Spring Break Job Hunt

I can clearly remember almost exactly one year ago to this day when my mom asked me the dreaded question: “what are you going to do this summer?” Summer? I thought. Summer is so far away. But I knew, too, that if I was going to do anything besides work the retail circuit yet again I’d have to start early. So, I came prepared.

“I contacted LMU through reciprocity and I’m going to look through their job database to see if I can find any internships” I replied confidently, happy to have a response to my mother’s demanding eyes. Luckily, I found a few opportunities to get me started through LMU, and wound up with an awesome internship for the duration of the summer.


While Spring Break can be a relaxing break from the stresses of school, it’s also a great opportunity to really hone in on your job and internship search to prepare for summer and beyond. Below are four tips with ideas on how to take advantage of the free time.

• Use the time to update your resume. While school is in session updating your resume is probably the last thing on your mind. However, the week long break should hopefully provide you with some time to update this crucial document! Even if you’re not currently job hunting, it’s always important to keep an updated resume on hand for any unforeseen situation that might call for it.

• Set up a few informational interviews. Use your new free hours during the normal work week to schedule an informational interview or two with someone in a field you might be interested in entering. While informational interviews are not actual job interviews, they are great ways to get insider info about a potential career, as well as make connections for any future job hunting you might do. It’s all about networking!
  

• If you’re heading home now (and will be back in the summer), begin looking for jobs in the area. The time to begin the hunt for summer internships is upon us. Being anywhere from 50 to 3000 miles away from home during school can seriously put a damper in that search if you’re planning on working there for the summer. So, if you’ve found yourself back there for the Spring Break week, take advantage of it! Start making the rounds in person and doing local searches in your area. Also, if you have a Jesuit school near you (LMU, Loyola Chicago, Fordham, St. Louis University, Boston College, and Gonzaga, to name a few) you might be able to take advantage of their reciprocity program. Call the school and figure out what their options are (and if needed, contact our office to send over a request letter for services), and you could potentially get access to that school’s job database of hundreds of jobs in your area, and more!

• Network with family and friends. Last but not least, if you’re home use that rare face time to really reach out to your network of family and friends in the area. Maybe your uncle has a friend who is looking for an intern over the summer, or your Dad’s boss was hoping to hire an assistant. The best way to get jobs is through personal connections, so take advantage of it while you can. Let everyone know about your search – the more you put it out there, the more likely you are to find opportunities.

Also, don't forget that the Career Services Center is open for the entire Spring Break, Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm. We have normal drop in hours Monday-Thursday from 2-4pm, and on Friday from 1-3pm. Take advantage of the down time to get in to see a Counselor or a Career Planning Peer quickly.

Most importantly, don't forget to have a fun and safe Spring Break!
-Sarah