Internships:  What, Why and How

Hi,

I’m Alix and it’s my mission to help as many as possible work in jobs that meet their passion and purpose, allowing them to reach their full potential.

By providing support and hand holding where they may not have any, I hope to gently guide anyone needing help in becoming happy and fulfilled adults through being in the right job for them.

Be a ‘virtual mentor’ if you like.

Join me today as we investigate internships, one path to make sure you’re one of the new generation of adults in a job you love…

What is an internship…

An internship is a period of time when you work for a company or organisation to get experience in a particular type of work.

Having become an essential part of modern career development, they’re often described as the bridge between education and full-time employment, providing real-world exposure and allowing you to apply your academic knowledge and build professional skills, while establishing industry connections.

They offer a structured opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting, which can be invaluable in today’s competitive job market, giving you an edge when applying for positions.

For a company it means they can see your abilities before committing to hiring you full-time. For you, it means you get to ‘try-it-out’ before continuing with a particular career path.

So, let’s drill down into the importance of internships, their benefits, types, and how you can make the most of the experience.

The importance of internships…

Employers increasingly look for candidates who have more than just academic qualifications. They want to see evidence of practical skills, adaptability and experience within their industry where possible.

An internship allows you to meet these demands, making you more attractive to future employers.

Let’s look at some of the key reasons why internships are important:

Practical application of academic knowledge…

Internships provide a platform for students to apply the theoretical (ideas relating to a subject, not their practical use) knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom to on-the-job tasks and challenges.

Whether it's engineering, marketing, finance, or any other field, you get the chance to see how concepts translate into practice, deepening your understanding.

Building professional skills…

Internships are ideal for developing both technical and soft skills.

Technical skills include industry-specific abilities such as using certain software, conducting research, or handling machinery.

Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, are often cultivated during internships and are just as crucial for long-term career success.

Gaining industry insights…

Internships offer you invaluable insights into how an industry or organisation operates.

You can learn about the corporate culture, ie physically working in a company, learning business strategies and how important they are, workflows and see first hand the challenges professionals face in their day-to-day tasks.

These insights can help you assess whether the industry meets your career goals and personal values.

Networking opportunities…

Internships provide a fantastic opportunity to build a professional network.

You can connect with supervisors, colleagues, mentors, and other professionals in the field, forming relationships that can be beneficial for future career prospects. Networking within an

internship often leads to job offers, professional references, or valuable advice from experienced industry insiders.

Sometimes it comes down to who you know, not just what you know.

Enhancing employability…

A resume with relevant internships stands out to potential employers. Completing an internship demonstrates to hiring managers that you already have practical experience in the field, have an understanding of industry dynamics, and are likely to be a quicker learner when hired.

Many employers use internships as a recruitment pipeline, offering full-time positions to successful interns after graduation or at the end of the internship program.

Types of internships…

There are several types of internships, each offering you a different experience depending on your career stage, industry, and objectives. Understanding the different options can help you select the right internship that aligns with your goals.

Paid internships…

Paid internships provide monetary compensation for the work performed.

These are common in industries like finance, technology, engineering, and media.

Paid internships are highly competitive and attract many applicants because they allow students to gain valuable experience while also earning an income.

Unpaid internships…

In some industries, particularly in nonprofits, arts, and media, internships may be unpaid.

While the lack of compensation can be challenging, unpaid internships still offer valuable experience, learning opportunities, and networking benefits. It’s important for you to consider an unpaid internship carefully before committing to ensure you’re gaining meaningful experience and not simply performing low-level tasks.

Credit-based internships…

Many academic programs require or offer internships for academic credit.

These internships often have a set number of hours and specific goals or projects aligned with your studies. Credit-based internships provide a structured way for you to gain experience while fulfilling degree requirements.

Virtual internships…

With the rise of remote work, virtual internships have become increasingly common.

These internships allow you to gain work experience from anywhere in the world.

While virtual internships lack the face-to-face interaction of traditional internships, they do offer flexibility and an opportunity to work with preferred companies that might be located far from your geographical area.

Summer internships…

Summer internships are popular among students who want to gain experience during their summer break.

These internships typically last for 8 - 12 weeks and offer intensive, full-time work experience over a short period. Summer internships are common in industries like finance, consulting, and law, where companies often use these programs to assess potential future employees.

Co-op programs…

Co-operative education (co-op) programmes are longer-term internships that are often integrated with an academic program.

