You may be asking yourself – do internships really make a difference? The short answer is: yes! Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door, especially when the competition is tough to crack. Whether you have just graduated or are looking to switch careers, internships are a great stepping stone to get you started in the industry and give you the knowledge and tools you need to pursue a successful career.
An internship can often lead to a full-time role or open doors to great jobs in your field. The only caveat might be that you don’t feel that you’re getting compensated enough – or at all. This can be a big deterrent for taking an internship; however, don’t turn down that opportunity just yet as it might be exactly what you need for a fulfilling career. The good news is internships are temporary and can set you up for future success.
Six Benefits of an Internship for Career Development
Give your internship opportunity a chance – you could end up learning so much more from this experience. Here are a few benefits you can expect.
1. Develop important skills
An internship opportunity will help you develop the skills you picked up in college or your recent job and also make you aware of other skills beyond just technical skills needed in your industry. You learn how to communicate better as you learn from other individuals, attend meetings and work in a collaborative environment. You also learn how to manage deadlines and get first-hand experience in the work environment. All this might be a new learning experience for you and will prove to be invaluable in your professional journey.
2. Try out a potential career
You may have just graduated from college or are looking to switch careers. An internship gives you the opportunity to explore a new career path to give you an idea of whether this is what you want to be doing. If time and circumstances permit, with an internship you can pursue your passions and try out different roles and industries before you figure out which one is the right fit for you – without committing to a long-term career immediately.
3. Build your network
You meet various leaders and industry professionals during your internships. Use this as a platform to leverage your network and make as many professional connections as possible. Focus on building these relationships and take the time to learn from them. These are important people who may be able to help you find a full-time job or give you advice on the career you want to pursue.
4. Gain professional experience
The time you spend during an internship will give you a great understanding of the professional world, especially if this is one of your first ‘real’ jobs. What you learn and the skills you develop are crucial to help you grow in your career and become more knowledgeable in your field. Furthermore, it helps build your people skills and helps you grasp the basics of office etiquette and managing a routine.
5. Access to mentorship
A mentor is someone who guides you in your career and from whom you can gain knowledge and support. They are the ones who can help you grow professionally and give you advice when you are feeling stuck. An internship is an excellent opportunity for potential mentorship as you are exposed to many professionals in your field and are able to shadow and learn from professionals you admire. Take advantage of this as mentors are usually extremely helpful for one’s career.
6. Boost your resume
If you’re still in college or just graduated, internships are a great way to give you a competitive edge and boost your resume! When future employers see your experience and know that you have taken the time and effort to invest in your career, you will stand out to them and make yourself a more attractive candidate. Hiring managers know how important internships are and know that by completing an internship you have the commitment and knowledge to be successful. It truly is a great stepping stone to your next role!
Internships Open Career Doors
Keep in mind that you gain a lot of valuable skills during an internship and have an opportunity to sharpen your soft skills which are coveted by managers today. Additionally, if you are fairly new to the professional world or haven’t had any work experience just yet, an internship is a great first step to dip your feet into the industry and kickstart your career.
Good luck!
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