Most students hope to become more employable after graduation by gaining experience during college with an internship. Finding an internship, however, can be a confusing and challenging time.

With a national unemployment rate hovering around 9 percent, students are finding it harder than ever to find internships and jobs in their field.

The Career Development Center held a series of information sessions last week to help arm students with skills and tools to become more marketable.

The CDC’s Experiential Education Coordinator Meg Mitzel ran a program Wednesday evening for students still looking for summer internships.

Mitzel told Pipe Dream that students must decide on the field they would like to pursue. Parents, friends, professors and high school teachers are accessible outlets to begin pursuing jobs.

“Start talking, start networking,” she said.

According to Mitzel, students should thoroughly research companies and programs before contacting organizations about internship opportunities, so that they know the positions available and companies consider them more seriously. The CDC’s website has a number of resources for students, including résumé templates, internship and job search resources and a calendar featuring upcoming events.

“It’s really important to do your research and start creating your professional persona,” Mitzel said.

The CDC office is open to helping students perfect their résumés, write cover letters and discover both job and internship options within their field, according to Mitzel.

“We can help you find some resources or begin your search,” Mitzel said. “[Students] can come back multiple times as they’re going through the process.”

Through the CDC Career Alumni Network, students can connect with BU alumni who have volunteered to help BU students with career-related questions. Students can search this network on the CDC website by career field, employer, degree or location. There are hundreds of alumni within this network.

Mitzel also stressed the importance of professionalism when seeking an internship, advising students to consider their email address, voicemail and how they answer the phone, in terms of appearance for possible employers.

She said that the CDC aims to help students gain experience not only through internships, but also through volunteer work and working during college.

“It’s a really competitive world out there,” Mitzel said.

The CDC held an event Thursday afternoon for graduating students searching career opportunities titled “HELP! I’m Graduating and Need a Job!” About 30 students attended the informational session.

According to CDC Director Nancy Paul, who ran the program, students should consider their job search by asking themselves, “What am I going to do next?” rather than, “What am I going to do with my life?” Paul said it is less stressful to take the process one chunk at a time.

“Don’t give up,” she said. “Focus on the positive, focus on what you offer, not what you did or did not major in.”

Paul encouraged students to be flexible in their job search, and be open to moving to a new location for a good opportunity.

“Take geographic parameters off, and apply for things you may or may not want to do,” Paul said. “The more flexible, the more options.”

As a challenge to students, Paul asked them to talk to 10 employed professionals over the next 10 days to find out how they found their current job.

“Tell everyone you know you’re looking for a job,” Paul said. “Ask them to be on the lookout; they may not know of anything today, but may tomorrow.”

Mike Oakes, a senior majoring in political science, said he was reassured by the presentation because it revealed that he was not alone in the job search.

“It opened up new ideas,” he said. “It is reassuring that a lot of other kids are in the same position.”

– Davina Bhandari contributed to this report.