Unit 4. Becoming a job applicant

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Confucius

Task 1. Scan the text in Task 5 for the highlighted words and create a mini-glossary[9] on the topic.

Task 2. Match the sentence parts to make definitions.

1. An internship is	d. to take a short trip to do a specific thing.
2. To blend means	e. you have arranged to see them at a particular time.
3. Academic credit is	f. to combine into one.
4.An assignment is	g. a letter sent along with other documents to provide additional information.
1. If you have an appointmentwith someone,	h. a method of on-the-job training for white-collar and professional careers.
2. The term 'cover letter' means	i. a piece of work you are given to do.
3. If you submit an application to someone,	j. a means of quantifying and recognizing learning.
4. If you apply to do something,	k. a job or position of responsibility.
5. To run an errand means	l. work that is menial and thankless.
6. “Grunt” work is	m. you send it to them so they can decide whether to accept it.
7. An appointment is	n. you write asking formally to be allowed to do it.

Task 3. Give the Russian equivalents to the words and phrases below.

To launch into career, to work in, an internship, an intern, to relate, on-the-job experience, to put into action, an academic credit, volunteer opportunities, assignments, co-op experience, field experience, to make an appointment, campus, employers, to submit a resume, a cover letter, to apply for a job, internship programs, externship, applications, to succeed at, to gain from, to clarify, to run errands, “grunt” work, practicum, job openings.

Task 4. Match the verbs and phrases with the similar meaning.

1. to launch into	a. to maximize
2. to relate to	b. to be on the high horse
3. to put into action	c. to begin with vigor
4. to submit	d. be at beck and call
6. to succeed at	e. to refer for judgment
7. to get the most out of	f. to take advantage of
8. to gain from	g. to cross off
9. to rule out	h. to implement
10. to run errands	i. to concern

Task 5. Skim the text and choose the best title for it.

a) Gaining Experience as an Intern

b) Internships

c) Ways to find an internship

________________________

One way to launch into your career is an internship. As an intern, you work in a job that relates directly to your career interests. Internships blend classroom learning with on-the-job experience. You get to put your technical and transferable skills into action. Internships often offer academic credit. Some involve paid positions, while other internships are volunteer opportunities. Interns usually prepare for their assignments by completing courses in a specific field. Note that internships may be called by other names, such as co-op experience, practicum, externship, and field experience.

To find an internship, make an appointment with someone at the career planning or counseling office on your campus. There you can connect with employers in your area who are looking for interns. You will likely submit a resume and cover letter explaining your career interests. This is valuable in itself as experience in applying for jobs. You can also locate organizations that interest you and contact them directly about internships. Even companies that do not have formal internship programs may accept applications.

Succeed at your internship. To get the most out of your internships, act professionally every moment that you’re on the job. In addition:

Get direction. Find an internship supervisor and meet with that person regularly. Ask this person to explain your tasks and offer feedback on how you’re doing.

Set a goal. Think about what you’d most like to gain from your internship. For example, your main goal might be to gain information about a career that you can’t get from any other source, clarify your choice of a major, or meet people who can recommend you for a job in the future.

Look for value in any experience. Interns are sometimes asked to make photocopies, run errands, and do other “grunt” work. Complete these tasks with a constructive attitude. Use them to demonstrate that you have integrity and a strong work ethic. These are key transferable skills.

Remember that any internship might lead you to a full-time, professional job following graduation. Keep in touch with the people you meet. Even if they are working at another company when you graduate, they can help you find job openings.

Reflect on your internship. Internships offer a great way to test a career choice, even if you find out that you don’t like a particular job. You can benefit from ruling out a career choice early on – especially if it involves a major with a lot of required courses.

(Becoming a Master Student)