Freeman College of Management Blog

Winter Break Internship Challenge

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Did you know that students with internship experience are 65% more likely to secure a job within six months of graduation?

If you’re seeking an internship for Summer 2025, we’re here to help!

Winter Break Internship Challenge Badge on BisonReady!

To support students in the Freeman College of Management, the Office of Experiential Learning, in collaboration with Kristin Irish from the Center for Career Advancement, will be offering a variety of resources and workshops this winter and spring to help you secure an internship:

  1. Join the Winter Break Internship Challenge:
    • Log into BisonReady (download “Suitable” in your app store) to complete five key tasks after 12/11/24:
      • Build or refresh your resume
      • Create a strong LinkedIn profile
      • Plan a strategic internship search
      • Leverage Bucknell’s alumni network
      • Prepare for interviews
    • Earn the Winter Break Internship Challenge achievement!
  2. Attend Hands-On Working Sessions (Starting Jan 2025):
    • Join us in person at Holmes Hall or via Zoom (for those abroad)
    • Work on your resume, LinkedIn profile, internship search, alumni connections, and interview prep with personalized guidance
    • Look out for event details and calendar invitations early in the new year!

We’re excited to help you achieve your goals and secure the experience you need to launch your career. Let us know how we can best support you!

Best regards,

Missy Gutkowski, Office of Experiential Learning

Kristin Irish, Center for Career Advancement

 WINTER BREAK INTERNSHIP CHALLENGE

We know that the internship search is not easy, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve broken down the search process into five steps. If you set aside some time over the break, you’ll be in great shape to land a summer internship!

BisonReady achievement will be ready for completion starting 12/11/2024!

Step 1: Build or Refresh your Resume

Your resume is your most important tool.  Ensure that it shows your skills and those skills relate to the role you are applying for.  Recruiters spend 6-8 seconds reviewing your resume!  A resume that is easy to read, and understand, and doesn’t have errors is critical. 

Don’t give them a reason to say ‘no’!

*Pro Tip: Once your resume is finalized, convert it to PDF and name it appropriately (i.e. First Last Resume_2024)

ACTION: Upload your updated/refreshed resume to Bison Ready and Handshake

Step 2: Create a strong LinkedIn Profile

Often your LinkedIn Profile is the first thing alumni and recruiters look at.  Be sure that it is comprehensive, including 1) a professional Photo– this is your first impression online; 2) a compelling Headline: LI will automatically create a headline based on your current position, but customizing it can better reflect your career aspirations and goals.  Use this space to state your focus, major, school, etc (example: Finance Student | Freeman School of Management | Bucknell University)

ACTION: Upload your LinkedIn Profile link to Bison Ready

Step 3: Plan for a Strategic Search

When it comes to searching for an internship, determine where you will search.  

  • Handshake (this should be your first stop! Leverage Handshake Collections where you will find internships by industry ). Follow companies that you are interested in so you get notifications when they post
  • LinkedIn, WayUp, Ripplematch, RecruitU, Adventis (finance and consulting); follow Sports Business Ventures on LinkedIn for internship opportunities in the sports industry!
  • Stay organized! This is crucial while searching.  Make a copy of this Job Search Tracker Template to track your target companies, applications, progress, etc (make it your own–add any information that will keep you on track)

ACTION: Upload your Job Search Tracker to Bison Ready

Step 4: Leverage and Expand your Network with Alumni

Networking with alumni and building relationships is a strategic approach to gaining industry insights, mentorship, and internship or project opportunities (It’s estimated that between 50-80% of internships and jobs are gained through networking!)

  • Use Bucknell’s Alumni page on LinkedIn to search by location, company, major, and more. Once you find potential alumni to connect with on LinkedIn, look for their contact information on BucknellConnect. 
  • Stay organized!  To help, use the Networking tab on the  Job Search Tracker Template

ACTION: Reach out and network with at least 5 alumni over break and confirm in Bison Ready

Step 5: Understand your Value and Prepare for the interview

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has defined eight Career Competencies or a set of skills and attributes that employers have identified as crucial for entering the workforce.  They can serve as a framework as you prepare for interviews.

  • Review the CCA’s Interviewing Handout for more information on different types of interviews, potential interview questions, etc.
  • Use Big Interview to practice.  Log in/create an account, go to the question bank, select your industry of interest, and conduct a mock interview

ACTION: Upload one mock Big Interview video to Bison Ready

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