Internship Rating of the Week: XM Satellite Radio

This week the company that students need to watch out for is XM Satellite Ratio! InternshipRatings.com has received 10 users ratings for XM Satellite Radio in DC making it our largest rated company so far! Not only does it have 10 ratings, but almost all of them give great detail about the benefits of their internship program. Here are what a few of the interns had to say:


Mes76:Great internship! I wanted to improve my Excel skills, and I was paired with someone who was great with helping me do that, and at the same time I felt like I was doing something useful.


Lauren: I learned more from my 12 week experience at XM Radio than in any class I have taken in college


Nickib:I loved my internship with XM last summer. The people were great, it was a very relaxed environment, and I got paid! The overall structure of the program allowed for a lot of meetings with upper level management which was great experience when preparing for a job.


Jbleiche: The best part of the internship is how much I was able to interact with people in all departments throughout XM. This really helped me pin-point specifically what type of work I want to pursue in my career. The program is incredibly structured and any problems I ever had were quickly fixed. Great internship all around!


We are so thankful for the enthusiasm of their Interns. Their participation shows us the importance of landing a great internship. All of these students were able to learn real world knowledge of their respective industry, meet great people and enjoy their time as an intern. We only hope that more companies adapt similar programs so other students can have the same experience.


Thank you XM Satellite Radio for really valuing you interns! For more information on XM Satellite Ratio and other companies check out InternshipRatings.com

Create Your Own Internship

College students are individuals who have diverse passions and interests seeking self-discovery. It is almost as if college students are expected to have a clear idea of their intended career path upon matriculating. Narrow-based curriculums do not allow students to experience different fields of interest. Internships, however, can foster the discovery of unknown skills and hobbies. 

Traditionally, companies offer set programs to shadow a position or to include certain projects. Students who want the flexibility of exploration are now designing their own internship programs to meet their wants. Companies who have established programs are taking notice of these individuals and hiring them for positions. The Wall Street Journal published an article on this subject late last week. It featured liberal-arts students who pitched ideas to various companies about projects that anticipated the company's needs and combined the student's personal interests. For example, one girl combined her love of hip-hop music and helping children by organizing a program for underprivileged children for a non-profit art education organization.

Do not get discouraged if a company does not offer the program you want. Instead, design your ideal experience and pitch it to companies. Create a proposal that you can send to a targeted group of companies and/or organizations. In order to do this, you must first conduct research that can help you narrow the focus of your internship search. Consider what you want to gain from the internship (skill development, career exploration), what kind of responsibilities you would like to have and what kind of daily duties. Then, think about the field(s) you want to work in and whether there is a need for what you want to do. The proposal should be written in place of the cover letter and include the following information:

• Specific description of what you would like to do and why you think the company needs you to do it
• Description of the project or position you want to fill
• Description of what you have to offer the company/organization
• Dates of availability
• Attached resume that highlights strengths mentioned in the proposal

Developing your own internship takes time and effort. If you cannot locate a position that is  customary, do not give up! You are a commodity that companies value and depend on. Be persistent until you find the right opportunity!

--Stephanie

It's all in the details

Now, that we have introduced the site to you, here are some of its defining features:

Homepage: The InternshipRatings.com homepage allows the user to get started by either searching for internships, viewing internships or rating internships. A user can search by industry, city or state. You can also click on the search button which leads you to an advance search. This feature allows you to be more specific and even look for companies with paid internships! The homepage also has three ways of viewing internships: Recently Rated, Top Rated and Worst Rated. Read some horror and success stories from past interns. 

Rating Questions: We tailored the questions to the needs of our users. After our own internship experiences and the experiences of others, we determined the top 12 questions concerning an internship. Out of these 12, the top 5 questions correspond with an icon that can be seen easily without viewing the full rating. We also understand the importance of a rate and rave, so there is a comment box that allows you to go into more detail.

Membership: In order to add/ rate a company, you must be a member. By becoming a member you are able to receive updates from the site, see local ratings in your area, and of course rate an internship! 

Anonymous Ratings: Many users are nervous to post an internship for fear that the company might track their review. With the anonymous setting, this is not an issue. When you sign up for the site all you have to do is go to your account settings and click on  "Keep my rating(s) anonymous". It's pretty simple! 

