Internships Provide Networking And Job Experience That You Won’t Want To Miss

Internships. Once you get to college this word is going to be stressed regardless of what you decide to study. Internships are your chance to see what a specific job would be like. A lot of people hear the word internship and think of getting coffee for their boss and making copies all day, but those days are pretty much over. Many companies have begun to really take advantage of their interns’ skills and use them to better the company in various ways. 

Internships are crucial, especially if you’re in a broad field. For example, if you’re in nursing school, internships will be beneficial for learning, but when you’re done with school you’re going to become a nurse. In a major like communications you could end up doing a plethora of things upon graduating. An internship at an advertising firm one semester and a magazine during the other will give you a good idea of your likes and dislikes. Internships that turn out great are awesome, but internships that you absolutely hate may be even better because you got a chance to save yourself some trouble after graduation!

So how do you get these internships? If you’re in high school, see if there is an internship class offered. My high school offered a program senior year which allowed you to have a short internship somewhere that may have related to the major you were choosing to study in college. If you’re in college, see if the same type of course is in place. Many colleges will give you course credit for completing an internship, and your department will most likely have a lot of contacts with local professionals in your field. Also, make sure that you network! You never know who someone else knows! The girl you sit next to in class may have a friend who works at the firm you would love to intern for! Don’t be afraid to ask around for professional contacts, but once you get them, remember to return the favor to others down the line.

When you get those internships make sure you are taking advantage of all that they have to offer. Also remember to save everything that you complete while you’re there so that you can have a portfolio of work to take away from this great experience. And again, network! Keep in contact with the people at your internship. Many times your internship supervisor can help you network and get another internship in the area. They may also write you a credible recommendation if you do a good job while interning for them. If you’ve really made a difference at the company they may think of you in the future when a job opens up. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and show off your skills!

- Krista Pilla

Next Step U - NextStepU.com

Read more from Krista at http://nextstepu.wordpress.com