Why You Should Do An Internship?

Why You Should Do An Internship?

The main reason to complete an internship is to be employment ready when you graduate. Internships offer students the chance to jumpstart their career with invaluable learning experiences and opportunities.

Finding work can be a real challenge, especially if you don't have any experience. Yet to get experience you must first find a job. It's a nasty catch that can be difficult to get around but an internship is a good way to do it.

Internships provide work experience opportunities to university students, recent graduates and people considering career changes. Employers are willing to hire interns with little or no experience, especially if the intern is willing to accept little or no monetary compensation. However, the benefits of doing an internship go far beyond your pay cheque.

1.    Hands on learning
Apply what you have learned in the classroom to real-world situations. This will open your eyes to a whole new way of thinking and give you a more in-depth view of lessons learned in the classroom.

2.    Build your network
Your supervisor, other employees, clients, partners, and anyone else you meet can all be a part of your professional network. All of these people are potential references when applying for jobs and some may connect you to new opportunities.

3.    Improve your resume
You will gain industry-specific experience you can put on your resume making it more attractive to employers. In addition, you will be able to build and improve on your skill set. This includes skills such as communication – skills you can place in the “Highlights of Qualifications” section of your resume.

4.    Gain self-confidence
If you have never worked in the industry before it may seem intimidating to apply for a job after graduation. If you complete an internship you will have confidence knowing you have applied your skills and knowledge, and that you are employment ready. That can give you a sense of calm confidence.

      5. Get ahead of the competition
            When applying for jobs, you’ll not only have the education but also the experience.              You’ll have the upper hand because you’ll have gained the experience that proves you know how   to use what you’ve learned

Reports in 2013 say 36% hired candidates in companies were their interns. This hiring behavior is changing constantly.

Gain Valuable Work Experience

An internship provides the opportunity to gain hands on work experience that you just can’t get in the classroom. First time job seekers and career changers aren’t usually desirable candidates, but companies are willing to train them as interns and give them the experience they would need to get a job.

Have an Edge in the Job Market

Employers are usually more concerned with your work experience than your qualifications and internships are often the only way to get the work experience you need to secure a job, so they're a vital part of your resume. Many employers prefer or require applicants who have done an internship or relevant work experience and in many of the more competitive job markets it is essential to set you apart from the others.

Transition into a Job

Employers see interns as prospective employees and many finish their internships and continue working with the company full time. Internships are the number one way for employers to find new staff in the US. Think of it as a really long interview, after which you’ve proved that you are a capable and hardworking employee. Just as you’re giving the industry and the company a trial run, they’re doing the same for you.