Five planners to keep you on track in the new year

Here are 7 tips to help you land the internship of your dreams

EMMA DOLLENMAYER

ASST. BEAT EDITOR

Internship season is daunting — no doubt about it. However, the process is also undeniably exhilarating, as it’s the fi rst real step in the direction toward what life may look like post-graduation.

With that being said, it makes it all the more crucial to secure a position with a company you could potentially see yourself working for in the future, given a lot of businesses will offer its former interns job openings once the legitimate search for a stable career begins.

Though the pressure is pronounced, try to remain optimistic when applying to various internships. It may appear easier said than done, but assuredly, there are several ways to relieve pent-up stress when searching, applying, submitting and waiting on acceptances (and rejections because a response is always better than none at all). And truthfully, waiting is the worst part, but even through the checking and re-checking of emails, there are defi nitive silver linings to the formalities and cliches of it all. Here are seven tips to help hopeful interns land the internship of their dreams:

Have someone look over your resume and cover letter

First and foremost, before even considering applying to any companies, ensuring you have a substantial resume and cover letter is key. These two simple documents serve as the intern coordinator’s fi rst impression of you as an employee. Simply put, your resume and cover letter need to be near perfect, so it’s a good idea to have a second or even third set of eyes review them.

Don’t hesitate to ask a trusted adviser, professor or colleague to proofread both, as they will provide the most constructive criticism. Before sending in the resume and cover letter to be edited, though, make sure everything you want to be included from your past work experience and education is present on the documents because you know yourself and your accomplishments better than anyone. If there is anything you are proud to showcase, include it, and if your professor deems it unnecessary, then you know what to incorporate and what not to. It’s better to have more than less in this case.

Create a LinkedIn account

Once you have an adequate resume and cover letter that is representative of you and your work, it is time to begin the internship search process. Start by creating a LinkedIn account. LinkedIn is the ideal platform for professional networking and career development with endless numbers of opportunities to connect with potential employers.

Begin by uploading your resume, cover letter and experience. From there, tailor your profi le so that it personifi es you both as an individual and a job candidate. Featuring a professional headshot will aid you in coming across as a serious candidate and not as someone companies should overlook. The same goes for your background photo.

Consider uploading a photo of your school, an organization you are a part of or your contact information in an aesthetically pleasing display. Other components that will assist you in standing out are your headline and summary. This is your chance to tell employers about yourself, what kind of work environment you are seeking and your interests. Keep it concise, grammatically correct and relevant.

From here, begin searching for companies that are offering internships in the realm you wish to work. Look to see if any alumni from your school are currently working there, and consider connecting with them. If you decide to connect, send a personalized message to them, letting them know you are interested in learning more about the positions being offered and what they do on a day-to-day basis in their workplace. Typically, fellow collegiate alumni will be more than willing to extend a helping hand.

Once you come across an internship that seems fi tting, save the job, review the criteria and begin the application process.

Subscribe to internship-related newsletters

Often, it may seem like the internship best fi tting for you is hard to fi nd. You may be wondering, “Where do I look, and where do I start aside from LinkedIn?” Luckily, there are many internship newsletters students can subscribe to, so they are on alert when a new opening is available for hire.

There are several newsletters specialized for different majors and minors. Simply search whatever position you are interested in with the words “internship newsletter” attached, and the sites are endless.

Email, email, email

Although it may seem intimidating reaching out to a select company or employer individually, it is a smart route, as it shows you care and are interested in that person’s company or role. But how do you retrieve an email address to send a message of intent? Well, there are several options.

If there is a specifi c company you are highly interested in working for, even if it seems like a long shot, go to that company’s website and start digging to see if there is any contact information for employees. A lot of times, there will be a section labeled “Careers” that you can click on, that will provide addresses of people to reach out to if desired. Often, there are even email addresses specifi cally for internship inquiries.

Draft up an email stating your reasoning for contacting that individual, and attach your resume, cover letter, work samples, LinkedIn profi le and website if you have one. Lastly, close with seeing if they would be interested in meeting to discuss what a day in the life looks like for them at their place of work, and tell them you look forward to being in touch.

