The Covid-19 pandemic is changing our lives as we know it. While many students were getting ready for Spring Break, they learned they would not be returning to campus. We’re now in a Bear Market and there is fear of a global recession. As stress abounds, a summer internship may seem small in the grand order of things. How do you stay focused amongst all the uncertainty? Should your expectations change?

During the great recession that hit in 2008, with lower incomes, fewer job opportunities, and a rise in the unemployment rate, people entering the workforce (such as college students) were the most impacted. Students who graduate in a recession have a very difficult time finding the kinds of jobs they hoped to get after completing their degrees. The same is true for internships as students mostly do not have the relevant experience. Businesses are not doing well and have to reprioritize spending.

Here are a few pieces of advice if the crisis we’re now experiencing carries through to the summer. First, while we’ve emphasized at FirstGen Ahead the importance of a paid internship, gaining any relevant experience that will help you market yourself post college is important, even if it’s voluntary or part-time. You can combine this career-relevant experience with another part-time position that helps pay the bills. In addition, like other internships, they can still provide you with excellent networking opportunities. During the summer of 2008, about half way through the Great Recession, I know a rising college sophomore who pieced together three internships, all relevant to his future career; two were remote, and one was paid.

Second, consider “job crafting.” This is where you take proactive steps to redesign what you do at your current job to further build the skills you seek for the future. For example, you might be in a service job that is not related to your major but you might sit down with your supervisor and offer to do a special project or study that would help the organization. Indicate classes you are taking that might be relevant and be creative. Not all supervisors will be receptive – some may not themselves have the authority to entertain options or may just be narrowly focused on the work – but you won’t know until you try.

Third, work on building a portfolio, even if it’s on your own time, that illustrates your skills that you can share with a future employer. Perhaps this is designing a website, writing a blog, publishing a research article, or developing a new app. Finally, talk with your FirstGen Ahead Coach because they will have good ideas, too!

Stay healthy and show creativity as you continue your summer internship searches during these challenging times.

Susan Gershenfeld, PhD