What to do when Intern Pursuit doesn’t go your way?

Written by: Deborah C. Bello

It’s no secret that Intern Pursuit is the place to be when searching for an internship. But what should you do when things don’t work out as expected? You may have hoped to speak with a specific employer but didn’t have the best conversation, or maybe you applied for that dream internship and didn’t get the response you’d hoped for after your interview.

None of these scenarios is the first of its kind. Despite countless students landing an internship from IP, others find themselves having to pivot when their top choices fall through. And despite the feeling of discouragement, it’s important to give yourself space to bounce back. I’m here to let you know that a successful semester is still within your reach! Here are three practical tips to keep in mind when IP doesn’t go your way.

Make a game plan

Before anything, you need to make a game plan. Why? Because when plans change, it can throw off our sense of direction and leave us feeling stumped. It’s only right that you reassess your goals for the semester. This doesn’t mean you have to scrape away former plans completely. It just means that making slight modifications to your plans and expectations can help you move forward in the right direction. Ask yourself these questions:

What skills am I looking to develop professionally this semester?
How much time can I commit to professional development this semester?
Does my resume and experiences align with my career aspirations in this industry?

I recommend compiling a list of five to seven goals that will help frame your mindset moving forward. Be sure to make your goals specific and based on where you envision yourself in the upcoming semesters. This clarity will empower you to stay focused and motivated on your journey. And your progress will accurately reflect your goals.

Make lemonade

When life gives you lemons…make lemonade. In AD/PR terms, lemonade means taking the time to hone in on skills that make you competitive in the market. Even without an internship, there are countless ways to enhance your portfolio. Have you considered creating spec ads or mock campaigns for a brand that interests you? You can also go to LinkedIn Learning (free for all UCF students) and take courses to gain enriching hard skills. Even redoing old class assignments, such as writing samples, can help show your growth and diversify your portfolio.

Stay connected and hopeful

Most importantly, stay connected and hopeful. In moments when things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to let frustrations and the “what ifs” take over. Although your feelings are valid, they shouldn’t stop you from staying in the loop. Taking advantage of in-person and digital networking opportunities will help expand your job prospects, strengthen personal branding, and maintain fresh industry insight. Quotes offers numerous in-person events throughout the semester. Events like Resume Roundtable and IP Boot Camp are great ways to connect with both students and industry professionals. Doing this can help build your confidence while waiting for future internship opportunities.

Out of all the advice I shared with you, my last simple and honest tip is this: redefine what you see as success. Participating in Intern Pursuit (whether in-person or virtual), applying to an internship, and preparing your professional assets take time and skill. By taking a step toward professional development, you are already succeeding. Give yourself credit because it’s deserved.

As always, feel free to reach out to us if you have more questions about IP and preparing for your experience. We certainly hope this helped, and can’t wait to see you at Intern Pursuit!