Important Internship Update
Dear Students,
Our hearts and minds are with you wherever you are across the country and globe. We will get through this!
We know that many of you are wondering where CCI stands related to internships and internship funding. While we have some updates for you, we also ask for your patience as we wait to see what the coming weeks will bring. Here is the current information about how CCI can continue to support you if you are thinking about an internship for the summer.
- At this moment, CCI is still planning to provide funding for unpaid internships this summer. But as you know, this is a time of great uncertainty and that has an impact on internships as well. The situation is fluid, and we will need to finalize decisions at a later date based on CDC guidelines. While we are hoping for the best, it is likely that we may not fund international internships (unless in your home country) or that we may only be able to fund remote internships. We will continue to monitor the situation and do whatever we can to support you in your summer plans while ensuring that the College is only supporting experiences that are unlikely to put you at risk. We will continue to keep you informed and post updates at go/summerfunding.
- We will endeavor to be as flexible as we can with internship funding deadlines and length of internships during these extreme times. But we encourage you to be creative and take initiative in seeking out opportunities that are remote or can be converted to remote internships, if needed.
- Eligible students who have already secured an unpaid internship and wish to apply for funding must submit their application for internship funding no later than April 13. In your essay, please include a statement telling us that you have been in touch with your supervisor and have agreed to a plan on how you can do the internship (or at least the early part of the internship) remotely, if needed, or that the timing of the internship can be flexible if remote work is not possible. Funding may be pro-rated for internships that have to be shorter than the required 8 weeks. Funding decisions will be emailed to you on May 1.
- Students who need more time to secure an internship or need to make alternative plans will have until May 8 to submit their application for funding. These late applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so submit your application as soon as you have a plan, and also indicate in your essay what contingency plan you and your supervisor have agreed to in case the internship cannot take place in-person. Please know that receipt of funding for these late applications may be delayed to mid or late June.
- The internship funding application is now open in Handshake. If you already have a confirmed unpaid internship and have accepted it, we encourage you to complete your application for funding. See instructions and all forms atgo/summerfunding.
- If you are applying for internship funding, CCI has waived the requirement to have a CCI-approved resume, but you will still need to submit a resume with your application. Our Peer Career Advisors will review resumes remotely. Send your resume to CCIPCA@middlebury.edu.
- If you are hoping to participate in an internship this summer but have not yet found one, there are over 2,600 internships still posted in Handshake. Discover other great tips for finding an internship at go/FindInternship or schedule a phone or video appointment with a CCI advisor through Handshake.
- Many internships in Handshake are Reserved for Middlebury only. And some CCI-Sponsored Internships (some overlaps) come with guaranteed funding. Many of these internships have upcoming application deadlines.
- Many Middlebury alums are eager to help students navigate these tricky times. Now is a great time to get career or internship advice. Spend some time exploring Midd2Midd and reach out. Review our Networking Guide first.
- Finally, you may just need to stay flexible if your summer plans don’t pan out the way you envisioned. These are unprecedented times, and if an internship or work experience doesn’t happen for you this summer, you will be fine and there are lots of productive ways you can spend your summer. We will be providing other ideas for an impactful summer on CCI’s social media and the Career Path blogs. And don’t forget that CCI advisors are available for phone and Zoom appointments to help you with your summer plans.
We miss you, but please know that CCI is always here for you.
Take good care of yourself, your friends, and your
family.
Zoom and other video conference platforms
Some of you are aware and have had the practice using Zoom. There are other platforms employers are currently utilizing. Please click on the below to learn more about the platform and tips on how to best use them.
AN ODE TO THE COVER LETTER By Carolyn Zimatore, Director of Talent Management at HarperCollins Publishers
Click here to read Carolyn’s suggestions on what to include in a cover letter when applying to jobs in the Publishing Industry!
Internship Tips from CCI’s Peer Career Advisor, Mia Grayson ’20 – LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION!
Ask your recommenders for letters of recommendation early on and stay on top of them.
A large component of many summer internship applications require multiple letters of recommendation from faculty, advisors, supervisors, etc. These can be just as important as the actual application in that it adds to the story of you as an applicant and also must conform to deadlines. Some internships accept students on a rolling basis, meaning that applications, including letters of recommendation, are reviewed as soon as an application is received so earlier applicants have higher chances of being selected while a late or missing letter of rec can hinder one’s application from being reviewed in a timely fashion.
To best ensure that your letter is completed by your recommender on time is to ask early! It’s helpful to meet with or email them to explain your interest in the different internships and what you would like for them to focus on in their letters. This helps to keep them involved in your application process and ensure that not all of your recommenders repeat the same things about you. It’s important to remember that everyone is busy, especially faculty and staff, so making sure that you’re giving them enough time to write a good letter and submit it by the deadline will only make everything go smoother. Don’t be afraid to send them a reminder email or meet with them before the letter is due to make sure that it hasn’t slipped off their radar and that the letter gets in on time!
Need help with your résumé and/or cover letter? CCI is available to help you virtually! Email your résumé to CCIPCA@middlebury.edu and one of our Advisors will get back to you. If you’d rather discuss it in “real time” – schedule a video chat or phone appointment with one of the Advisors in Handshake.
