“It’s not what you know, it’s who

you know” — a motto many people have found to be true.

Taren Reker, program coordinator for

the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Career Services, said she

agrees with this statement.

“Take advantage of where you are at;

talking to people can help make connections,” Reker

said.

Summer jobs and internships offer

many benefits — networking being one of them. While at your place

of work, don’t be afraid to ask questions and take opportunities

given to you, to talk to people and learn about what they do. In

meeting these people you may meet someone who knows someone else

that can get you your dream job.

Many students on campus have summer

jobs and take internships, some related to their majors and some

not so related. Brady Harmelink, sophomore in management, has spent

the last few summers doing lots of odd jobs around his hometown,

including mowing lawns, running watercraft, working for his own

auto/marine detailing (@HarmelinkDetail) and recently starting an

apparel business.

“I feel the most important thing I

can take from my summer activities is understanding and learning

the best ways to network with everyone,” Harmelink said.

As a future businessman, Harmelink

said he is fortunate to spend his time doing things to help him

learn the ropes of the business field.

Some students, such as Alyssa

Domagalski, sophomore in event management and marketing, have

summer positions that are not as related to their majors.

Domagalski works for the YMCA doing child care and other jobs

working with children.

“I play games with kids and make

sure they get along and behave properly,” Domagalski

said.

Crow said she does not necessarily

see this as a disadvantage.

“Summer jobs offer you work

experience, build skills and help you solidify your choice in

major,” Reker said.

Employers look not only at your

experience in that field but also at your personality and your

ability to work with others — all skills you can learn in any

variety of jobs and internships. Having different positions can

help by giving you new perspectives, Reker said.

“Choosing different internships can

give you a new perspective and help you bring new views to the work

place and offer unique new ways to relate to issues,” Reker

said.

In any case, Reker recommended

students to get out there and get involved.

“If you have to choose between doing

nothing and doing something not related, always opt for the work

experience,” Reker said.

After you graduate and are looking

for jobs in the same fields as you, it is important to set yourself

apart and stand out, Reker said.

“Get involved on campus. Employers

don’t just look at the grades you kept, but they look at your

ability to juggle tasks and manage time,” Reker said.

Reker said getting involved makes

you well-rounded and diverse.

Need some help finding internships

and summer jobs related to your major? Visit the career services in

your college or log on to ISU-CMS. This site allows you to make a

profile and search through hundreds of jobs and internships

separated by majors and different companies.

Reker said students should most

importantly talk to people and make connections.