Internships: 6 Reasons You Need To Get One

If you ask any college student about their potential summer plans, odds are they will probably mention the possibility of internships. Although internships may have been previously reserved for the highly ambitious or for students in specific majors/industries, internships have become an invaluable part of the undergraduate experience. By combining personal interest, career goals, and a taste for the real world, internships can provide students with a wide range of benefits, including some that may seem less obvious than others.

Below is a list of why you need to get an internship. Although some may seem obvious, there are many additional advantages that will affect your decision to intern this summer. Internships are more valuable than you may think...

Gain Real Life Experience

Internships and real-life work experience go with saying. Internships allow you to get a taste of a career that they might be interested in pursing. If you think that one job suits your talents and interests, an internship in that field will hopefully confirm that belief and even allow you to narrow your focus onto a specific area/field in that particular industry. Internships are the ultimate way to try a career before you commit to it!

Land the Job of your Dreams

For employers, the internship is a valuable tool for recruiting future talent. In their search for their next employee, employers have begun to use internships as an extended interview. By previewing a candidate with actual on the job experience, companies are looking to find individuals who are good matches for their organization. As an intern, by demonstrating that you’re a dependable, capable, and personable employee, the possibility of landing the job of your dreams is easier than you think. In many companies, internships and internship programs open the door to becoming a full-time employee.

Be a More Competitive Candidate

The recent rise in popularity of internships has lead to a more competitive internship and job market. Since companies are looking for first-time job candidates to have multiple internships, particularly in their specific industry, an internship will make you a more competitive candidate.  From gaining specific on the job skills to having more experiences to discuss in the interview, an internship is a great way to stand apart from others in securing your first full-time job.

Preview a New City

By working in a new city, interns are exposed to a new city and way of life without the risk and nervousness of permanently moving for your first job. If you think a certain city may be a good personal or career match, such as entertainment in Los Angeles or publishing in New York, an internship is a great way to see and experience a foreign city. Use a summer to preview a new city to see if it is a good fit for your future plans.

Take Networking to the Next Level

By completing an internship, you will be exposed to a new community of people in your field of interest or desired industry. Between fellow interns, co-workers, bosses, and even clients, you will meet and connect with others who share your personal and career interests. Use these connections to network for everything from finding a future job to learning more about your field. For more information about networking and using it effectively, check out the networking resources in the career development section.

Make Money or Earn Credit

Even with all of the other benefits and experiences of an internship, a little money or college credit for your work never hurts. Although some internships are unpaid, many opportunities provide interns with an hourly salary, summer stipend, or a combination of the two. Some competitive programs provide students with fair wages, housing, various living and relocation expenses, and even entertainment opportunities. Depending on your particular school and the company you’re intern with, you can earn college credit for an internship. Check with your school’s academic advising office and your company’s human resource department for more information.

How's That?

As you can see, internships are worth more than just a few lines on your resume. From networking to a little extra cash, internships can give you a good idea of what your potential career may be like. Remember, there are no bad internships. Even if you hate your internship, you'll save yourself the aggrevation of starting a new career and hating it from day one.