Co-ops typically alternate between periods of full-time study and full-time work in the field. These programs offer you deep immersion in the industry and are highly valued by employers for the comprehensive experience they provide.

How to secure an internship…

Finding and securing the right internship requires preparation and a strategic approach. Here are some steps to help:

Start early…

Many companies begin their internship recruitment process months in advance, especially for summer internships. Start researching and applying early to increase your chances of landing a position especially in a competitive field.

Tailor your resume and cover letter…

Customise your resume and cover letter for each internship you apply to.

Employers appreciate candidates who take the time to showcase how their background aligns with the company’s needs, ie that you’re the right person for the role you’re applying for as it saves them time and doing so can make the difference between your application being placed in the ‘consider’, rather than the ‘no’ pile.

See my articles under the heading ‘I AM – Looking for a job’. They’ll guide you in how to highlight relevant skills, coursework, and experience to make you more attractive to a potential employer.

Leverage your network…

Reach out to professors, career counsellors, family members, and friends who might have connections in your industry of interest.

Networking can open doors to internships that may not be publicly advertised.

Additionally, attending career fairs and networking events can help you build relationships with recruiters and industry professionals.

Prepare for interviews…

Once you land an interview, prepare thoroughly by researching the company and understanding the role.

Again, check out my website which will give you hints and tips on the interview process. It’ll help ensure you’re ready to discuss your qualities, skills, appropriate experiences, why you’re interested in the internship and how good a fit you’ll be.

Follow the guiding tips for practicing answering common interview questions, having the right examples at your fingertips, ones that demonstrate your abilities and how you’ll approach challenges.

Utilise online platforms…

Many online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Handshake, and Glassdoor, list internship opportunities. Regularly check these websites and set up alerts for internship postings that align with your interests.

How to make the most of your internship…

Securing an internship is only the first step. Making the most of the experience is key to ensuring that it has a positive impact on your career.

Let’s consider how to maximise your experience:

Set clear goals…

Before starting your internship, set clear goals about what you want to achieve. These could include gaining specific skills, learning more about the industry, or expanding your professional network.

Having clear objectives will keep you focused and motivated throughout.

Be proactive…

Show initiative by taking on additional tasks or seeking out learning opportunities beyond your assigned duties.

Demonstrating a willingness to go above and beyond can leave a lasting impression on your supervisors, may even lead to a job offer and make any references more favourable.

Ask for feedback…

Regularly seek feedback from your supervisor and colleagues.

This will help you improve your performance and develop professionally as you work. Constructive criticism is invaluable for personal growth and helps you become more self-aware of your strengths and highlight any areas for improvement.

At the risk of harping on, check out my article on ‘Criticism in the Workplace – an Opportunity’ under ‘Soft Skills in the Workplace’. It’s possible to turn any form of criticism into a learning experience when you know how.

Build relationships…

Internships are excellent opportunities to build relationships with professionals in your field.

Take the time to network with your colleagues, attend company events, and ask for advice from your mentors. These connections can be invaluable for future job prospects.

Reflect on your experience…

After your internship, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how it aligns with your career goals. Consider what aspects of the role you enjoyed and what areas you might want to explore further.

This self-reflection will help you refine your career path and prepare for future job opportunities.

Challenges of internships…

While internships offer many benefits, they also come with challenges.

Some interns may find themselves performing routine or administrative tasks, which can feel unfulfilling if not balanced with meaningful work. In these situations, remember you’ll still be learning how organisations work, how the small cogs fit in with the large cogs to make the wheels turn – it’s all experience.

Unpaid internships can also pose financial difficulties for individuals who need income to support themselves. This is harder to quantify so consider carefully before taking on unpaid positions.

Additionally, virtual internships can limit networking opportunities and make it harder to form strong relationships with colleagues. Interns in remote roles may miss out on the hands-on experience and face-to-face mentorship that traditional internships provide. But, again, it could cement whether a virtual job is for you, another learning curve.

Conclusion…

Internships are an essential part of modern career development, offering individuals the chance to gain hands-on experience, build skills, and establish professional networks.

Whether paid, unpaid, virtual, or in-person, internships can serve as a vital stepping stone toward full-time employment and long-term career success. By approaching internships

strategically, setting clear goals, and being proactive during the experience, you can maximise the benefits and pave the way for future opportunities.

In today’s competitive job market, internships provide a valuable edge that can help turn academic learning into a successful career.

I wish you luck and take this opportunity to say that I know you can do it.

Success is within your grasp!