Interns over Winter Break
Winter breaks from college can sometimes last for a month or even a little longer. If you have several weeks off for winter break that you'd like to use to get a head start in your future career, an internship over winter break can be the perfect solution. A short-term internship can be the best kind. Since internship benefits are primarily based on connections you make, people you meet, things you learn on the job, and getting to place an impressive company on a short resume, a winter break internship can provide all those things without leaving you committed to a year with a company for no or little pay.
Consider interning with a non-profit organization that relates to your field of study over winter break. Volunteering will get you in the spirit of the holidays, and many charities need extra help during December and January. You will likely feel better about donating a lot of your time for free to a non-profit, rather than a big corporation. Also, your internship with a non-profit may lead to volunteering a few hours per week during the year as well.
Try interning with a person in your field that you hold in high esteem, if you know he is working through winter break. Offering extra help at such a hectic time of year will likely be much appreciated, especially if the busy person has a family and is hoping to eke out some extra time off. You can help someone who otherwise would not be able to take time off during the holidays, and you can learn a lot from someone you admire. Be sure to ask early and make a strong proposal as to why someone successful in your chosen profession would want a short-term intern over winter break.
If you are unable to go home for winter break, ask about interning at your school. Oftentimes, schools will allow students to intern over the holidays in exchange for credit toward tuition or for a paycheck. If you have an adviser, start there, or ask in the financial aid or career services departments. You may be able to keep busy, earn funds, and better prepare yourself for your career at the same time.
Lastly, you may also try interning over winter break at a company that you aspire to someday work within. If you do a great job as an intern over winter break, you may be asked to intern over the summer or school year. Also, you may be asked to work for pay, rather than being an intern. Wherever you choose to intern, remember to treat it as seriously as you would a paying job within your career. Show up early, have a can-do attitude, and make no excuses.
