For many students, the word “internship” can sound intimidating. It is something important and required for graduation, but the path to acquiring one can be unclear.
At Chatham University, the Office of Career Development offers support to make the process less nerve-wracking and more approachable.
While students may have heard of Career Development, they may be unaware of all the services the office provides, or who leads it.
Meet Hannah Su Hepler, director of Career Development, who joined Chatham in November 2021 as the coordinator and became the office’s director in April 2024. Hepler said one of the most rewarding parts of her job is getting to be a role model for students and having the opportunity to watch them grow confidence in themselves as they explore their academic and professional journeys.
“Taking part in one-on-one career consultations is one of my favorite parts of the job because I love creating an environment where students feel heard,” she said.
One of the most common questions students ask Hepler is, “How do I get an internship?” She said that the concept often feels intimidating because most students are unsure of where to begin.
To help students start their internship search, Career Development focuses on five approaches that are designed to make the process manageable and achievable:
Encouraging faculty connections
Students are encouraged to talk with their professors about internship opportunities closely related to their career path. Faculty often have connections and knowledge of past internship offers that might align with a student’s interest.
Learning to use HandShake strategically
Career Development helps students learn how to search internships on HandShake, a mobile app used for career networking, by appropriately using search filters and keywords. This allows students to focus on opportunities that align with their qualifications.
Exploring where past Chatham students have interned
Knowing where other peers have worked gives students a realistic perspective of what opportunities are offered and what most employers expect from applicants. Through Handshake, previous and current job positions held by Chatham students and alumni with accounts are accessible to be viewed.
Defining career goals
It’s important for a student to identify their goals and aspirations. Through this reflection, it can become clear what a student’s interests are. This facilitates explanation during interviews and applications, making the student a more compelling candidate.
Strengthening communication through mock interviews
Mock interviews provide students with the opportunity to practice their interviewing skills such as knowing how to answer questions efficiently and discussing experiences. These practice sessions aim to make a student feel and sound confident when speaking with employers.
Oftentimes, students are also unsure of when it is the right time to start preparing for internships.
“I always encourage students to start looking early. Applications and interviews take time,” Hepler said. “Having a plan helps.”
To schedule appointments with Career Development, students can do so through HandShake. For virtual or in-person meetings, visit the office located on the second floor of Braun Hall in Rooms 201, 203 and 205. Students also can check the careerdevelopment.chatham.edu website, which provides detailed information about their services and programs, or follow @ChathamUCareers on Instagram for updates.
Ultimately, Hepler hopes students see Career Development as a resource that offers support beyond just landing an internship.
“There’s no perfect formula for landing an internship,” Hepler said. “When you are confident in your experiences and share your story authentically, you become a strong candidate for any opportunity.”
For those seeking additional resources, a job and internship mixer event will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, in the Athletic & Fitness Center. This provides ample opportunity for students to connect with potential employers from across the region.
