In the competitive world of college applications and job searches, internships have become an expected component of a student’s CV. Far from just being resume filler, internships can provide real-world experience, provide valuable networking opportunities, and lead to future employment. Here’s how to make the most of your internship experience.
Real-World Experience
As a high school or college student, you may have general ideas about what you’d like to major in or what career path you’d like to take. While classes give you general knowledge about your area of interest, an internship gives you the opportunity to see what a job in the field is really like. In addition, interns have the chance to:
- gain new technical skills specific to a job or industry
- practice soft skills such as time management, organization and interpersonal skills
- learn what a professional office environment is like
- network with other professionals
Hone Your Interests
If you’ve always imagined going into field, an internship at an aligned company or organization might help you discover if it is a path you would like to follow. As an example, if you are interested in working in banking, an internship at a local branch might help you discover whether you want to be client-facing or work behind the scenes, whether daily operations appeal or whether you want to focus on big-picture issues. You can then adjust your studies or job search accordingly.
Learning about the qualifications of your colleagues can introduce you to certifications or graduate degree programs that can further enhance your learning and marketability.
Your internship experience might also help you realize that you don’t want to pursue a career in a specific field at all. That insight is equally valuable to help guide your future studies and job search.
Networking
Making connections with professionals and leaders in your field of interest is the best way to learn and potentially find work. Take advantage of training sessions that are offered, join as many meetings as they will allow, and observe the work habits, communication style, and attitude of the successful employees in the office.
If you find that you click with your supervisor or another professional in the office, ask if they would consider being your mentor going forward. They can also provide an excellent letter of recommendation for future jobs.
Paid or Unpaid?
Whether your internship is paid or unpaid depends largely on the size of the company and whether or not it is a government organization. If you can afford to take an unpaid internship, the experience can be just as valuable as a paid one. Students may be able to earn academic credit for their work. If you need paid employment, consider interning part-time so that you still have hours free for a paying job.
Benefits for Employers
The most successful internship programs are ones where the employer designates a supervisor who will work directly with interns, creates a specific job plan for the length of the internship, and gives interns the opportunity to contribute to the company in meaningful ways, not through busy work.
In the best-case scenario, companies gain the benefits of productive interns accomplishing tasks and projects and see firsthand whether an intern would make a good fit as a long-term employee. Companies frequently offer full-time jobs upon graduation to college students who have proven their value during the internship, thereby avoiding the need to hire new employees based on their resume alone.
How to Apply
If you are a high school student, research the websites of local companies to see if they have an internship program. Consult with your school guidance counselor to see if they have any connections with companies that have worked with high school students in the past. Networking with family members and friends can also open opportunities.
For college students, career fairs are one of the best ways to connect with a potential employer. Representatives are there in person to answer questions about the company, clarify what they are looking for in a potential applicant, and even conduct interviews for promising candidates. Check with your school’s career center for help in writing a strong resume and take advantage of mock interviews to practice your communication skills before speaking with a recruiter.
Internships are offered year-round, though the summer is often easiest for students, especially if the internship isn’t local. For summer internships, companies begin recruiting as early as September and October of the year prior. If you’re looking to be an intern during the fall or spring semester of school, check each company’s application process to see how far in advance you need to apply.
Be a Model Intern
Whether your internship is paid or unpaid, approach the job in a professional and respectful manner. Realistically, you are not going to be given heavy-hitting work on your first day. Get to know your supervisor and colleagues, and who to ask when you need help. Make sure you have a clear understanding about expected work efforts, hours, attire, and when and where you can eat lunch. After a few days on the job, you’ll have an appreciation for the office culture – do your colleagues use a team approach or does everyone work independently?
A common complaint among interns is that they don’t have enough work to do or feel like what they’re doing is inconsequential. Respectfully let your supervisor know when you’re ready for more work and let them know if you have additional areas of interest that you’d like to explore. Recognize, however, that you are a temporary employee who does not yet have years of experience of your colleagues. Be open to learning and freely admitting when there is something that you don’t yet know how to do.
Approach the job as a full-time employee so that the company can begin to see you that way too.
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