InternshipRatings.com is a bright, colorful site that is easy to use and geared toward the college demographic.

We are working to make InternshipRatings.com the best it can be! If you have any comments, questions or concerns just click on the contact link at the bottom of the site.

Enjoy and rate away!!

--Lauren 

Watch Your Mouth!

A recent article published by Careerbuilder.com suggests that the appropriateness of comments in the workplace to coworkers and bosses can damage your relationships and even your career. Although you may think that a pejorative remark rolled off the sleeve of your supervisor, it could be a comment that he or she decides to associate with you from them on.

Interns, especially, should be cognizant of their behavior in the workplace. Whether or not they are given the same respect as employees, they should demonstrate responsibility, trustworthiness and an interest in the experience. Internships are equated with an interactive interview process that could lead to a position in the company. One poorly thought out remark could ruin their credibility. So interns, for the sake of your reputations and future careers, watch your mouths!

Here are some phrases that you should AVOID saying in the workplace:

"I heard ____ say this in the break room."

It is inappropriate to create inner office gossip, especially since you do not know if it's true. As an intern, you should not meddle in the affairs of other employees, as it could result in the end of your internship. The best thing you can do is walk away from the situation.

"I partied so hard last night."

While you might think of your supervisor as more of a friend, it is inappropriate to discuss your partying habits with him or her. Even though your boss might have share your habits, this topic is simply inappropriate for the office. Trust me, you do not want to become associated with sex, drugs or rock and roll.

"Get your own coffee."

Internships are stereotypically associated with grunt work, like shlepping your boss a cup of coffee. If menial tasks were not in the job description you signed up for, do not freak out. Instead of scolding someone who is your superior, politely grant his or her request. If your boss continues to ask you for coffee, ask if you can talk privately at a convenient time. During this conversation, politely state that you are ready to take on larger responsibilites!

For more examples, please click here to see the original article!

--Stephanie

Sororities and Networking

Saturday morning I was surprised to find an e-mail in my inbox from a sorority alumna whom I have never personally met. The subject of the correspondence was an opening for summer interns at an upscale fashion designer in Manhattan. The message should not have been so unexpected, however, because I had received a similar e-mail two months prior from a different alumna who was looking for spring interns at a Boston based public relations firm. 

I have never considered myself the quintessential rah rah sorority girl and was iffy about whether or not I belonged. These e-mails reminded me of the importance of my sisters for my future endeavors. I was excited to get the messages at a time when I was considering internship options. I did not know about either company, which made the messages even more exciting. I was able to add two new companies to my list of potential employers.

While sororities are stereotypically associated with mixers and date parties, they are in actuality more closely associated with networking. The lineage of members spans across diverse industries and occupations. Members are eager to reach out to one another and offer internships because they are linked by a commonality. Whether or not i am interested in my sisters' companies, their network of connections can be of use. Because the membership of sororities in general are nationwide and it is impossible to know everyone, displaying the greek letters on a resume can help your application be more strongly considered if employees are also members.

If you are in a sorority, message your network of sisters before applying for your next internship!

--Stephanie

Internship Resolutions for the New Year

As 2008 rapidly approaches, I reflect on the year that is almost over. 2007 was a busy year full of academic and work accomplishments, traveling, and adventures with close friends. I can excitedly say that I achieved all that I had hoped to. Creating a list of resolutions helped me attain all of the goals that I set for myself annually. Here are some internship related goals I set for myself that made me become a successful intern.

Here's to a happy, prosperous, internship filled new year!

Here is a list of resolutions for 2008:

• Thank bosses, mentors, teachers or individuals who positively influenced you in the workplace or who helped you find an internship
• Contact your fellow interns, mentors and bosses to say "Happy New Year" and update them on your whereabouts
• Update your resume (add new internships, personal interests, tailor the colors and font to match that of the employer you are sending it to)
• Modify your cover letter (mention new accomplishments, make it coincide with the industry and employer you are sending it to)
• Gather writing examples, recommendation letters, and examples of other accomplishments to send/bring to a potential employer
• Search for your next internship (check the web, talk to former employers, friends and professors, visit your school's career center)
• Practice  interviewing with a friend, professor or career counselor
• Read one blog that corresponds with your personal interests and another that is related to your industry
• Do something nice for someone everyday!

