Securing an internship prior to graduating college can prove very impactful to the launch of one’s career. While not mandatory for success, an internship certainly provides a boost to landing the desired job after graduation. An internship is an opportunity to learn new skills, gain technical industry knowledge, experience first-hand the true responsibilities of a particular job, and to apply what one has learned in the classroom in a practical way.
According to an Indeed article in June 2023, there are 12 potential benefits of an internship:
- Tests Industry Knowledge – An internship allows for the practical application of what is learned in the classroom.
- Helps Determine Interests – An internship allows one to explore different career areas to help one learn more about their interests to make effective career decisions.
- Creates New Interests – Internships in adjacent fields may help develop transferable skills, learn of new interests, or reaffirm one’s preferred career path.
- Connections with Industry Professionals – Internships lend themselves to networking with both new and experienced professionals within an industry.
- Learn in a Safe Environment – Since many interns work closely with mentors, this allows them to learn more about their strengths and weaknesses in a more controlled environment.
- Get Paid While Learning – When available, earning money while gaining knowledge and skills is a win-win situation.
- Possible Credit Toward Degree – Not only can one gain knowledge and money, but internships may be worked for college credit, if the institution allows – a win-win-win.
- Potential Qualifier for Additional Internships – An initial internship may lay the groundwork for subsequent internship opportunities of greater depth and involvement.
- Potential Travel Experiences – Depending on the nature of the internship, travel to unfamiliar areas may lead to the exploration of different regions and cultures.
- Inspires to Learn More About an Industry – A small interest in an industry may turn into a larger passion for that industry and all that comes with it.
- Teaches the Value of Work-Life Balance – While, typically, adjustments need to be made by students upon graduating college, an internship can aid in such a transition.
- Introduction to Office Dynamics – An internship is a great place to observe office politics and generally get a better understanding of how the office environment operates.
