Have you ever wondered what else you could do to stand out in today’s job market? Do you want to better position yourself to break into a new industry or make a career transition?
Internships are a powerful investment toward your professional goals. An internship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the industry that interests you, helping you to apply your academic knowledge in a professional role. Internships are opportunities to:
- Develop essential professional skills that hiring managers actively seek, such as communication and teamwork
- Understand industry standards
- Assess whether a career path is a good fit for you
- Broaden your perspective
- Evaluate different career options
Internships also provide opportunities to network with other professionals, which can lead to mentorships, references, and even the chance to hear about job openings. Building and maintaining positive relationships during your internship can yield long-term benefits, particularly when it comes to obtaining professional references.
Additionally, showcasing internships on your resume, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile demonstrates to employers that you are proactive and committed to your career growth.
What to Expect from Internships
When starting an internship, it’s important to know what to expect so you can make the most of it. While there are many benefits to being an intern, some of the major highlights are:
- Real-world experience
- Professional skill development, including hard and soft skills
- Career insights
- Feedback from coworkers or bosses
During your internship, you’ll have the chance to identify professional areas that need further development. An internship is also an opportunity to observe situations, ask questions and immerse yourself in the day-to-day workings of your chosen industry so that you can make more informed decisions about your future career path.
An internship is useful for receiving professional feedback. Take advantage of scheduled sessions with your supervisor and actively seek input from your colleagues to identify areas for improvement and professional growth.
Since you bring a fresh perspective to an organization, your boss and coworkers may also look to you for feedback. Be prepared to share your experiences and point out any gaps in business processes you notice where efficiency could be improved.
The Different Types of Internships
With various types of internship opportunities available, it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your professional, personal, and academic goals. There are various types of internships to choose:
- Paid and unpaid internships
- Summer internships
- Remote or virtual internships
When considering an internship, consider factors like your schedule, financial needs, and the specific skills or experiences you want to gain. These experiences can help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
Paid internships are particularly valuable because they offer financial support as well as hands-on professional experience. While unpaid internships are more common, they can still provide useful opportunities for skill building and networking.
Resources and Tools
There are plenty of resources available to help you secure an internship. Start with CareerLink, the University’s job board, where you’ll find internship opportunities and upcoming virtual career fairs.
Explore the Internship for Academic Credit course to earn credits that apply toward your degree and gaining valuable real-world experience at the same time. Many employers require interns to earn credit as part of their program, so this could be a great way to meet their criteria.
Additionally, Career Services offers resume review assistance and group coaching sessions to help you refine your application materials and improve your interview skills. Take full advantage of these resources; they’ll make your internship search more effective and less overwhelming.
Investing Time and Effort in Your Internship Is Worth It
Internships are an investment in your professional growth. Make the most of your internship by utilizing your University resources like CareerLink and Career Services. Be proactive, seek feedback, and engage fully to enhance your skills and career opportunities.
Get connected with a Career Coach today to assist you with your internship.
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