summer possibilities abound
M any students will be talking with advisors, professors and peers throughout the semester about how to get the most out of summer break. Some will take classes, while others will choose to get academic credit in an internship or volunteer for an organization. If your student is interested in spending his summer in an academic-related internship, job or volunteer position, there are plenty of resources available to help make this happen!

The process of deciding what to do can be challenging for students. Sometimes, they end up so overwhelmed with the possibilities that they procrastinate.

Often, this results in missed deadlines and opportunities. Encourage your student to start the decision process early.

The first stop your student can make is the campus career development office. Typically, the office will have access to internship listings in every field. The staff can also offer students guidance on what types of experiences will help them gain the best professional experience and where to go to get more information.

If your student is interested in doing some research on her own, the Internet is invaluable! Here are some websites to begin gathering ideas:

• Idealist.org: Action without Borders
  Idealist.org features jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities in 165 countries, primarily in the non-profit sector. In addition to offering internship and job listings, Idealist features information and advice for careers in the non-profit sector.
• Intern Web
  Intern Web is a free service that lists internships in a variety of fields and for students at all levels.
• Book Jobs
  Book Jobs, created by the Association of American Publishers, offers listings for jobs and internships in the field of publishing. The searchable database includes opportunities for college students and graduates at every level of their studies.
• GreenBiz: Environmental Jobs
  This website offers a database of jobs and internships in the environmental field for all levels of professional and educational experience.
• Hill Zoo
  This website lists a variety of internships and jobs available on Capitol Hill and around Washington, D.C., as well as resources for finding housing or part-time jobs. Students who want to work in Congress should contact their Senator or Representative directly, as most have internship programs.

Students need to be encouraged to go after what they want out of their summer experience. The opportunities are out there for those who seek them! Students should never be afraid to contact organizations directly, even if they are not advertising open positions. It's likely that they will contact your student if a position becomes available ... and sometimes even create an opportunity for those who are persistent.

Special Note: Allison Chandler, a current senior at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY, contributed to this list of resources.