Reliving My Hockey Internship

Last night was by far the best night of my winter vacation! I relived my favorite internship from a few years ago--not in the sense that I dreamt about it. I actually had a chance to be an intern again! Two summers ago I had the privilege of working for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the marketing and public relations departments. I have not mentioned it before, but hockey is my passion. Working for a professional team was a dream come true: work was more like play. My days were filled with projects like compiling the statistics section of the media guide and playing cubicle floor hockey. Since my internship, I have made it a point to keep in touch with two of the advisors for whom I worked. When I am home from college, I visit and help out with public relations tasks on game days.

I was reminded of the importance of networking in the press box last night. By building and maintaining relationships with my advisors, They have offered me an open invitation to work for the team when I am home. Additionally, I have been able to meet other contacts. For example, my advisor introduced me to the director of broadcasting for the team. Although he and I are interested in different industries, this individual is connected to local and national media contacts who are in my field. By conversing with him and establishing myself as a public relations professional-in-training, I linked myself to his broader group of contacts. It is so important to establish positive relationships because the business world is small. It may be hard to fathom, but contacts (especially those who you never thought would come in handy) can help you get another internship or job based on their circle of friends and experience. Maintaining your relationships is a small, easy task that you can do to help yourself succeed in the business world.

This time of year is perfect for reconnecting with an old boss. Send him or her a short e-mail with holiday wishes and current information about school, internships and achievements. It would be nice to ask him or her about the company too. It is better to create lasting relationships that will lead to future internship and business opportunities than to limit yourself. Renowned American comedian and actor Milton Berle said it best, "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."

--Stephanie

Life is too short to put up with a bad internship

In celebration of my new found freedom at the end of a stressful semester, I decided to do a little shopping. While I walked through the mall, I came across the store Barney's. As I approached the entrance, the first thing that popped into my mind was my summer internship.

Like I have said before, last summer I interned with an upscale designer in Manhattan. I was hired as a public relations intern. I was under the impression that I would help the designer with press kits and other related tasks, but did I do any PR? I wish the answer were yes! Unfortunately, I spent most of my days packing up inventory for Barney's and other upscale stores. Every day I came home frustrated. Packing inventory was definitely not in job description that I signed up for. I accept that grunt work is usually an inevitable part of an internship; however, this was much worse than doing menial tasks. Internships are for learning, not doing someone else’s entire job. The designer should have hired a person to fill the shipping position or clarified my duties during the interview.

Looking back, I wish I had listened to the people around me. My friends and family told me to quit and find a fair internship where I would be able to learn about my field of interest, but I didn't listen. I felt uncomfortable with my boss and didn't have the courage to say anything. Let me tell you, regret sucks!

My advice is to speak up if you are an intern who is doing tasks that are not part of the job description you agreed to. Talk to your immediate advisor or someone else who you feel comfortable approaching about your duties. Take initiative and suggest some projects or tasks you would like to do. Anticipate the company’s needs. The purpose of interning is to watch and learn. If you are neither doing anything meaningful nor learning, there is no reason to put up with your unfair internship. Take pride in your work, realize you strengths, and stand up for yourself!

--Lauren

Business Week 50 Best Internships

Business Week recently published a list of the top 50 companies to intern at. The main criteria: offering jobs at the end of the summer. Internships are now more meaningful than space fillers for your resume. They are becoming a summer long interview process that could possibly lead to your first job. This means that the pressure is on! Since the line between internships and jobs are blurring, remember to act like a professional (ie steer clear of sex jokes, personal phone calls, texting, online shopping and addictive online games). Although internships tend to be less strict than jobs, do not abuse your freedom. Make sure you give off a good impression, meaning that you enjoy working for the company and that you want to be there. Remember that the goal of an internship is experience and networking opportunities. Even if you cannot picture yourself working at the company in the future, a stellar recommendation from them will help you land a job somewhere else.

This article reminds me of my past internship because I was offered a job at the end of the summer. The president pulled me aside to tell me that my enthusiasm, anticipation of their needs and grammatical precision were what they looked for in employees. Oddly enough, the president was convinced that I would give up finishing my college degree for a public relations position. Although I did not accept the job, I was proud that my hard work was noticeable. 

