I have had the privilege to be an intern for the same company for the past two summers at JBT FoodTech in Sandusky, Ohio. I have just finished up my final summer with them before I graduate. I have learned so much there and I have lots to take with me when I officially start my career come graduation. There are so many benefits that you get from interning during your college career. I would like to tell you all the great benefits and things I've learned during my internship.
Money
They always say money talks. As an intern you often find yourself doing less than desirable tasks. Which that is all fine because you are making much more money than anywhere else. Typically interns make about 16 bucks an hour on average. That is way more than anything else. Plus you will make more in a summer to help cover some more school related bills or those new shoes you want.
Work Hard, Play Hard
I have found that when you work hard day in and day out you build up a reputation for getting stuff done. That is all fine and dandy because that leads to more fun things down the road and more responsibilities. Its also good to be known as a hard worker as an intern because if you are not, people are quick to pick up on that and it does't give you a good look. If you really impress there is also the possibility that the company you intern at would be more willing to hire you full time when you graduate.
Other Interns
During my internship I got to know some of the other interns very well. Some had been there in previous summers and others were new. Regardless, our desks would all usually be in the same area. Its fun, you meet some great people that way and find some lifelong friends and connections.
Co-Workers
You meet some great full-time employees as well. More often then not they are more than willing to help you out and show you things in order to improve. They do their best to keep you involved. I went out to lunch almost everyday with my co workers and on Fridays my entire department would grab lunch together. I also played on a bar league volleyball team with some co-workers and that was really fun. Definitely get to know the people you work with because they are all great connections to have and they may end up writing a reference for you.
Stereotypical Intern Tasks
People always joke with interns running copies and things like that. More likely than not you find yourself scanning papers for people or copying papers. I think its an unwritten law that interns have to do things like that. Besides that you can do some fun side trips. One day I had to pick up a part at a suppliers shop and on the way back I was given money and orders to pick up ice-cream. It was fun to get out of the office and go on a little adventure.
Have Fun
Everyday I was excited to go to work and do what I am passionate about. Internships are meant to benefit both parties. It is good for you because you get to learn stuff and make money doing it. Its definitely much better than working in retail or something else. This is experience that you can apply to your career later on. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT.