Furthermore, try reaching out via Twitter or Instagram. With the rise of social media, it is not necessarily unprofessional to reach out via these platforms anymore, and you would be surprised by who responds. If you can fi nd a current intern for the specifi ed business, even better. Ask them for advice on the process, and see if they would be able to assist you along the way.

Find a piece of work to feature to potential employers

Potential employers appreciate when hopeful candidates have already done substantial work in the fi eld they are pursuing before seeking out an internship. No matter your major, fi nd a project you completed for a class or for an outside organization that you believe is representative of your work ethic and abilities.

Many companies are more interested in seeing what you have done thus far rather than hearing about what you believe you can do in the future. If anything, this is one of the most decisive factors that can make or break whether you advance in the application process. Ensure whatever you are sharing is something you are proud of and passionate about, as the employer will likely ask you follow-up questions in regards to it.

On the contrary, if you don’t have anything you believe to be submittable, join an organization that is able to help you with a project, campaign or piece that will help you stand out among other candidates. Remember, it is human nature that people like to help others, so don’t hesitate to seek guidance.

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER

Make a website

In addition to showcasing a piece of work, cultivating a website is another solid aspect that will strengthen your application. Use sites like Squarespace, Wix or WordPress to get started.

A personal website is a fi rst-rate tool to develop your personal brand. It is the perfect space that serves as a one-stop shop for a hiring manager to examine who you are and what you have done in the past. Here, you are able to upload many projects, pieces of work or published pieces so that the interviewer has the ability to explore what exactly it is they are looking for. This way, they have more options and insight into what you have done up until this point in your education and fi eld of study in case the one piece you decided to submit isn’t as fi tting as maybe something else you have done is.

Follow up

As stated earlier, there is nothing worse than waiting for a response, and more often than not, you won’t receive one. However, don’t take it personally, as these working professionals are busy and may not have the time to get back to you.

Even if you feel as if you are probing and being a pest by following up to an unread email, know you are not. By following up and seeing if the hiring coordinator received your email and is still looking for interns, it shows you are conscientious in regards to the places you have applied and care about their feedback and response.

Again, you still might not hear back following the follow-up email, but you can at least rest without regrets knowing you did all you could given the circumstances. And, besides, there is no harm in following up once more if the time between the second email has elapsed greatly.

Above all, the right internship will present itself when you least expect it. It’s important to not lose hope or trust in the process because once all is said and done, what is meant for you will fi nd you.

the weekender

The Dairy Barn kicks off the new year with an array of classes

ALYSSA CRUZ FOR THE POST

The Dairy Barn Arts Center, 8000 Dairy Lane, is currently offering a variety of new classes for the Athens public to enjoy. The topics presented range from pottery to drawing to painting, ensuring each interested party has the opportunity to participate in something that catches their eye.

“The Dairy Barn offers education programs to the community as part of our mission as an art- focused nonproft organization,” Kelly Shaw, education director, said. “That includes everything from classes and workshops for adults and youth, our summer art camp (and) take-home art-making activities.”

Shaw also touched on the collaboration the Dairy Barn does with local school systems and other nonprofts to provide arts programming.

Pottery, painting and drawing are all workshops that will take place this week.

Drawing is Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; painting will be Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and pottery will take place Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

All the classes will recur on their respective days into February and can be found on Dairy Barn’s website.

In addition to serving as the education director at the Dairy Barn, Shaw is also a seasoned ceramicist and the instructor of the pottery class “Intro to Wheel Throwing.”

“I enjoy teaching this particular class, which is an intro to functional pottery using wheel throwing techniques and a potter’s wheel, because I think clay is an excellent medium for having a tactile experience with something that human beings have been creating with since we frst got our hands on it,” Shaw said. “I think this class is sometimes folks’ frst experience with clay, and it’s really gratifying to see them work with a new material in such a hands-on way.”

Selia Shipman, a freshman studying early childhood education, has heard of the Dairy Barn and the classes it provides before. Although she has never attended a workshop, she is interested in enrolling in some of the available classes.

