The skills, talents, and experiences required to succeed constantly evolve in today's dynamic economy. The job market is highly competitive, making transitioning from student to professional a challenging learning curve for recent graduates. Consequently, applied learning and internship opportunities have become crucial components of the college experience, enabling students to meet the demands of the workforce.
What is an Internship?
An internship, according to Dictionary.com, refers to "an official or formal program designed to offer practical experience to novices in a particular occupation or field." Internships primarily focus on bridging academic learning and theoretical understanding with real-world practice and skill enhancement. During internships, students engage in practical experiences within professional or community environments. Additionally, internships provide benefits such as professional endorsements, valuable resume-building experiences, and chances for networking.
You Might Like: How to get the most out of your summer internship?
Importance of Internship in Our Education System
Application of Education and Career Exploration
Internships offer a unique opportunity to connect classroom knowledge with real-world experiences. While learning is essential, applying those skills in the workforce is a great way to explore different career paths and specializations that align with individual interests.
Networking
Internships benefit you in the working environment and help build your professional network. Connecting with people increases your chances of securing a job by 1 in 16, making networking a critical aspect of career development. Internships provide an excellent environment to meet professionals in your desired career field and other interns with similar interests.
Professionalism
Internships can give students the soft skills needed in the workplace and leadership positions. In a 2018 LinkedIn Skills Report, 57% rated soft skills as more important than technical skills. Internships offer valuable opportunities for acquiring and honing essential skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. These skills are not only developed during the internship but also prove to be applicable and beneficial beyond the internship experience.
Learn How a Professional Workplace Operates
Depending on your area of study, you might encounter literature that explores how organizations flourish and operate, including textbooks elucidating organizational dynamics, presentations by guest speakers sharing insights into various organizational structures, or case studies dissecting workplace cultures. However, nothing compares to living the experience. Internships help students learn about workplace culture, employee relations, and leadership structure, which should make it easier for them to onboard in their first professional job compared to those without professional experience.
Build Your Resume
Most organizations and jobs you apply for after graduation require some form of professional experience, even for entry-level positions. If you are a finalist for a position and have yet to have an internship experience, but the other finalist has, you may lose out on a job opportunity. Therefore, having at least one internship on your resume is essential before leaving college to give you an advantage over the competition.
Do Not Miss: 5 Measures to make a standout internship application
Gain Professional Feedback
Not only will you be assisting the organization you intern with, but they'll also help you in return. While professors and teachers are instrumental in imparting theoretical knowledge and facilitating hands-on projects, internships offer a unique chance to receive feedback directly from professionals immersed in your desired field on a daily basis.
Learn from Others
While it may appear obvious that internships are intended for skill acquisition, it's crucial not to overlook the value of purposeful observation of professionals in their roles. Take the initiative to request shadowing opportunities from your supervisor and other department members to gain insights into various positions. Additionally, seek permission to participate in department-wide meetings to broaden your understanding. Adopting a sponge-like mentality and absorbing as much information as possible during your internship will undoubtedly prove beneficial in the long term.
Figure Out What You Like and Don't Like
While it's natural to hope for enthusiasm and fulfillment from an internship, there can be value even if the experience doesn't resonate positively with you. Discovering what doesn't align with your interests during an internship can serve as a guiding light. As highlighted in a piece on Monster.com, identifying the types of roles or environments that don't suit you can be instrumental in steering clear of mismatched job offers post-graduation.
Study Abroad With Studyinfocentre
How to Get an Internship
Here are a few tips to help you search for and land an internship:
Identify Career Aspirations: Begin by identifying your interests, skills, and career goals. Consider what you enjoy doing, what industries intrigue you, and what kind of work environment you envision yourself thriving in.
Research Degree Programs: Look for degree programs that align with your career aspirations. For example, if you're interested in computer science, you might explore programs in software engineering, data science, or cybersecurity.
Explore Common Jobs: Once you've identified potential degree programs, research the common jobs associated with those fields. This could involve roles such as software developer, data analyst, network engineer, or cybersecurity specialist in the case of computer science.
Research Job Locations: Look into where graduates from these programs typically work. This could include tech companies, financial institutions, government agencies, healthcare organizations, or educational institutions, depending on the field.
Consider Exciting Career Choices: Think about specific roles or industries within your chosen field that particularly excite you. For example, within software development, you might be interested in mobile app development, game development, or artificial intelligence.
Visit Job Sites and Career Fairs: Explore job sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor to gain insights into job postings, required qualifications, and company profiles within your chosen field. Additionally, attending career fairs both on and off-campus can provide valuable networking opportunities and information about potential employers.
Internships are an invaluable component of a well-rounded education. They provide students with practical experience, professional connections, and a competitive edge in the job market. By taking advantage of these opportunities, students can bridge the gap between theory and practice and gain a deeper understanding of their desired career paths.
|
Talk to an ExpertFAQs
When is the best time to start looking for internships?
Start your internship search at least a semester in advance, as many companies have early application deadlines.
Do I need a specific major to qualify for internships?
No, while some internships target particular majors, many are open to various fields of study as long as you meet the role requirements.
Can high school students do internships?
Some companies offer internship programs for high school students to gain early exposure and experience.
Can I get academic credit for my internship?
It depends on your university's policies, but many offer credit for internships related to your major or program.
Are internships always unpaid?
No, internships can be paid or unpaid. Unpaid internships provide valuable experience but ensure they comply with labor laws.
