April 29, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR EMILY AGAN IN CA
Hi Cristal, To start your job search make a list of careers that you are interested in. Then make a list of all the companies, organizations in your area that might offer offer jobs in your areas of interest. You are never too young for an internship. First thing you should always do is to tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job and what you are interested in. You may have friends who have parents, or uncles, or friends that work for a company that may be of interest to you. If a job isn't listed on a company's web site or on a job site, it doesn't mean one doesn't exist. Make a list of the top 5 companies you are interested in interning for. Find out the appropriate contact (manager or human resources director). Write a letter to each company telling them why you would make a great summer intern and why you think it would be a valuable experience. Also, most industries have association chapters and organizations. For instance if you are interested in communications there is an International Assocation of Business Communications (www.iabc.com) most cities have local chapters. These chapters are a great place to network, find a mentor and seek out internships. You might also inquire with your highschool principal if he knows any alumni who work in a career field that interests you. Most importantly, remember that everyone had to start somewhere. Do not be intimidated. Be persistant. Here is a neat site I discovered that might have some interesting summer jobs if an internship doesn't interest you: www.idealist.org Good Luck!