Planning Ahead for Summer 2016

It’s pretty crazy to start thinking about next summer already, but – whether you’re participating in OCI or not – it’s good to plan ahead. Quite a few of you have been participating in OCI over the past few weeks, which is a great opportunity to secure an opportunity for next summer (and potentially post-graduation). For most students, summer opportunities will come from outside of OCI. Taking advantage of Symplicity, networking, and reflection can make the process seem much less daunting!

Symplicity Summer opportunities will appear on the job board any time between now and next May, so it is a good idea to designate one day a week to peruse the postings to see if any new opportunities have appeared. Have your applications materials teed up and ready to go so you can apply quickly – sometimes a few tweaks to your cover letter is all it will take. Additionally, some firms look to hire part-time clerks during the school year with the hopes that a mutually beneficial relationship will lead to a summer opportunity. Smaller and solo firms are often interested and in need of help during the summer, but don’t always have the resources and time to post on Symplicity. It’s easy to get discouraged if an opportunity through OCI didn’t work out, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until May to start searching again.

Networking – Participate in as many networking activities as you can! While an employer may not have a summer position open right now, if you make a great first impression and continue to follow up, you can be one of the first students they reach out to when an opening becomes available. Chat with your fellow law students – and not just those in your class. Where did they work over the summer? How did they find that opportunity? Don’t let wanting to feel like you did everything on your own keep you from leveraging your connections! Upcoming networking events co-sponsored by the Career Center include BLSA Speed Networking and a Bar Association/Student Organization Leaders Luncheon. Informational interviewing is also a great way to network. Check out the “Interviews – Informational Interviewing” guide in your “Resources” tab through Symplicity for tips and tricks.

Reflection – Another aspect of planning ahead for the summer involves reflecting on whether you can pursue an unpaid internship or an internship for course credit. Working during the school year might help you save some money that can make these types of opportunities feasible. Are you planning to study abroad over the summer? How can you also fit in a few weeks gaining experience in a firm? Locking down the dates for when you would be available can help you begin to actively and purposefully search for opportunities.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Career Center along the way with any questions about interviewing, negotiating, or accepting/declining offers!

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