“That sounds super interesting,” Shipman said when she found out about the pottery class offered.

Although the Dairy Barn still puts much of their resources and energy into providing tactile art classes, Rebekah Halbirt, studio manager at the Dairy Barn, hopes to expand the coverage of the organization when it comes to other forms of art, including digital.

The pandemic unfortunately halted some of the early efforts in this area, but newly appointed Halbirt is excited to get started.

“I just got hired over the summer, and I’m hoping after this period of transition that, now, I’m in a better situation or understanding to open up open studios — fber studios and digital studios — and get that out to the public,” Halbirt said. “The Dairy Barn is known for ceramic studio and ceramic classes, and I’m hoping that we’re going to be able to get more diverse classes and workshops happening to let the public know that we also carry a digital studio and a fber studio.”

The attendees of the offered classes are required to pay a fee. This fee includes the necessary materials for pottery but not the materials for the drawing and painting classes.

Drawing is $140 for members and $154 for non-members; painting is $170 for members and $187 for non-members; and pottery is $206 for members and $226 for non-members.

Halbirt said a mission of the Dairy Barn is to create a space for people to reinvent themselves and fnd a creative outlet they may have been seeking. She said they are trying to help people educate themselves and possibly fulfll a creative hole in their

Participants at a class held at Dairy Barn Arts Center explore creative possibilities to transform ordinary books into a work of art on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. The “Altered Books” class is led by local artist Hillary Gattian. (PEARL SPURLOCK | FOR THE POST)

life.

“I think that our idea is to present arts to the community for people that maybe creative endeavors aren’t really going to put the food on the table, but it’s something that will beneft their emotional health and their mental health, especially during a pandemic,” Halbirt said. “We all need something to look forward to, and I think that the Dairy Barn creates that kind of atmosphere.”

@ALYSSADANCCRUZ AC974320@OHIO.EDU

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The Dairy Barn art classes

WHERE: The Dairy Barn, 8000 Dairy Lane

WHEN: Dates vary

ADMISSION: Prices vary

WHAT’S GOING ON?

Play intramural basketball; learn to cook vegan

KATIE MILLARD FOR THE POST

FRIDAY, JAN. 14 Free Christmas Tree Pickup of dis-

carded live Christmas trees will take place all day in the city of Athens. Residents should place their tree by the curb and call 740-592-3343 to schedule their pickup.

Admission: Free

A Major Exploration Workshop will be conducted from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The workshop will help students who are curious about their major or undecided explore their options. Come gain valuable resources like navigating fi nding a career, enhancing self-awareness and aligning your skills and interests with the best major for you.

Admission: Free

The Pen on Paper Writing Group has its fi rst meeting this semester virtually via Microsoft Teams from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Participants should bring papers, blogs, articles, stories and any other written work to share and work on in a supportive community. Hosted by the Women’s Center, the informal group will meet every Friday, and participants can come and go as they wish.

Admission: Free

Ethan Timm is performing from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Smiling Skull Saloon,

108 W. Union St. The acoustic performer specializes in classic rock favorites and his own originals, and he takes requests. Come catch this Ohio musician’s smooth act live.

Admission: $4

SATURDAY, JAN. 15 The Intramural Preseason Basketball

Tournament will take place at Ping Student Recreation Center, 82 South Green Drive, all day. The 5v5 basketball tournament will be played as a round robin, and teams do not need to be registered for the spring league to compete. Come try out your skills and prep for Sunday’s bracketed tournament and the spring intramural season.

Admission: $5

Terry Hermsen is performing at the Athens Public Library, 30 Home St., at

2 p.m. Come see the exciting musical poetry performance intended to spark climate action and a sense of hope.

Admission: Free

The Insect! With Acrylic Grooves will perform at The Union, 18 W. Union

St., at 8 p.m. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for the long-awaited return of The Insect! with a performance featuring Acrylic Grooves.

