By Tessa Carminucci & Angelina Lanni
As graduate assistants in the Center for Career and Professional Development and current MBA students, we’ve been in your shoes—navigating the internship search while balancing school, life, and other priorities. In this blog, we’re sharing our personal experiences and actionable tips to help you make the most of your winter break. Whether you’re just starting or refining your search, our insights will guide you in turning this downtime into a productive step toward your career goals.
Tessa:
Winter break is often a time to relax, recharge, and catch up with family and friends. But for students looking to secure a summer internship, it’s also the perfect opportunity to kick your career search into high gear. During my sophomore year, I found myself in that exact position—determined to land an internship but unsure where to start.
I began my search by applying to as many internships as possible on platforms like Handshake and LinkedIn. Unfortunately, my applications didn’t initially gain much traction. It was discouraging, but I knew I couldn’t give up. I started branching out and leveraging other resources available to me. At Christmas dinner, I talked to my aunt about my search, and she offered to check if her company had any openings. I also networked with some of my dad’s clients to see if their companies were hiring.
At the same time, I made sure my application materials were in top shape. I spent hours revising my resume and tailoring my cover letter for each position I applied to. Ultimately, my persistence paid off. The connections I made through networking and my diligence in refining my application materials helped me secure two summer internships—one at my aunt’s company and one at a family friend’s business.
Angelina:
During my junior year, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad during the spring semester. While this was an exciting chapter of my academic journey, it also presented a unique challenge: I needed to search for a summer internship when I returned while managing my studies and travels abroad. To set myself up for success, I used my winter break strategically to prepare for the busy months ahead.
As a double major in Marketing and Management, I wanted to explore the wide variety of roles available. During break, I researched career paths and opportunities on platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake. This process helped me clarify the industries and positions that aligned with my skills and interests.
Knowing that many internship applications would open while I was abroad, I also focused on updating my resume and LinkedIn profile. I refined my professional summary, tailored my experience descriptions to highlight measurable achievements, and ensured my skills were presented in a way that would resonate with recruiters. Additionally, I set up job alerts and saved key opportunities to stay informed about openings, even abroad.
To keep everything organized, I created a detailed spreadsheet to track companies, application deadlines, and statuses. This preparation was critical, as it allowed me to confidently approach the application process, even with the challenges of limited time and resources while studying abroad. By planning during winter break, I could balance my internship search with my international experience and make meaningful progress toward securing a summer role when I returned home.
What We Learned and Our Advice for You
- Start Early and Stay Organized
Use winter break to jumpstart your search by setting goals, tracking applications, and dedicating uninterrupted time to your career. - Leverage Your Network
Connect with family, friends, professors, or alumni. Even casual conversations can lead to opportunities when paired with clear goals. Utilize Pioneer Connect to connect with alumni and current students! - Polish Your Materials
Refine your resume, tailor cover letters, and update LinkedIn. Highlight achievements and seek feedback from career center resources. Get your resume reviewed by your career coach prior to applying for opportunities! - Use All Resources
Don’t stop at job boards—tap into SHU career center services, faculty advice, and alumni networks for additional support. - Stay Positive
Rejections are part of the process. Learn from each experience, stay persistent, and trust your efforts will pay off.
Resources to Utilize
- Schedule an Appointment to meet with your career coach virtually over Winter Break
- Connect with SHU Alumni on Pioneers Connect
- Career Center Online Resources
Final Thoughts
Winter break is the perfect time to focus on your future. Use this downtime to organize your search, build connections, and refine your materials. With persistence and preparation, you can make real progress toward landing the perfect internship. Make the most of this opportunity—your future self will thank you!