Tag: school of social work

Internships on Internships: Cover Letter Tips

Internships on Internships: Cover Letter Tips

Since I’m a second semester junior (crazy!!), it’s about that time where I have to start applying to social work internships for my senior year.  The School of Social Work requires all Bachelor’s students to have either a summer internship or a fall and spring internship during senior year in order to graduate.  Other majors that require internships are any major in the School of Communication and Education (student teaching), as far as I know.  Other majors can require clinical work (nursing).

In order for me to secure an internship for next year, I had to do a number of things.  First, I had to have a meeting with the Social Work Internship Coordinator.  I gave her my resume and application and just chatted with her about my future career goals.  After that, she sent me an email with two internship referrals.

My Internship Coordinator gave me two really great referrals; both work with youth and families.  I now have to apply to the agencies and send them my resume and cover letters.  I’ve been working on cover letters for these internships and summer internships all day! It takes awhile to write them because you have to gear them towards each individual agencies.

Since cover letter writing is currently fresh in my mind, I thought I’d give a few tips (thanks to my Internship Coordinator for these great suggestions!)

1. It is essential to tailor each cover letter to the specific place you are applying.  Do your research!

2. It is also essential to communicate your enthusiasm for the place/position.  Show you are very interested and happy to have the opportunity to apply.

3.  Always try to address the person by name/title.  Try to avoid “To Whom It May Concern” as much as possible.

3. There should be around 3-4 paragraphs: In the intro, you should introduce yourself, state how you heard about the position, and a sentence about why you would make a good candidate.  In the body, you should summarize your qualifications in relation to the position, further emphasizing what makes you a great candidate.  In the conclusion, you should restate your interest in the position and then provide your contact information.

4. Proofread!!! If I hadn’t proofread my cover letters a few times each, I would’ve missed a few mistakes, which would have been embarrassing.

Well, those are my cover letter writing tips.. I am definitely no expert, but with all this internship applying and cover letter writing I thought I’d share some things that really helped me.  Now, the wait for responses from these agencies begins!

Back to School, Back to School…

Back to School, Back to School…

It’s early September and that’s my favorite time in Chicago… that transition from summer to fall where the weather is not too hot, but still cool enough to wear shorts and sandals.  I am making the most out it, trying to get as much as I can in before it gets cold. Whether it be basking in the sun at Oak Street Beach, studying at Millenium Park, or walking the few blocks to Sprinkles to get the cupcake of the day. Actually, the cold weather wont stop me from doing that last one.

Although I am in denial about it, we have actually started classes.  This fall, I’m taking 18  credit hours, so 6 classes, and I’m actually really excited about them.  Now that I’m a junior, I am able to take a ton of classes for my social work major.  My two favorite classes would have to be my cultural diversity class and my human behavior class.  I have great professors who are very hands on and extremely intelligent.  The subject matter is very interesting to me, as well.

I will be extremely busy with homework and studying from all my classes, but besides that, I will also be busy with clubs and organizations.  I’m in Chi Omega Fraternity, Pre-Law Society, Psychology Club and the School of Social Work Student Organization.  There’s so many great clubs and organizations at Loyola, its hard to narrow it down to just a few. I want to join everything!

I’m also going to volunteer at a middle school with at risk students.  I did this when I was a freshman, and it was such a rewarding experience.  I helped them with their homework and just hung out with them for a few hours after school.  It was a great experience and it will definitely help me for my future endeavors. I’m looking forward to volunteering there again this year!

Besides all of that, I plan on taking in everything Chicago has to offer.  There are always a ton of free events, and I always try to take advantage of those as much as possible. (“Like” Free things to do in Chicago on facebook)  I’m really excited about my classes, volunteering, and the organizations I’m in, so I know this going to be a great semester!