A valuable internship could impact your entire career.
Whether you are doing an internship for class credit or as a paid opportunity, all internships are an invaluable exercise in applying classroom knowledge to a real-world career setting. Still not convinced it’s worth your time? Here are four reasons that internships mean so much more than cash or class credit.
Learn the tools of the trade
No one wants to be an intern forever. One day you may find yourself in a position supervising other employees or interns. Experience at a lower level within your field will enable you to anticipate challenges and manage others more effectively. You’ll also put yourself one step ahead of your peers because you will already have practical experience in the workforce.
Discover your strengths
As you go through an internship, putting your academic knowledge to practical use will reveal strengths for you to highlight and pursue. This will also show you areas where you may need to improve. Take the opportunity to use your supervisors and co-workers as valuable resources to help you refine your skills.
Create networking opportunities
A relevant internship will provide connections with professionals in your career that you may not have had contact with otherwise. According to the U.S. News and World Report, 70 percent of jobs are found through networking. The networking opportunities gained through your internship may prove vital to securing your preferred job.
Cultivate future employer relationships
There is no better way to engage with professionals in your field than to work along side them in a supportive role. An internship will provide you with the opportunity to display your abilities and worth to possible employers. And you never know, your internship might turn into a full-time job!
If you would like to get more information about South College and how we can help you improve your career, contact us today for more information!
