With the fall semester quickly approaching, the time to look into a fall internship begins now. An internship is something we have all heard about, but the importance of attaining one is not always explained. Having an internship may be the single most important decision and investment in your future that you make besides choosing to go to college. Some majors require you to have an internship to graduate, but there are other, even more beneficial, reasons to get one other than receiving course credit.
1. They offer you the chance to see if this is really what you want to do.
Internships allow you to get a snapshot of exactly what your job would entail if you choose to pursue that particular line of work. If your internship includes fetching coffee and making copies, I'm not referring to that part. I am talking about being able to see what people in the job do on a daily basis. You may not have realized your dream job had such a focus on computer-based programs or writing or research, and maybe it isn't what you want to spend the next 40 years doing. On the flip-side your experience interning may have affirmed that this is really what you are meant to do and love doing.
2. Internships provide hands-on experience that can't be found in a classroom.
Classes give you a very basic understanding of the main points of what certain aspects of your career will be. Classes don't provide you with real-world experience. Internships take the basic information you have and build upon it. Being able to see how people in your chosen field conduct themselves, how they communicate with fellow co-workers and clients, what their typical day consists of, how often they travel, how late they work, how they balance their professional and personal life and so on — these are the things you won't learn in a classroom.
3. They allow you to distinguish yourself by building your resume.
With more and more young adults deciding to attend college, the competition for jobs is at a record high. Having a degree isn't enough anymore. Employers look for anything that distinguishes one candidate from the other. We are constantly told how important our resumes, cover letters and portfolios are, and it's true, they are important. You want to be able to have something to say in your cover letter other than you are a college graduate. You want to have work in your portfolio to show employers what you have done and are capable of. And you want to have a resume that speaks to you and your potential. If you were hiring for a position in marketing and had a choice between hiring Fred or George who are both college graduates and have work experience who would you hire? Fred has worked retail for four years and volunteers at the local animal shelter. George worked as a waiter for two years, served as a member of various volunteer organizations' event committees and has had two marketing internships. I think most of you would say George because George has the actual direct experience in marketing.
4. Internships provide chances to network and establish connections.
Quite often, getting a job isn't always about what you can do but who you know. Networking and creating business relationships with other professionals in your field is so important. For instance, let's say you did a phenomenal job at your internship, but the company didn't have a job opening. Your boss could not only write you a reference letter that lands you your job, but they could also put you in contact with one of their connections and secure you a job that way.
Ultimately, making the choice to work as an intern is your completely your own. It may not sound like fun spending a minimum of 10 hours a week working for free, but you might be surprised. My personal experience has been amazing. Being able to gain experience and work with people I respect and admire is incredible. My advice is to obviously secure an internship, but also to bust your butt. Go the extra mile, and down the road, it will pay off. The world favors the bold and those who are willing to work their way up. May the odds be ever in your favor!