Litigation Fellow at Hearst
The Hearst Corporation Office of General Counsel is seeking a bright college senior wishing to gain paralegal experience before entering law school for a paid fellowship. The Hearst Fellow will support the litigation group on subpoena and other media litigation matters, and will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the varied practice of a fast-paced in-house legal department.
Hearst Corporation is one of the nation’s largest diversified media companies. Candidates should have excellent writing, computer, organizational and communication skills, with the ability to multi-task and work with a team, and with a demonstrated willingness to take initiative.
There is currently a Midd alumnae in the position, and another Midd alum and Board of Trustee member is the Chief Legal Officer at Hearst. So this is a very Midd friendly opportunity!
Apply now in Handshake here.
Internship Tips from CCI’s Peer Career Advisor, Ivy Yang ’20 – APPLY EARLY!
Sometimes internship postings hire on a rolling basis but only post a final deadline date. If you have your eye on an internship that you know you want to apply to, don’t wait until the deadline.
If you have questions about the internship, networking with someone at the company can be a good way to find out how their hiring process works and can give you some more clarity. Unsure about how to network? Start by joining Midd2Midd and search by the company name to see if there are alumni there to connect with!
It’s a good idea to apply early for several reasons. First, once you submit your application, you don’t have to think about working on it anymore and can relax. It’s just a waiting game from then on and there’s not much you can do about it. Second, even if you are the perfect candidate, by waiting until the deadline, you may be hurting your chances of getting the internship because the position may have already been filled. Applying early means that if you are a good fit, the company will have spots available, and you may have a better chance of getting an interview and being hired. However, applying early does not mean rushing through your résumé and cover letter. It is still important to take your time to work on the application and make sure that it is the best it can possibly be.
Need help with your résumé and/or cover letter? Peer Career Advisors are here to help! go/PCAs for their Quick Question hours – OR – join us for our Résumé Review Week March 16-20 and enjoy snacks while you meet with a PCA!
Midd2Midd connects Middlebury students, alumni, and parents supporting mentoring, networking, and engagement within the Middlebury community around the world.
Midd2Midd is your place to make things happen.
Apply Now for CCI’s Summer Internship Funding!
CCI has $1000 and $3000 grants available for students with unpaid summer internships!
Funding Application Deadline: April 13.
Instructions, forms, and FAQs available at go/summerfunding.
Before applying for funding:
*Find and accept an internship between now and April 13.
*Must have your resume approved by a Peer Career Advisor before submitting funding application. Visit Quick Questions for locations and times.** (Juniors studying abroad, contact Cheryl Whitney Lower.)
*Meet with a CCI advisor to discuss your plans. Appointments are required for First-Year Explore Grant applicants and strongly encouraged for all other applicants.
*Complete an application in Handshake and upload 4 required documents: essay, budget, funding agreement, and CCI-approved resume.
*Follow instructions in CCI’s Quick Guide to Summer Funding.
All funding applications will be reviewed after April 13. Grant notifications will be emailed on May 1.
Need help with your internship search?
There are still close to 3000 paid and unpaid internships on Handshake!
And there are plenty of other places to look. See CCI’s Top 10 Tips for Finding an Internship.
Visit Quick Questions, or make an appointment with a CCI advisor.
CCI can’t wait to hear about your summer plans!
**Added bonus! Complete your Handshake profile and get your resume approved between now and March 24 and you’ll be entered into a competition for a $500 flight voucher.
Career Strategies in the Arts, Media, and Communications- Thursday, March 5
Members from the Center for Careers and Internships (CCI) will help you organize a proactive job search and establish professional relationships in your industry. Learn about resources for the arts, media, and communication careers. Arrive with your questions and leave with a check-list and a plan!
Date: Thursday, March 5
Time: 12:30-1:15pm
Location: Mahaney Arts Center, Room 125
Click here to register in handshake!
Learn how Data Analytics is an essential part of Media, Advertising and Marketing on Friday, March 6!
Careers in Data Analytics for Liberal Arts – Panel Discussion – When it comes to data analytics, it is everywhere and used in a variety of industries and career roles. The panelists will talk about this growing variety, its appropriateness for many different majors, and how the liberal arts support careers in this space. Hear from a panel of Middlebury alumni with a variety of backgrounds who now have careers across a wide spectrum utilizing data analytics.
Date: Friday, March 6
Time: 12:30-1:30pm
Location: MBH 220
Click here to RSVP!
Learn about Market Research on Friday, March 6!
Can I pay with a Gift Card in Cairo? Leveraging Qualitative Market Research to Help Amazon Grow in New Markets – Neil K. Bergquist ’01
Neil K. Bergquist ’01 (French, Geography), Senior Qualitative Research Consultant with IPSOS UU will provide an overview of what qualitative market research is, how it fits into the market research industry, how a liberal arts degree lends itself to the work, and will provide a case study of work for Amazon to illustrate how qualitative market research can support companies that often rely on Big Data.
Date: Friday, March 6
Time: 1:45pm – 2:30pm
Location: Hillcrest 103
Click here to RSVP!