An economic downturn in our economy definitely changes how we do things, both in our personal lives and in our jobs. Everywhere we look individuals and corporations are changing the way they do business. Some people are taking on more work at their jobs while others are changing their jobs completely.  We see corporations combining positions and laying off workers in order to trim expenses and increase revenues. 

Although one year MBA programs have been around for awhile, completing a one year MBA program may now provide distinct advantages for some people.  For example, someone who has recently lost their job and wants to gain new knowledge and skills in order to move up in their career, may consider going back to school in the interim. Those not able to get a job right after graduating from college, may be more apt to go onto a graduate level program rather than seeking lower level job with no potential for future growth.

Since one year MBA programs function on an accelerated level, it makes it increasingly important to gain relevant experience in the field of business. Internships can mean the difference between getting a job right after graduation by assuring that the new graduate has developed the skills and experience that employers look for.  Since MBA programs generally encourage and often insist on two - five years of real world experience prior to applying to grad school, those looking to fill the gap by going directly to grad school will need to find ways to get real world experience while completing their degree. 

For more information, please read: One Year MBA - An Attractive Proposition? 

If you're looking for something to do during winter break, you might consider doing an internship or job shadowing experience.  Although organizations don't usually post winter break internships like they do for the summer or fall or spring semester, you can sometimes land an internship by contacting employers directly. 

Job shadowing is a minimal commitment that may last anywhere from one day to several weeks.  It is an opportunity for students to spend time with a professional currently working in their career field of interest and a chance to get their questions answered. 

You can look for internships by finding employers who offer internships at other times of the year or with employers where you think you'd like to work.  You can try calling employers directly and ask if they have any job shadowing, internships, or part-time jobs available for college students during winter break. 

This morning I was trying to schedule a job shadow for a student who is interested in neuroscience research.  Upon speaking to someone from the recently formed consortium, they mentioned that they actually had work available for a student for a student interested in participating in actual research that was going on at the facility. The student will now be assisting staff members in doing research as part of her job shadowing experience.

The National Institutes of Health Summer Internship Program offers a wide variety of internships each summer  in the field of biomedical research. The program is open to all high school, college, graduate, medical, and dental students who are attending classes at least half-time. Students get an opportunity to work alongside the nation's leading scientists and help conduct important research in one of their areas of interest.

In addition, students get the chance to participate in summer activities and listen to lectures on various research projects as well as discussions on how to prepare them for a future career in biomedical research.

Previous Picks:

• Westport Country Playhouse
• The Watson School of Biological Sciences
• The Armenian General Benevolent Union

Career and Internship Connections (CIC) 2010 offers students from select colleges an opportunity to register, and if selected, to meet and interview with employers seeking candidates for summer internships and full- time jobs. Check to see if your colleges is one of the participating schools and see what opportunities exist in New York, Boston, DC, and Los Angeles. These events offer students an excellent way to meet employers and to network with organizations seeking interns and entry - level employees.

The deadline for registering for pre-screened interviews is November 30th and, in addition, students can also attend the morning forum in hopes of securing an interview during the afternoon portion of the event. Students can attend the morning forums even if they have not been selected for an afternoon interview.

Registering ahead for the event is highly encouraged. Students should bring a number of resumes to hand out to participating employers since many of them may still looking for candidates to fill empty spots that are still available in their afternoon interviewing schedules.

Scheduled Events

Washington, DC - January 4th
Boston - January 8th
New York - January 6th
West Coast (Los Angeles) - January 5th