This summer I decided to apply for an internship somewhere that could not only beef up my resume, but provide me with incredible workplace experience that I would need for the real world. While my major requires me to obtain an internship at some point during my undergraduate career, I wasn't sure if I was quite ready for an internship yet. My original plan was to apply for one next summer, but then I thought "What the heck I'll just apply for one now and see what happens!" Little did I know I would create some amazing memories that I would've missed out on if I hadn't taken the step before I thought I was ready.

Internships are great if you're looking for some professional experience in a field that you're looking to go into. In my case, it might be required or you might just want something to do during your time off. Either way, having an internship looks great on your resume, and can really impress future employers if you find the right one. You can even find an internship that will help you get a better internship down the line! Having an internship allows you to make connections in the professional world and get the experience that employers really want to see. If you're lucky, your place on internship may even offer you a job after you graduate college!

For me, that wasn't the goal. I wanted to gain the skills and professionalism employers are seeking in their candidates. I want to use my experience in my current internship to find an incredible internship next summer that I may not have been able to apply for otherwise. My internship has been really great because they've allowed me to pick my schedule, focus on the areas that really peek my interest, and make those connections that I was looking for. Of course, the free lunches every week aren't bad either!

If you have a passion that you really want to turn into a career, looking into an internship might be in your best interest. Not only will you gain all the knowledge you wouldn't be able to find in a classroom, you'll have something amazing to put on your resume!