The Benefits of Internships and How to Get the Most Out of Them
An internship is a short-term, supervised work experience that provides students, recent graduates, or individuals seeking to gain work experience with an opportunity to work in a professional environment and gain practical experience in a particular field. Internships can be paid or unpaid and may last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. During an internship, individuals typically work under the supervision of a mentor or supervisor who provides guidance, feedback, and support throughout the internship.
Benefits of Internships
If you are interested in a particular field, then working as an intern in that industry is something to look out for. Below are some benefits;
Practical experience in your field: One of the primary benefits of internships is that they offer hands-on, practical experience in your chosen field. You'll get to apply the knowledge and skills you've learned in the classroom to real-world situations, which can help you gain a better understanding of your field and develop new skills. This experience can also make you a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs in the future.
Networking opportunities: Internships offer a great opportunity to meet and connect with professionals in your industry. This can help you build your professional network, which can be valuable when you're looking for job opportunities or seeking mentorship or guidance. By networking during your internship, you may be able to build relationships that can help you throughout your career.
Resume building: Having an internship on your resume can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. It shows that you have real-world experience in your field and have demonstrated the ability to apply your skills and knowledge in a professional setting. This can give you a competitive advantage when applying for jobs after graduation.
Career exploration: Internships can be a great way to explore different career paths and industries. By working in a professional setting and gaining hands-on experience, you may be able to get a better sense of what it's like to work in a particular field. This can help you make informed decisions about your career path and give you a better understanding of what you want (or don't want) to do in the future.
How to get the most out of an Internship
If you want to get the most out of internships opportunities, then you must do the following:
Set goals: Before you start your internship, it's important to set specific goals for what you want to achieve during your time there. This could include learning a new skill, gaining experience in a specific area, or completing a certain project. Having clear goals will help you stay focused and make the most of your time during the internship.
Take initiative: During your internship, be proactive and take initiative. Don't be afraid to ask for additional projects or responsibilities if you feel like you're capable of taking on more. This shows your supervisor that you're eager to learn and contribute, and can also help you gain more experience and develop new skills.
Network: Take advantage of networking opportunities during your internship. Attend company events, connect with colleagues on LinkedIn, and ask to shadow professionals in other departments. Building your professional network can help you down the line when you're looking for job opportunities or seeking career guidance.
Ask for feedback: Don't be afraid to ask your supervisor or colleagues for feedback on your work. This will help you identify areas where you're doing well and areas where you can improve. Use this feedback to develop your skills and improve your performance.
Staying organized: Finally, it's important to stay organized during your internship. Keep track of your projects and accomplishments, and make sure you're meeting deadlines and completing tasks on time. This will help you stay on top of your workload and ensure that you're making the most of your time during the internship.
How to find the right internship for you
Researching potential internships: Start by researching potential internships in your desired field or industry. Look for opportunities on job boards, company websites, and professional organizations. You can also talk to your school's career center or alumni network for leads on internships. As you research, pay attention to the job description, requirements, and duration of the internship to ensure that it's a good fit for your skills and schedule.
Applying for internships: Once you've identified potential internships, it's time to apply. Make sure you read the job description and requirements carefully and tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific internship you're applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, and emphasize why you're a good fit for the position. Make sure you follow the application instructions carefully and submit your application before the deadline.
Preparing for interviews: If you're selected for an interview, it's important to prepare beforehand. Research the company and the internship, and practice answering common interview questions. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what the internship entails, and be prepared to talk about why you're interested in the position and how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. Dress professionally and arrive on time for the interview, and be prepared to ask questions about the company and the internship.
Finally, are Interns paid?
My take is that it depends on the company’s policy. There are companies that pay their interns, or perhaps compensate them monthly for their work and service while we still have companies today that don’t pay.
Personally, I am an advocate that interns should be paid. I consider any internship role that is not remuneration based as a volunteer role. I would suggest that during the preliminary phase of our career, it is pertinent to ignore the money and focus on learning and building yourself for the bigger role that is to come.
In subsequent articles, I would share the benefits of volunteering for young people.