From Classroom to Cubicle: A No-Panic Guide to Internships and Job Searching

If you've ever panicked staring at a blank resume, frozen at the word "networking," or wondered what your boss actually wants from you on day one of an internship — this episode is for you. We sat down with Jennifer Gershberg to get real, practical advice on everything from interview prep to building relationships that actually open doors. No fluff. Just the stuff they should have taught you in class.

In This Episode:

• Why "fake it till you make it" is bad advice — and what to do instead

• The #1 mistake interns make that instantly tanks their reputation
• How to prep for an interview when you've never had one before
• What employers actually want from a college intern (it's not expertise)
• Why networking feels awkward — and how to make it feel natural
• The Gen Z vs. employer perception gap, and how to bridge it
• How to turn any job — even a "boring" one — into resume gold
• The surprising reason building real relationships leads to real confidence

Key Takeaways

• Competence builds confidence. Real confidence doesn't come from faking it — it comes from building real skills and seeing them pay off.
• Over-promising is the fastest way to look unreliable. If you can't meet a deadline, say so early. Communication beats silence every time.
• Your "boring" jobs count. Every job teaches transferable skills — you just have to know how to name and frame them.
• Networking is just relationship-building. Your friends, classmates, and professors are already your network. You're doing it every day.
• Internships are for learning. Employers don't expect you to know everything — they expect curiosity, communication, and positive energy.
• Ask about their challenges. At networking events, asking what problems an employer is facing flips the dynamic in your favor.
• Every generation brings something valuable. Gen Z has a fresh perspective — own it.

About Jennifer Gershberg

Jennifer Gershberg is a campus speaker, parent speaker, and course creator focused on college student success. She spent eight years as a professor at the University of Maryland, where she worked with thousands of students. Today, she helps students navigate the transition to college and build the professional skills they need to succeed in the working world. Her tagline — "nurturing but tough" — was actually coined by a former student. Find her at jgtalks.org and on Instagram @jgtalksorg.