An internship may serve as a sort of trial run, but it can also be so much more for both the student and the employer.
Through internship programs, students learn new skills and explore career opportunities while employers gain new talent and possible long-term employees.
If you are a student considering an internship, it’s important to note that the positions are often more than just a job and require some careful planning. Before pursuing an internship, you should understand how the position will fit in with your college education, making sure you have answers to the following questions:
- Is an internship required as a part of my degree program? If so, there will likely be procedures to follow and requirements to meet. Check with your college advisor or the faculty or staff member supervising internships in your program of study to make sure you complete all the necessary paperwork and meet all the deadlines.
- Can I receive college credit for my internship? If the internship is required for your program of study, it’s likely you’ll receive college credit. Your college will probably require that you register for your internship course, get approval, and pay for the credit hours you’ll receive. It’s crucial to take care of this before you do the internship, or you likely will not earn credit.
- Is the internship paid or unpaid? Some colleges won’t allow students to get credit for an unpaid internship. In addition, some states have laws governing internships and whether the position can be paid or unpaid. In some cases, it’s up to the student to decide whether to accept a paid or unpaid internship. While an unpaid internship doesn’t provide a paycheck, it may otherwise offer valuable work experience, intellectual growth, and networking opportunities.
- Should the internship challenge me? Some students may seek an easy internship just to check off a degree requirement, but those students are missing out on a great opportunity. Rather than trying to turn a job at the family business or your part-time job at a retail store into an internship, try getting out of your comfort zone. Seek a position that is structured as an internship where you have an opportunity to learn and grow. Even if you decide later to take a permanent job in the family business or retail store, that outside experience will be invaluable – both for you and your employer.
- Should the internship align with my program of study? Most colleges will require that the internship has a connection with your program of study. After all, your program of study is your chosen career field, and you want to make sure that your internships contribute to your future career success.
- How do I find an internship? Most colleges have someone dedicated to monitoring internships and potential opportunities. This could be a full-time staff member or a faculty advisor. Talk to this person about any openings and what would be the best fit for you. Seeking an internship is very similar to seeking a full-time job. Prepare your resume, complete any applications carefully, and practice your interviewing skills so you’ll land a great internship. Remember, part of the benefits of seeking an internship is the practice in job hunting and interviewing.
- What should I expect when I start my internship? Treat your internship as you would a full-time permanent job. You’ll need to dress professionally, show up on time and deliver what is expected by your supervisor. Even if you don’t end up with a permanent job at the company, you will want a reference when you do begin your full-time job search.
The process of seeking the right internship can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. Not only will the internship fulfill an important degree requirement, it will have a positive impact on your career and your life.
