I’ve been working with students for 10 years and many ask the question, “Why should I do an internship?” I could write on this topic for days; however, I thought it would be interesting to gather insight from students who have completed an internship and share their perspective.
7 Reasons to do an Internship: From Students’ Perspectives
1. Build Your Resume
If you do an internship, you are building your resume with work experience relevant to your career field. One student mentioned that having his industry-relevant summer internship on his resume was recognized by several employers at this semester’s career fair. Internships are impressive and noticed!
2. Learn How the Industry Operates
What you learn in class during college is different from what you will experience in the industry. The severity of this difference will depend on the major/industry, but this disconnect will always exist to some degree. Likewise, each company is going to operate a little different. Completing multiple internships really gives you the most well-rounded experience and knowledge.
3. Make Money Doing More Than a “Summer Job”
If you have spent your summers doing manual labor, lifeguarding, babysitting, etc., that is all good work experience; however, if you can have a summer job that makes you money and also gives you industry-relevant experience, take it! One student who contributed had spent her summers working since she was in high school. She gained valuable soft skills through those experiences; but, she said her summer internship made her more money and gave her much better learning opportunities.
4. Network with Other People and Businesses
When asked, “Why do an internship?” one student’s immediate answer was interaction with other businesses and professionals. He found the networking opportunities one of the most valuable aspects of his summer internship. It’s not always what you know but who you know. The reputation and relationships you form during an internship can be extremely valuable to you as you begin your career.
5. Apply What You Learn in College
One student mentioned that it had been difficult at times to see how some of the course content would be applied in the real world. Having the opportunity to do an internship last summer made his past coursework make sense and has given him the perspective to attach new coursework as well.
6. Try A New Career Before You Have to Commit
An internship can be an excellent opportunity to “try before you buy.” For example, one student I worked with recently has decided to pursue a career in marketing. Now that she is confident in her major, she will complete an internship to learn more about different specializations without the marketing field. Trying this career will also help confirm that it is the right fit before years of time and money are invested in a college education. All things considered, the worst-case scenario, if you do an internship, is you don’t like it. You should feel good knowing you only spent three months (if it was a summer internship) rather than four years obtaining a degree to find out you don’t like the field.
7. Explore Opportunities for Permanent Employment
Finally, a great reason to do an internship is it can turn into full-time or permanent employment. One student I spoke with was not only offered on-going employment during his final year of college but a full-time position after graduation as well. Imagine knowing you have a full-time job after college one year before graduation! While not every internship results in this outcome, employers have admitted that they prefer to hire current or former interns over other applicants because interns know the company and company know them. It is another case of “try before you buy”!
So, you want to do an internship!
If the seven reasons the students above gave to do an internship have you convinced (and they should!), it is time to get started finding the opportunity for you! As an experienced Career Coach and College Educator, I work with students one-on-one to help them acquire the best internship opportunities in their field through job coaching and resume help. Book a free consultation today to fast-track your success! Also check out this post to find out what makes a good internship.
Want help finding your perfect internship?
As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one and assist them as they articulate their goals and develop a plan to gain career-relevant experience! I guide students through the internship search, application, and interview process teaching them life-long skills for career success!
Book a free consultation today!
