It’s not too late to go after that summer internship
Q. I’m getting pressure on campus to land a summer internship — all my friends already have theirs. Am I too late? Should I work at my summer camp again?
A. You’re definitely not too late. That’s great your friends have their internships locked in, but many companies haven’t figured out their summer internship needs yet. Definitely don’t give up — network on campus, apply to internships as soon as you see them online. I have a hunch based on what I’ve seen in the past that you’ll start seeing new internships emerge in March and April. As for if you want to work at summer camp again, it’s always good to have a Plan B if Plan A, a summer internship related to your major, doesn’t work out.
Q. I’m burned out. I’ve been “quiet hired” — internally I’m working not one, not two, but three jobs! It’s too much. Boss doesn’t care. And no, I’m not getting paid for three jobs — getting paid for one. Help!
I want to just quit and own a franchise sandwich shop or run an Airbnb. Thoughts?
A. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been quiet hired with additional work that sounds unmanageable. Some quiet hiring situations can be quite positive — the opportunity to learn new things, gain new skills and more, but yours sounds like a one-way street to burnoutville. Plus, since your boss doesn’t care, all paths are pointing to the exit door to leave.
As for wanting to quit, that completely makes sense. Before we approach your post-employment plans, let’s walk through finances. Talk to your financial adviser, your significant other, crunch your numbers and consider your current financial obligations. Can you work another month or two to pad that nest egg? What about benefits — is all health care in your name, if so then you’ll be on COBRA, but eventually that runs out. Think of all scenarios so you don’t just spontaneously give two weeks’ notice.
Once you have the timeline in mind with strategic financial planning, crunch numbers for your new venture. For the franchise or Airbnb, what are start up costs, what’s the timing before your new venture is cash flowing? Can you get a part-time job in the meantime to have money coming in while you pursue your entrepreneurial dream? Follow you heart, but also plan this next phase methodically and strategically and tap into resources like mentors, podcasts, helpful books to get officially launched.
Launching a franchise and running an Airbnb can be two very different paths, although there is some overlap like risk taking and needing money for either investment to make money, I’d pick one that you’re most passionate about and also think longterm if you want to scale (multiple franchises or multiple Airbnbs) and then focus on building a strong knowledge base, network and skills in that area. Congrats on this next chapter which awaits!
— Vicki Salemi is a career expert, former corporate recruiter, author, consultant, speaker, and career coach. Send your questions to hello@ vickisalemi.com. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ vickisalemi./Tribune News Service