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UMass Lowell, internships and you

Cole Fitzgerald
Connector Contributor

As students hit the workforce after college, many entry-level positions now ask for experience from recent graduates. With the help of English Department Internship Coordinator Diana Archibald and the Office of Career Services, UMass Lowell students can earn internships and gain the experience many employers look for.

As internship coordinator, Archibald’s responsibilities include arranging potential positions and screening students to fill them. As a result, she has plenty of advice for students looking to begin the process of getting an internship.

“When it comes to finding an internship, students should start looking early, and they shouldn’t be afraid of being told no” said Archibald. “Students need to put themselves out there if they want to get an internship.”

When trying to make themselves viable candidates, Archibald said standing out from the crowd will help students get noticed, and there are things students can do to improve their chances,

“Being involved in student clubs and organizations looks great on a resume,” said Archibald.

Archibald also said that students can always look to their professors for aid.

“One thing I think many students don’t realize is that every single faculty member here is a potential reference, so introduce yourself to your professors,” she said.

Archibald went on to say that students looking to make themselves more desirable should consider volunteer work. “Local non-profits are great places to look,” said Archibald.

Trying to land an internship can be overwhelming for some students, which is why UMass Lowell offers aid to anyone who needs it. The Office of Career Services, located in Suite 450 in University Crossing, aims to alleviate students’ concerns with regards to attaining an internship.

Roughly 85 percent of all graduates from UMass Lowell have participated in an internship during their time at the university, says Archibald.

Chris Mirageas, Jr., a junior who used Career Services to help secure his internship, said he can vouch for their effectiveness.

“I wouldn’t have an internship without them. I would recommend them to anyone,” he said.

Junior Kyle Morgan said he is planning on going to the Office of Career Services for help with looking for an internship soon.

“I’m not really sure what the first step is, so it’s safe to say I’m definitely going to get help when I look,” said Morgan.

Through earning an internship, students have the opportunity to gain work experience while learning skills in their related field.

When asked what the best advice she could give to students looking to begin the internship process, Archibald said, “Never turn an opportunity down because you might not succeed at it. Fear of failure should never get in the way of learning something new.”

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