How to Prepare for Intern Pursuit

Written by: Skylar Gieger 

Every semester, Quotes hosts an internship fair called Intern Pursuit. This is the biggest event of the semester for both the club and many communications majors. There are dozens of employers in one room, and it can be nerve-wracking if you do not know how to prepare for it. As someone who has attended two IPs, I have learned what to do to feel fully prepared. 

Now, IP starts long before the day of the event. There are weeks of preparation involved, from revising your resume to picking your outfit. It is never too early to start getting things ready. Leading up to IP, Quotes hosts three events to help students get ready: Rockin’ Resume, Resume Roundtable, and IP Bootcamp, but there are additional things to do besides going to these events. 

If you are planning on attending IP, the first thing you should go to is Rockin’ Resume, which is held roughly a month before IP. During Rockin’ Resume, expect to hear from a professional about the dos and don’ts for resume building. This session will provide you with information that will help tailor your resume to fit what employers are looking for. After you go to Rockin’ Resume, it is essential to take the time to create or update your resume before going to the next event, Resume Roundtable. During this time, I recommend looking for an outfit. Since IP is a professional event, students are recommended to wear business casual clothing at a minimum. 

Around 1-2 weeks after Rockin’ Resume, it is time for Resume Roundtable. Many students find this event the most beneficial because it allows them to speak to a professional one-on-one about their resume. You read that right. Every student who comes to Resume Roundtable will meet with someone who is in the industry and will help you adjust your resume to meet employer expectations. You can ask questions about what to add or delete from your resume. This is an incredible chance to hammer out the fine details that you are not sure about before handing your resume to someone you want to hire you. 

Following Resume Roundtable, finalize your outfit for IP. Take time to wear it at least once before IP so that you are comfortable and can confirm that there are no flaws in the fitting of it. Practice any hairstyles and makeup, so you are not stuck trying to figure out what to do on the day of IP. Along with that, be sure to apply the feedback from Resume Roundtable and finish editing your resume. 

The final preparation event is about a week before IP. IP Bootcamp is an informational meeting with final tips and suggestions that often go overlooked. After a quick presentation, the floor opens for questions, and you are encouraged to ask anything else about IP before you go. You will hear from other students and professionals who have attended IP and secure your confidence. 

While IP Bootcamp is the last event Quotes offers before IP, that does not mean that it is the last thing to do before attending. You should practice an elevator pitch, wear your outfit around (including hair, makeup and shoes), find a small bag to carry essentials or merch you get, and buy or borrow a folder to hold your resumes and papers from IP. Do not forget to print your resumes before IP; bringing 10 printed resumes is recommended. Every student at UCF receives one dollar of printing funds per week that can be used at the UCF Library, so make sure to take advantage of this before the special night.