Before the start of the Spring 2021 semester, we were to obtain an internship position. It wasn’t mandatory but ideal, as having an internship before the start of the semester leaves ample time to develop experiences and clock internship hours in an efficient manner. When the semester started, I hadn’t obtained a position. I was anxious going into COMD 4900, as I thought I was the only one who didn’t get a position in time. I did make sure to revise my resume and assemble my portfolio before applying to positions and before COMD 4900 kicked off. After the first class meeting for Week #1, my nerves were at ease. Most of the class had obtain positions, and a few others didn’t. Prof. Nicolaou assured us that there was still time to obtain a position for the semester, but we had to act posthaste. She had informed us that we had until Week 3 to successfully obtain a position. Hearing that was a relief but the pressure was on. When looking for an internship, I looked far and wide. I checked indeed.com, internships.com, authenticjobs.com, glassdoor.com, and ziprecruiter.com. I tried those websites, as well as suggestions that Prof. Nicolaou gave me. Since it was the first class, she asked for my resume and a link to my portfolio website. I sent those to her and from there, she said she would give me suggested places to apply to. That was the first day of class in COMD 4900.
After class, I continued my search for a spot. Again, I checked the previously mentioned websites and found some positions that sparked my interests. Later that day, Prof. Nicolaou e-mailed me about applying to a company called “SmartSource”. I emailed Michael Riddle, who is the regional sales manager of SmartSource LLC. They specialize in printed products, promotional marketing, and business process outsourcing. I sent that email, as well as looked into other positions across the web. I made sure to email him with the subject line “TIME SENSITIVE – Internship Course in Progress”. I used this subject line for all my e-mails going forward. It was essential to my internship search because it showed that I was looking and eager for work, but that time wasn’t on my side. I was anxious as this wasn’t my first time taking COMD 4900. I tried to take this class in the Fall 2020 semester, but was unable to secure an internship. It was very humbling to saw the least. However, I continued on forward in my academic career at City Tech. I applied again for the Spring 2021 semester, which is right now. I definitely felt the pressure from last semester seeping in, but was hopeful that a position would present itself, and that it would be mine for the taking.
