For all of us college students, there's a lot of pressure to make a name for yourself both on and off campus. It is expected that college students find a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth internship that will prepare you for the future and even help you make connections for job hunting come graduation time. Every summer, I help my peers scramble to find fulfilling summer positions through my work at HWS's Career Services Office. I've learned that interning will teach you a lot about the many different career paths available and you will even learn more about yourself. Here is what happens when you're a college student intern:
1. The Importance of Time Management
Between commuting, working all day, and then commuting back home, you will realize how valuable your personal time really is. You will feel emotionally and physically drained, and the weekends become opportunities for sleeping. It's important to make the most of your time. Commuting became more enjoyable for me this summer when I made Spotify playlists and downloaded news apps before I rode the subway. Even if you lose phone service, you can read the loaded articles and listen to Ed Sheeran in peace each morning.
2. The Importance of Networking
Instead of thinking about your college drama everyday, you start to realize the importance of building professional connections with the motivated people around you. When you find someone at work who you look up to and even maybe seek advice from now and then, you're winning the internship game. You'll also improve on your communicational skills by being around mature and intelligent people. Last summer I met a 20-something lawyer who was two years out of law school and was new to the office I was interning for. She was organized and motivated and also wore the cutest suits everyday so obviouslyI wanted to be her best friend. We still communicate from time to time and it's nice to be able to seek advice from someone who's been through everything you're aiming for.
3. The Importance of Making Time For Yourself
A lunch break can be your time to debrief from your work and realize what's necessary to maintain your inner zen. Whether it's taking a walk, reading a good book, or catching up on your schoolwork you will be emotionally drained and unhappy if you don't value some well deserved alone time. As you're running around and working straight hours all day, it's nice to just have time to do something fun for yourself. Me and Cyd (the other intern from this summer) would spend our afternoons exploring the city and even though it broke our bank it was worth it.
4. The Importance of Taking Pride in your Work
Your work gives you the opportunity to develop your voice and build a good reputation in order to show your worth. If you can impress your bosses, you might get a nice letter of recommendation someday. Not to mention, this is real work and it's a representation of your skills and abilities.
5. The Importance of Valuing Your Education
By the end of my internship, I'm always excited to go back to school and escape adult life for just a little longer. You leave with a new impressive section on your resume, and hopefully a letter of recommendation to store for your next application. You come back to school knowing these life skills, and you feel motivated to really grasp the concepts your professors are instilling in you. They know the real world, and we're lucky to be an environment where faculty like HWS professors want to prepare for you "Worlds of Experience [and] Lives of Consequence."
Internships can help you narrow down your future career goals and help guide you in the right direction. It's a scary world, but the sooner you take your first steps the more ready you'll feel. Your internship will teach you the importance of your work and shape your personal qualities to the best and most professional version of yourself. You'll make lifelong friends along the way, and also feel less scared for the future because you're on your way to finding a job that you love.
