Internships<\/a> sound daunting, don\u2019t they?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, why are internships important?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>Ready to Up Your Internship Game?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s get to it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are 10 benefits of internships and reasons why internship programs are important:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Actual Work Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re in college or a fresh grad, your resume probably looks as if it was printed in invisible ink\u2014there\u2019s not much on there, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The number one reason for taking an internship is for gaining actual work experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sure, you may have worked as a barista or SAT tutor part-time, and you can definitely add those items to your resume. However, if your dream is to be a web developer at Facebook or practice environmental law to help fight climate change<\/a>, those high school jobs or college gigs are nothing more than filler on your job resume or cover letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: What is an Internship? Your Basic Questions Answered<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Application of Knowledge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
On top of the great work history you\u2019ll be able to show off on your future CV and cover letter, an internship provides you with the perfect opportunity to apply knowledge you\u2019ve gained up to this point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps you\u2019re a computer science major dreaming of working in cybersecurity. Maybe you\u2019re taking textile studies at FIT with hopes of one day being a part of New York Fashion Week. Whatever the case may be, an internship in your field will be where you can put all that book knowledge to actual use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 15+ Best Internship Websites for Finding Programs Near You (or Abroad!)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Networking With Professionals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the best benefits of an internship is the access you\u2019re given to network with professionals in your chosen field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you start an internship, you have the enviable advantage of being in close proximity to top minds in your field and influential names to drop in the future. From fellow interns to give you support to mentors who are key players in your industry, you\u2019ll be surrounded by all the right people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 25+ Books for College Students to Read in University<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Learn Firsthand <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You get to apply your studies in an actual work environment, but internships also give you the opportunity to gain new industry insights and knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a travel enthusiast, I know that even the most accurately detailed tourist guide can\u2019t describe how it feels to visit a place for myself. Likewise, you can learn all you want, but you won\u2019t understand working, from the physical labor to the mental tasks, until you\u2019re in the trenches yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, there are many things they just can\u2019t, or don\u2019t, teach you in school, such as proprietary software or the soft skills that you need to use. Learning them firsthand is one of the best internship benefits, for sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 25+ Types of Internships to Understand Before You Make Your Choice<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Field Experimentation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are you sure you want to have a career in this field you\u2019ve chosen?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are you sure-sure<\/em>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the greatest advantages of doing an internship is that you can experiment, no strings attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe you don\u2019t want to work for Google, after all. Or it could be that you want to change your entire career path. Either way, a 3-month summer internship lets you give it a try and walk away with no hard feelings once your contract is up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, that experience you\u2019ve gained is yours to keep!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 21+ Internship Quotes & Inspiration for New Interns<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. College Credit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not all programs offer college credit, but those that do are definitely one of the major reasons for applying for an internship when in university. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the United States, internship programs which offer college credits usually give out between 1 and 6 credits for a successfully completed internship. Some, such as the State University of New York at Oswego, go as far as granting up to 12<\/a> university credits (for 480+ hours of intern work).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: How to Prepare for an Internship Interview?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. A Paycheck<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For most intern programs that don\u2019t offer college credits, and even for some that do, a regular paycheck is one of the most desired benefits of internships.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile interns\u2019 paychecks are usually considered peanuts when compared to the \u201creal\u201d employees at the company, were you to compare, it\u2019s still money in the bank. Rather than bartending to help you pay for college expenses (unless that\u2019s where your heart lies), a paid internship in your chosen field will put some cash in your wallet while earning invaluable industry experience\u2014a win-win, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 15+ Easy Ways on How to Save Money in College<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
8.Increased Professional Confidence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s nothing quite like ending a first date with optimism for what the future has in store for the two of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similarly, an internship program arms you with the confidence you need to take on the challenges in store for you later in your professional life. And, becoming better equipped with confidence will give you an edge in any future candidate pool you find yourself in, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: What is the Difference Between a Job and a Career?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Boost in Understanding of How Jobs Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve talked about how internships benefit college students, graduates, and other people, but mostly in terms of how they\u2019ll help with your field or industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, internships also help you understand the world of employment, as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As likely your first true job, internships introduce you to it all, from job hunting to interviewing to the ins and outs of office life. With an intern program under your belt, you\u2019ll be well-prepared for subsequent resumes, cover letters, and job applications around the corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 65+ First-Time Job Ideas for Teens & College Students<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. A Job Contract Possibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Last but not least on the benefits of internships, it may just turn into an actual job offer upon completion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While certainly not a requirement, many companies who feel positive about you as an intern at the end of the program may decide to keep you on. After all, they have invested time, resources, and money over your summer or semester, so it\u2019s in their interest, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, even if you don\u2019t want to sign a full job contract when it\u2019s all over, at least you can leverage a positive job recommendation letter from them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: What to Bring to an Internship Interview?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, should you do an internship?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Want to make the most of your internship program? Sign up to Goodwall (links just below)! On Goodwall<\/a>, you\u2019ll be surrounded by over 1 million Gen Z and millennial members, many with like-minded interests and similar career paths. It\u2019s the perfect place to get found, network, find support, pitch ideas, and promote your professional web profile<\/a> to future employers! <\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"