Admission: $8 for 21+, $10 for under 21

SUNDAY, JAN. 16 A Murals of Nelsonville Walking Tour

will take place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., meeting at the Nelsonville Public Library, 95 W. Washington St. Lynn Garbo will lead participants from mural to mural, sharing the stories behind each painting before a follow-up discussion at Rocky Boot to get warm with some hot drinks from the cafe.

Admission: $20

A Vegan Cooking and Nutrition Class

will be held at 10 a.m. at Tavolino, 9 N. Shafer St. The three-hour class will explain how to create balanced meals that are flavorful and nutritious, and participants will even cook a vegan meal together they can take home to enjoy.

Admission: $50 per person

Popebama Concert at Glidden Hall

will begin at 8 p.m. Hosted by the Ohio University Composers’ Association, the New York-based experimental duo will present originally composed songs along with works by three other artists. Come catch the unique, high energy show.

Admission: Free

@KATIE_MILLARD11

KM053019@OHIO.EDU Various locations BLOOD DRIVE

The need is constant, the need is urgent, sign up and give today.

visit the Red Cross online. Enter your zip code to search for an available drive. Times availble each week

DJ B-Funk will be playing music from 1950 to early 2000’s for your enjoyment. There will be food provided by Lacey Rogers, fellow book club Facilitator and community organizer, a full cash-bar, and Sharrell Wise Photography will be on hand to snap photos of all of you having fun. The event will be streamed online for those who can’t make it. A Donation is required for entry into the event. Suggested donation is $15 per person. We encourage you to donate more! ALL PROCEEDS beneft the anti-racism book club.

scan to schedule your donation

The Market on State ATHENS FARMERS & ART MARKET

Locally grown and raised meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, prepared foods, , traditional and specialty bread, coffee, wine and cider, shelf stable canned goods, sweets, plants and seeds. Plus locally made artistic goods Find us in the front parking lot and inside the Market on State Mall Saturdays 9 am - Noon

Arts West • 132 W State St ITTY BITTY PRINT EXCHANGE: ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE

This exchange consists of seventy-seven artists from fve countries. The artists in the exchange created prints utilizing a wide range of analog print media—screenprinting, relief printing, intaglio, lithography, letterpress, risograph, printing on glass, and more. What’s beautiful about this exchange is not only its vastness, but also the varying imagery and perspective in response to the prompt “Another World Is Possible.” on view through January 28th

@ittybittyprintexchange

FRIDAY NIGHT: BILL FOLEY

The perfect place to gather ANY NIGHT OF THE WEEK! we have 32 Beers on Tap & Don’t Miss

Bill Foley every friday in January at 6pm.

Tuesday night trivia.

@EclipseBeerHall

Open to All

Alden Library • 4th foor NEVERTHELESS, SHE PERSISTED THROUGH TIME

Exhibit of items entirely selected and described by students in the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program Freshman Seminar, delayed since spring 2020. This student-curated exhibit features materials from various collections in the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, and that address questions and issues of relevance to all students around gender, sexuality, societal expectations, rights, and so on. on view through February 10th

Free & Open to the Public

Dairy Barn Arts Center 8000 Dairy Lane OH+5

CONTEMPORARY ART OF OUR REGION

This exhibition features artwork from 62 artists living in Ohio and the fve surrounding states. Visitors will enjoy a variety of artworks including sculpture, painting, photography, fber art and mixed-media art. Jan 15th - Mar 13th

$7 general admission $5 student/seniors • members FREE

dairybarn.org

Stuarts Opera House LATE 20TH CENTURY DANCE PARTY WITH DJ BFUNK

Friday, Jan. 21st 7 pm- 11 pm

TICKETS & DONATION HERE: linktr.ee/djbfunk

$15 Donation and proof of vaccination required to attend

promote YOUR NEXT EVENT HERE

because it’s an affordable (cheap) way to expose art, music, theater, flms, exhibitions, and non-proft events and happenings TO THOUSANDS OF READERS

for as low as $15 per week!

send us an email postadvertising@ohio.edu Semester pricing and discounts are available. Space is limited

For more Music, Arts, and Events

scan