Uncommon advice for getting ahead at your internship

Veronica C. | January 7, 2013

In today’s highly competitive job market, it takes more than a fancy degree for recent graduatesto make a lasting impression on employers. Beyond your academic achievements, hiring managers like to see that you’ve gained real-world knowledge and experience through meaningful internships. However, making the most of your time as an intern falls on your shoulders. Here is some uncommon advice for getting ahead as spring internships begin.

Money
Sometimes getting the most valuable experiences out of an internship requires going outside of the normal channels. Put aside some extra money to help finance your career building efforts like networking with coworkers over lunch and attending industry conferences. It may seem like an unnecessary financial burden, but it could mean all the difference in securing an entry level job later on.

Specialize
While you want to gain a diverse range of knowledge about your career path, many employers value interns with a specialized set of skills. If something about your job is particular appealing to you, learn as much as you can about it. When the time comes, you can use that knowledge to really impress a manager or supervisor with your expertise on the subject.

The next step
Don’t wait until the end of your internship to begin thinking about your next career step. From day one, you should organize a list of goals you have for your internship and where you want them to take you. Once you have your priorities in order, you can begin thinking of ways to follow through on them.

Network Engineering Technical Development Program (NETDP)

Someone had to build the network to make 92 million wireless customers possible. How about the 120,000 people working in Engineering and IT at AT&T? NETDP is the opportunity to work with them and learn from the best. Through challenging assignments and formal mentoring, AT&T seeks to develop tomorrow’s technology managers who will continue to lead network development in years to come. Be that someone who makes it possible.

Apply Now!

Details and Requirements

Program Type Development Program — Full-time, paidLocation TX, NJ, IL, GA, CA, WA

Length 3 years

Area of Focus Engineering/Technical

Requirements GPA > 3.2

Relocation No

Education Undergrad

Degree Focus Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Information Systems

US Citizen Yes

Experience No

Leadership Yes

On The Job

NETDP participants have rotational assignments, serving in an initial job from 12 to 24 months and then transitioning to a second developmental assignment. This accelerates the knowledge and understanding of AT&T’s network. It challenges participants to learn new systems and technology quickly, to use data to develop sound network decisions and to think critically. In addition, participants will benefit from formal ongoing coaching and mentoring from supervisors and peers. NETDP offers a compelling avenue for career growth and reward for successful participants willing to extend the effort required.

Heard at the Water Cooler

“AT&T has provided me with the skills and knowledge to use from an engineering perspective. They also teach the skills necessary to effectively communicate between the engineering and the business sides of the company. When it comes to working for a company whose engineering department has nowhere to go but up, it’s a pretty fun challenge.” – Louis, NETDP “NETDP has given me a head start in my career. I love AT&T’s future-oriented attitude, and it gets me excited to think that bigger and better things are coming fast and I will be in the center of the action.” – Quinton, NETDP “NETDP gives you broad understanding of both the business as well as the telecommunications industry. We are exposed to different areas of AT&T, which has helped me understand how different groups connect to one another.” – Fransisca, NETDP