A SENIOR BIOENGINEER FROM PITT IS LOOKING FOR ADVICE TO SECURE AN INTERNSHIP

#engagementstory

By MAX LEISTEN

Connecting with employers and alumni in bioengineering can significantly boost your presence at career fairs. Few strategies are as effective as engaging with those who have firsthand experience in the industry, especially when you’re aiming to stand out in a crowded field.

By leveraging these connections, many students can refine their pitch and successfully stand out to employers. A network like Pitt’s can be the key to gain a fresh perspective on how to showcase their strengths and set themselves apart.

Keep it simple!

Max

The "ask"

I am a senior Bioengineer looking for an internship next semester. I have some research experience and a previous internship that was in a different field.

What do employers look for in candidates at a career fair? I have heard that I need to stand out but I’m not sure what specifically to talk about. A lot of my experience (i.e. research) is common among people in my major, and it feels hard to talk about it in a meaningful way that will impress an employer.

Thanks for your time!

The "give" (1 of 3)

Hi, I’m sure many students are in a similar situation. It’s great that you’ve already completed an internship. Even though it’s in a different field, you can still describe any project or deliverables you completed. The fact that you already completed an internship shows a lot of initiative.

You probably also completed assignments as part of your schoolwork that could be related to your next internship. You could describe the thought process or problems that were solved in completing those projects.

You probably already have a heavy course load, but if you want to get into a specific area, perhaps there’s an online certificate program that you could complete. When an opportunity does arise, be sure to work hard and make a good first impression – a little extra effort goes a long way. Even if it does not seem to be a great fit for your interests, perform your tasks to the best of your ability and network with the colleagues you meet. This should help open up further opportunities.

I hope this helps. Congratulations on making it this far – finish your senior year strong!

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