Good actions don't go unnoticed. Keep up the hard work because it will pay off!

--Stephanie

A Gift Giving Guide For Interns: A response to Lauren

'Tis the season for giving...but is it appropriate to honor your mentor or boss with a gift? Lauren's post made me consider whether or not it is proper etiquette for an intern to show appreciation for someone in the office. My advice is only to give a gift if the sentiments behind it are sincere. 

For example, at the end of my summer internship I presented my mentor with a small Victoria's Secret travel bag filled with lotion and soap. I decided to give her a gift upon ending my internship because we had a fabulous relationship. Even if she did not have a specific assignment for me to do during the day, she made it a point to include me in all of her daily tasks (including e-mails, conference calls, lunch meetings, briefing sessions, etc). Because she went above and beyond, I felt it was only appropriate to express my gratitude. 

So, you might be wondering whether or not you should give your boss a gift. There is no right or wrong answer. Just remember, a little bit goes a long way: the goal is to show appreciation, not how much you can afford. There is no reason to be extravagant because your boss is most likely not expecting anything. Extravagant gifts can be awkward (ie instead of a spa weekend go with a manicure; instead of an ipod go with a case).

Here's a short gift guide to make your job a little easier:

1. A pen

It will constantly remind the recipient of you. Engraving the intitials of your boss is an added touch.

2. Personalized note pad or stationary

Useful and used often.

3. Paper weight

I don't understand their purpose but it seems like every employee needs one

4. Gift certificate

Restaurants, spas, electronics...you can't go wrong.

5. Chocolates and other food items

Think Godiva...this is a good gift for the whole office to share.

6. Mug

Over the past [insert number] weeks you have formed a relationship with your boss. Based on the knowledge you have gained it should become easy to select a mug that appeals to his or her personal interests.

7. Coffee table book

It is a great idea to give your boss a book related to his or her industry or personal interests.

8. Personalized note

A handwritten note is an easy and inexpensive way to express your gratitude.

--Stephanie

Ending An Internship With Etiquette

I have been looking forward to December break for way too long now and I can't believe it has finally arrived (or is about to arrive within the next few days)! This past semester was filled with juggling classes, homework, extra-curricular activities and a social life. Lucky for me (or arguably unlucky), one thing I didn't have to worry about was an internship.

After talking to one of my friends about her internship this semester, I realized that I forgot many of the ups and downs of the whole experience. One thing she reminded me of is the ending of an internship term. Depending upon where you intern, there can be many good things that come out of it at the end. For example, a recommendation letter or a job. But the most exciting thing can sometimes be a gift!

My friend was telling me that she received a Banana Republic gift card as a goodbye/thank you present. It brought me back to my not so fond days at my internship over the summer. After coffee runs, paper filing, client phone calls and more, I got absolutely nothing in return. The thing is, it's not like I worked for a small start-up company: I worked for a designer. A piece of her collection is not a huge thing to ask for! I don't mean to come off as materialistic or seem like I need some sort of award for my hard work. The internship experience can be considered a gift in itself. However, I just think that it is important for an intern to know that he or she was valued by the person/company he or she worked for. Is that too much to ask?

--Lauren

GiGi Girls are here and ready to make some noise about internship experiences

Welcome to the official Gigi girls blog! We are two goal driven, adventurous best friends who spend countless hours dissecting and analyzing our relationships, shopping purchases and offbeat internships. We wouldn't buy a pair of shoes without our best friend's opinion, so why not apply the same idea to internships.

First-hand experience. Networking. Challenges. Freebies. There are qualities that we look for in our internships. We are creating this blog to reveal and critique the intern world as we see it. We think it is important to expose both the positive and negative aspects of being an intern or having an internship so that peers (including us) can find out the real deal.

Having a place to discuss good and bad internships would have helped us predetermine whether our summer internships would have been worthwhile. Lauren's high expectations surrounding an upscale New York City internship did not coincide with her actual experience: coffee runs, errands, and under appreciation. Conversely, Stephanie's low expectations of a position were exceeded: she attended commercial shoots, client lunches and wrote several press releases.

Here's to great internships...