I want to propose the idea of scrapping a summer of beach holidays and parties for a summer internship. I’m not the first to propose this idea and probably not the first to be ridiculed for such a thought either – but can we speak serious about this? Just for a moment! I know that the word internship sounds mighty dull and not a tad exciting compared with backpacking around Europe or spending long days on Cancun’s beaches, but let us give it some credit. Besides, it is what you make of it that can either turn it into a time-watching disaster or an awesome experience.
So what makes an internship worthy of your time? If I say “money” first then I bet I can grab some attention! If you get in with an established company you have a good chance of being paid for your efforts, if not you still have a good chance of participating in a valuable life experience – because you gain exactly that, experience. Whatever your studies, your understanding of the career you wish to embark on will be increased greatly by some hands-on knowledge.
There are a good fistful of students who have done an internship in the type of company they aspire to work for, then later been offered a full time job once college years are over – you couldn’t get much smoother than that. Before I steer away from this debate, there is one more vital point to all of this. Networking; somewhere on the lines of ‘it is who you know, not what you know’. Only you want to have both on your side.
Through an internship, you break out of the bubble and become known; to expand – when determining a suitable candidate, employers don’t only look at your grades but seek out references from previous employers or institutes. The more you connect and get out there – the better your chances when breaking onto the career ladder. Internship this summer anyone?
Calleigh Queenan currently writes for vacuum cleaner reviews, an online reviews created to share her honest opinions based on hands-on experience on products. Calleigh is a stay at home mom and enjoys offering her tips on Hoover vacuum Reviews.
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