Two words: Summer internship.
With July just around the corner, many Elon students especially the upper classmen, are roughly one month into their summer internships. For those looking to bulk up their resume and gain professional experience before graduating, an internship is one of the best ways to do so.
But the tricky part about interning is finding ways to stand out among your peers and really make a lasting impression on your company in the short time you are there. Luckily, there are apps out there that will put you ahead of the curve when it comes to making the most of your internship.
Here is a list of five apps that will help you be a successful intern-inside and outside the office.
1. Mint
Mint is a free financial planning app that allows you to set up budgets and see exactly where your money is going. You can can set up budgets for categories such as housing, food, entertainment and travel expenses. Mint also allows you to track credit card accounts so you can monitor both your daily and monthly spending habits. A username and password is set up to keep all information private and safe. According to the Apple App Store, more than 13 million people have downloaded Mint.
2. Evernote
Evernote offers a free app for organizing information, photos, clips, notes and ideas in one central location. With the use of tabs, you can organize everything into different categories. You can even make to-do lists and scan business cards, so all your need-to-know information is available on-the-go. If you are willing to splurge, for $5/month, Evernote Premium offers features such as locking your notes with a PIN code and allowing others to access your Evernote tabs.
3. Zipcar
Spending your summer without a car? The Zipcar app allows you to rent a car anywhere from an hour up to an entire day. You can download the free app and then pay to become a member. Members must be at least 21 years old or 18 years old with a Zipcar partner university, like Elon. With the app, members can view available Zipcars on a map, reserve a Zipcar 24/7 and unlock and lock a Zipcar. Payment depends on location and how often you plan to rent a Zipcar. Gas and insurance is included in the fee.
4. Urbanspoon
Urbanspoon is a free app that allows you to find restaurants near you. There is a restaurant directory that organizes eatery options based on popularity or distance. With each option, you can see menus, contact information, reviews as well as a price scale. Even if you are traveling this summer, you can update your Urbanspoon location and it will find food options closest to you.
5. Fitbit
Staying fit while interning can be hard, especially if you're working long hours. With Fitbit, you can keep up with your fitness goals. The app automatically allows you to track steps, distance, calories burned as well as food and water intake. The app provides analysis charts so you can keep watch your daily and weekly progress. If you are feeling competitive, the app allows you to compete against friends to achieve fitness goals.
BONUS: If you haven't already, download your company's app, if available. This will allow you to understand your company from all angles and keep up with the business you are a part of. With the app, you can even see how your company is reaching its clients digitally.