Summer; the time for relaxing, beach trips, and yes, internships. While working an internship (usually without pay) may not sound like the ideal way to spend the summer, the experience it gives is invaluable. Most jobs today are experience driven, and require the employee to have a certain set of skills. Already having these skills when walking into an interview makes you that much more qualified, and there are some experiences that you just can’t get in a classroom. Nothing compares with hands-on, professional experiences in the field that you hope to work in after graduation.
Internships give you a better idea of what you do and do not enjoy doing. You may even find that you no longer want the job you thought you did. It is better to find that out while still in school and changes can still be made. It also lets you know what you still need to work on. You may get good grades while doing something in the classroom, but doing it in the real world may present new challenges you hadn't thought of.
Internships also give you connections that you cannot get anywhere else. Networking does not usually happen in the classroom, but in the real world working in your field of study. Networking and making connections with other people can be essential to getting that dream job, and can help you when you need it. Here are some tips to make your time at an internship a success.
1. Be on time and dress professionally.
If you want people to see you as a potential co-worker someday, you have to dress the part. It shows that you are taking the job seriously. Be consistent with when you go in and put in as many hours as you need to get the job done.
2. Make yourself known.
Employers look for initiative and a willingness to learn. If you stay quiet and don’t offer up anything, they won’t know you’re there or interested. Introduce yourself when you get a chance, and don’t be afraid to throw out ideas.
3. Ask questions.
Only you know what you want to get out of the internship, and sometimes the only way to get it is to ask. Experiences don't always offer themselves up, you have to make them happen. Taking an interest and showing that you care about doing things correctly shows initiative as well. If there is something you want to know, don't be afraid to speak up.
4. Do the best work that you can.
Show determination and a willingness to work hard for what you want. Even if the tasks you are given seem like busy work, or not what you had envisioned, put your all into it. Everyone must start somewhere, and that somewhere is often at the bottom of the totem pole. Show them your work ethic and care for even the smallest of tasks, and they will remember you when looking for someone to do bigger things.
Internships, when done fully and with care, open doors for students looking to get a head start in their field of study. Not only are they something to beef up the resume, but they can form connections and skills that may one day lead to a job. It may not seem like the best way to spend time outside of class, but the experience is a valuable one.
