The Value of Internships

Internships are short-term opportunities that allow students to gain valuable work experience in a particular career.  Once you have researched different career possibilities through online resources and informational interviews, an internship will offer the opportunity for a career “test drive.” The benefits of an internship include the following:

• Internships allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience to help build your resume.
• It is a great way to confirm if the career you have selected is a good fit for you and at the same time also allows you to determine if the field is not a good fit.
• Internships provide you with opportunities to network and meet professionals in the industry you wish to join.
• Often times employers will hire their interns upon graduation.

Some internships are paid and some are unpaid. Regardless, the experience you gain is priceless. Oftentimes employers are looking to hire individuals with specific work experience. This can be difficult for a recent college graduate however, internships provide the necessary experience to help build your resume and show employers you do have hands-on, behind the scenes experience.

^[1]

^[2]

The process of searching for and securing a meaningful internship takes time and effort. It will be important to plan ahead, leverage your professional network, and connect with faculty, staff, and your career center. Get started early and you give yourself enough time to prepare your resume, apply, and interview.