Thinking About Future Career? First Think Internship

Have you yet decided on your major in college? That’s a big question, and one that you might already know the answer to, or it could be one that’s taking some development. Either way, if you have an idea of what you’ll major in and what you’d like to focus on, it’s never too early to begin thinking about an internship. You know what an internship is and why it’s important, but it’s equally key to remember that, like many other aspects related to college life, if you wait and wait, it will be too late!

Most college students do internships during the second half of their college careers. This is largely due to that fact that by then, you’ll have a better idea what you’re focusing on and will have your major locked in by that point. But if you’re ahead of the game and know what you’ll focus on now, by all means, start looking for internships. Many companies run internships throughout the year, meaning you don’t have to work as an intern only during summer break.

You’ve heard that internships are important as far as confirming that you actually like the field that you’re studying. That’s true. Yet even if you discover after an internship that you’d like to change paths, the nice part is that there’s really no such thing as bad experience when it comes to an internship. An internship, from a resume standpoint, will always beat working another stretch at that low-paying, dull summer job anyway. 

Some internships pay and some do not. If you need an internship to replace your regular summer job or part-time job, then by all means, seek out one that pays, as most do pay some. And if it’s a non-paying internship, check with your school to see if they can provide any scholarships or stipends for unpaid interns. But first and foremost, start checking into these processes right away. Most prospective employers won’t turn you down simply because you’re a year younger than most interns! If anything, it will show you have drive to go out there and get a head start.

Whether it’s deciding your major, choosing your classes, or thinking about your eventual career, like most aspects of college life, looking for an internship is one task that’s best not left procrastinated. If an internship cements your interest in a field or causes a change of heart, it’s a task that provides best results when conducted early.