Your professors, your advisors and even your parents are constantly badgering you to get an internship at some point in your college career—I know mine have. You really should listen to them though; internships are a very valuable experience for anyone looking for a career. Last semester I broke down and applied for an internship that was found by my advisor. I was hired on as an event planning intern for a non-profit organization. It has been more valuable than any course that I could ever sit through. I have learned so much and I am so much more confident in my abilities.

I have learned what it is like to work in an office with other people. Everyone knows that there are all kinds of personalities and there are just some that you don’t get along with. It’s ok to not like someone, but in a professional setting you have to learn to tolerate these types of people and to respect them. I’ve never had a problem with this in the few months at my internship, but I have learned how to be professional with the people I work with. Being respectful and kind will get you so much farther than causing a problem.

I have also learned so much more about my field. I have gotten the chance to put my skills into action. Thankfully, my boss is a great and she allows me to get involved in everything. She lets me send emails out, design flyers, call vendors and so much more. You can do all of this stuff hundreds of times in class but none of that is as valuable as doing it for an actual client or company. My boss has given me so much feedback on my work so that I can improve it. Each project that she assigns to me I am able to improve at my skills.

I have learned what it is like to work. Sure, I’ve had my share of part-time jobs, but none of them have really showed me what it is like to actually be a part of the adult world. I always have a task that I need to get done and I have to make sure that I am doing it well. Your actions reflect upon your company and your coworkers and you have to make sure that you are putting out the best possible work that you can.

Most importantly I’ve found a career that I can see myself pursuing for the rest of my life. I know now that there is a job that I actually enjoy doing and I have gained experience that is invaluable to me. Each and every time I show up I learn a little bit more and gain more experience. I would encourage any college student to put themselves out there and take full advantage of any internship that you can get. The experience that you gain is far more valuable than that you could ever get in a classroom.