Gaining experience within the work place is something that is very important. It gives you the chance to really get a feel for working life, find out more about your potential career path and of course, it’s something to get onto your CV for when you graduate.
If you’re making your way through university then taking on a few internships during those lovely long holidays you get should be a top priority. Trust me, it will be well worth it in the long run. Some are paid, some aren’t but they should at least cover your expenses.
Here are 10 reasons why you should actively seek out internships:
– Discover what you do and don’t like – Learn what it’s like to work in various industries and companies. You may find that you don’t like a the way a certain company works or stumble upon a career path that you ‘d never thought of.
– Make new contacts – You will meet lots of new people within the working world. Make a good impression, add them on LinkedIn and keep in contact. They’re bound to come in handy once you graduate.
– Strengthen your CV – As I’m sure you’re aware, it’s all about building up your CV for when you finally graduate.
– Transferable skills – You will build upon your time management, communication, organisation and other skills.
– Show future employers you’re proactive – Taking on an internship during your free time shows initiative and dedication to your future career.
– Increase confidence – Build upon your strengths, discover your weaknesses and find out what it’s really like to work within your chosen industry. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you’re applying for graduate jobs.
– Examples – When you interview for graduate (and regular) jobs they want to hear more about real life experience and examples than your course. An internship will arm you with plenty of material for your future interviews.
– Professional references – Work hard in your internships and you will have a valuable reference for future jobs.
– Team work – Working on projects at university and college is all well and good but ‘real world’ experience is much more important.
– Potential of moving into a full time position – It’s not guaranteed but if a full time position is available once you’ve graduated then having an internship and connections at the company will work in your favour.
Finally, I’d like to highlight the fact that internships aren’t just for students. If you’re in a career you don’t like, or would like to move into a new industry, then use a week of your holiday to get some work experience. I’ve had a few friends who’ve taken a week away from their career in law/retail to intern with fashion magazines. One of them has now moved into a whole new career within the world of fashion.
What have you gained from doing internships?