peace and quiet away from my family. When I take an exam, there are no distractions, and it is perfect for me. Some students may not care about noise and can get into the zone at a Starbucks or public library. Whatever it may be, try to find it, because once you do, you will be less stressed during the exam, and it may spark the extra boost that your grade needs.

After finals are over, we have a two-month break to look forward to. This is a lot of time off, so if anyone is looking for some ways to make sure they have a productive winter break, here are some ideas.

Take a class over the Winter

If you are looking to stay productive or get ahead with school credits, taking an online winter course is a great option. This is the perfect opportunity to try a class that seems to interest you. These classes will be for about six weeks, starting December 7th, but you can only enroll or drop until December 11th for a full refund. If this seems like a good fit for you over the winter, I highly suggest it!

Work on your resume

There are many activities you can partake in to add to your resume. For example, apply for an internship with a company that is similar to your major, volunteer with an organization while practicing social distancing, or get a job that will teach you things that a future career might entail, like leadership, customer service, public speaking, or organization skills.

Pick up a new hobby

Sometimes being a student does not allow us to pick up new hobbies or activities that we are interested in because we just do not have enough time. Winter break is the perfect time to try new things like reading, journaling, exercising, learning a language etc. If you ever find yourself bored, be bold and start something new. 

This semester was very different due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and hopefully these tips can help students adjust and succeed during this stressful time of year!

Mentally Preparing for the Holidays

By: Julia Leroux

For the majority of people the year 2020 has been an emotional roller coaster ride with its constant ups and downs and sudden loops that turn our world upside down, eventually making us all sick and wanting to get off the ride. Covid-19 and its effects have caused millions of Americans to suffer economically, emotionally, and mentally throughout these past months. Specifically, citizens’ mental health has taken a toll due to the lack of normalcy in our daily routines and due to lockdowns within society to prevent the spread of the virus. In May 2020, there was an average of 34.5% of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depression; and just a few months later in July 2020, 40.1% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. As you can see the numbers are steadily increasing, and people are continuing to suffer from mental health disorders. 

With the holiday season around the corner, people’s mental health is continuing to decline; but we cannot afford to see our friends, family members, and even ourselves suffer any longer at the hands of our mental state. Mental Health America has identified ways to cope with our feelings and thoughts as the holidays grow near:

Identify How You’re Feeling

This year has introduced us to new challenges and situations that we did not foresee; and along with these set challenges came anxiety, stress, and depression. There are numerous ways to identify your thoughts and feelings in a healthy manner; for example, communicating with your friends is a great resource in identifying your thoughts and feelings. Because they are experiencing similar situations to you, they are likely feeling the same way you are. Never be afraid to reach out to your friends and family as they can attest to what you may be feeling, and it can encourage insight on how to cope with your mental health. Sharing your feelings aloud can be therapeutic; and if you do not feel comfortable sharing this information with friends or family, seeking professional help is always a great option.

Acknowledge What You’ve Lost

Although the holidays are usually cheerful and exciting times, this year may not seem like that because of the hardships many of us have endured. Many of us have lost loved ones, jobs, experiences, or education due to Covid-19; so it is perfectly normal to grieve during this time and acknowledge the things we have lost. It is also crucial to note that we must also acknowledge what others have lost, as well, in order to empathize with them and understand where they are coming from. No one needs to face these hardships alone, and sticking by one another can benefit everyone’s mental health.

Practice Gratitude

While a lot has occurred in the past couple of months, there are still a numerous amount of things to be grateful for. Making lists of who and what we are thankful for can illustrate how much we did not lose during the course of 2020, and we can deeply appreciate everything and everyone in our lives. It is vital to thank the ones who have guided us through these difficult times such as our family members, friends, classmates, professors, and anyone else who has helped. If you are unable to express your gratitude in person to the ones you love, consider writing a note to demonstrate how thankful you are or make a call to those you will not see during the holidays. 

There are several other ways to cope with your mental health during the holidays, but the most important aspect to remember is to always reach out when you are feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed. Talking it out with family members and friends is always a good idea, and you are never burdening people with your feelings. I hope everyone is staying physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy during these difficult times, and just know it will get better!

Sources:

https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/

https://mhanational.org/preparing-holidays-during-covid-19

Inspirational Female Leaders Who Have Paved The Path To Success

By: Annette Sebastian 

“Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, ‘She doesn’t have what it takes.’ They will say, ‘Women don’t have what it takes.’” ー Clare Booth Luce

Throughout history there have been numerous women who have overcome obstacles and allowed more women to take steps into fields that are male dominated. These women have shown society that women are capable of doing what they set their minds to and have encouraged other women to follow their footsteps. 

Here are a couple of powerful women who have changed society and the lives of many women

1. Ruth Bader Ginsberg 

She was an American lawyer whose career focused on gender equality and women’s rights. She co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). She later became nominated as the second woman to become a Supreme Court Justice. Ginsberg entered law school as one of the only females and proved that a woman could be a successful lawyer. Her accomplishments and dedication to fighting against sex discrimination allows future generations like us to experience fair treatment. 

2. Indra Nooyi 

Nooyi was the CEO of PepsiCo and has consistently been ranked among the world’s most powerful women. She broke down the traditional view that business is for men, proving that women can be in charge and excel in business. She was one of the few minority women who held a CEO position in a high profile corporate company. Nooyi focused on a healthier and more sustainable initiative for PepsiCo. She was a key player in raising PepsiCo’s net profit and focused on long term goals even though they were controversial at the time. 

3. Sheryl Sandberg 

Sanberg is the COO of Facebook and the first woman to serve on Facebook’s board of directors. She was also one of the first workers at Google and grew their advertising team. She has also proved that women can achieve great feats if they try. She is fighting for equal representation and is the founder of LeanIn.Org, a global community focused on helping women achieve their ambitions. 

4. Kamala Harris

Recently, Kamala Harris has become the first female Vice President-Elect of the United States. It is such a huge accomplishment because she is a woman of color who is in a position that has always been filled with White males. It is the highest position in the United States that a woman has held and it proves that women are capable of reaching and leading these positions. This is a very important moment in history and just as Harris said, “I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last.”

These are all women who are not afraid to follow their dreams and change society. There are also many other women that I have not mentioned who have paved the way for future generations of females to succeed. Women need to fight harder to hold positions of power but as we can see from the examples above, it is possible. As society advances, female leaders will not be an exception anymore. 

Sources: 

https://www.oyez.org/justices/ruth_bader_ginsburg

https://www.businessinsider.com/indra-nooyi-pepsi-ceo-2018-8

https://www.businessinsider.com/fabulous-life-of-sheryl-sandberg-2014-7

https://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2020/11/07/kamala-harris-makes-history-what-the-first-female-vice-president-elect-means-for-women/?sh=34eaef686455