According to Wikipedia internship is a system of on-the-job training for variety of jobs, similar to an apprenticeship. Interns are usually college or university students, but they can also be high school students or post graduate adults seeking skills for a new career. Student internships provide opportunities for students to gain experience in their field, determine if they have an interest in a particular career, create a network of contacts, or gain school credit.
WASHINGTON - A recent CBS-TV poll found that 42 per cent of those with internship experience got jobs, compared to 36 per cent who got jobs with no internship experience. Further, college students with an internship under their belt received a starting annual salary of US$42,000, compared to US$35,000 a year for job seekers who did not complete an internship. In today's global economy, these numbers speak volumes as more and more students are seeking internships as a foot-hold in their chosen field or as a way to gain advantage in a bad economy.
Here are ways that internship can help college students:
1. Work experience
The biggest advantage of taking an internship is to gain experience in your chosen field. Many studies have shown that the number one reason college graduates are unemployed is due to their lack of related work experience. It is a huge boost for your resume to show that you have actually worked in your chosen field so employers can see that you will know what you are doing. They will also spend less time and money on having to train someone that has experience. Having an internship gives you a leg up on your competition, which is crucial in poor economic times.
2. Meet Professionals
Another huge advantage of taking an internship is the opportunity to meet professionals in your industry. They can be used as references in the future as well as guide you during your internship on how to prepare for a job in the real world. For example, I stay in touch with all my co-workers and managers on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn because you never know when you will need them. By learning about their background and how they got to where they are today, you can learn a lot and mimic those steps to become a successful employee.
3. Possibly land a full time job
For a lot of students, internships have led to full-time, paid positions with the company they interned for. One study suggests that employers view internships as a symbol of maturity and competence. You are, after all, working for free. It shows that you are dedicated to the company and their mission. Many employers would rather hire someone they already know than someone who just applies after graduation that they have never met. As the saying goes, “it’s not what you know; it’s WHO you know.” So be sure to leave your employers with a good impression because you may be back some day!
4. Apply your knowledge to school work
This was a major advantage to me personally. I have completed four internships in my college career so far and I found that it actually helps me in school. For example, when my teachers are talking about possible scenarios to demonstrate a concept, I think of how that applied to me in my past internships. It allows me to grasp ideas better because I can think of a real world problem that I actually had to go through. Having experience gives you background to what the textbooks and teachers are trying to get across to you.
5. Decide if this career path is right for you
Finally, internships are very important for you to find out what you want to do for the rest of your life! If you think you want to work as a journalist and you take an internship at a newspaper company and you despise it, then you have ruled it out as a possible job. Now you can move on to choosing a different major and hopefully finding one that will lead you to a happy career. You will, after all, be spending many many years in the work force—you may as well find one that you enjoy! Also, check out my article on 5 Reasons College Students Should Consider Virtual Internship.
Here are few websites like www.monster.com, www.internqueen.com and www.internships.com that can help you find the right internship. iaam also has several virtual internships and blogger positions for students who are interested in media and entertainment careers. Send your resumes and interests to internship@iaam.com.
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." –Dr. Suess
Stephanie Latassa
