No matter what you’re doing this summer, the Career Development Office is here to help you have the best experience possible. We’ve got tips for finding a summer job shadow, making new contacts, updating your online presence, and even an opportunity to win a $50 gift card! Read on to learn how you can get the most out of your time away from the Hill.
Are you working, studying, or conducting research this summer? Update your Kenyon Career Network (KCN) and LinkedIn profiles to keep your contacts up-to-date! The CDO has a professional social media guide to help you make a great impression online. Additionally, if you don’t love your current profile photo, summer is a good time to update it. Here’s a handy guide to choosing the right picture.
New to the KCN? Take a few minutes to set up your profile.
Do you have any free weekdays this summer? Job shadowing is a great way to use that time. During your job shadow, you’ll observe an alumnus, Kenyon parent or other volunteer at work for 1-3 days. This is an excellent opportunity to explore a potential occupation and learn what life is really like for professionals in the field. Job shadows are available across the United States and even internationally.
To find a job shadow experience, you’ll log into the Kenyon Career Network and search for members who are willing to help with job shadow and externship opportunities. Make sure you make your request at least a month ahead of time. Visit our website to learn more about the process, including finding a sponsor, reaching out, and working through the logistics. You can also reach out to Associate Director Lee Schott for more information and assistance.
Informational interviewing is another great way to learn about careers that interest you and build professional connections. The concept is pretty simple: find someone whose expertise you admire, set up a time to have a conversation, and come prepared with questions that will get the conversation flowing. Need some extra encouragement? You could win a $50 gift card for writing about your informational interview experience! The deadline to submit an entry is July 31. Learn more and enter.
Did you know that the Kenyon Career Network has community discussion boards? You can crowdsource answers to work-related questions like, “where can I find affordable intern summer housing near Chicago?” or “how do you talk to employers about your MLL major?”
Here are just a few of the communities you can find on the KCN:
Not every job or internship is glamorous and world-changing, while some are. Regardless of whether your summer work is awesome or just okay, we have a few ideas that will help you make the most of it while you level-up your resume and leave with a strong professional reference: