Like we discussed in class, the most important thing I have learned this term is what companies look for in an applicant. This class focused on the recruitment and selection from the employer’s point of view, which provided me with a lot of insight on how to present myself as a job applicant. Throughout this term I submitted 60+ applications for various internships in 6 different states. Out of those applications I received 12 interviews, including second step interviews with a few different companies. I spent hours applying, researching companies, and preparing for interviews, yet continuously faced rejection. As the term progressed and the desperation for a summer internship grew, I did some self-reflection and took everything I have learned in this class into consideration. I analyzed the job descriptions and wrote down how my previous experiences aligned with the qualifications, which I stressed during my interviews. It was important for me to realize that these interviews were not only for the company to find a good fit, but I needed to find a company that was a good fit for me; so I treated each interview as a conversation, which removed a lot of pressure. I even did something that I have never done before and sent a follow-up email to my interviewers thanking them for their time and expressed my interest in the opportunity. This FINALLY paid off, I received an offer for an internship with a great company after our last class together. I am confident that everything we learned in class led me to this offer and I am so relieved and grateful for everything this class taught me.
