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In my last couple of blog entries I have noted how important networking is, especially before you leave school.  Networking is important because many people find jobs through people they already know.  Another great way to get your ‘foot in the door’ at a company you are interested in working for is through an internship.  According to an article on MSN Career Builder, “Why Are Internships So Important?” said “graduating students with paid or unpaid internships on their resume have a much better chance at landing a full-time job position upon graduation.”   

Some of you may be thinking, ‘OK, so, it may get me a job after graduation, but why is an internship such a good idea anyway?  Most internships aren’t paid and you work your butt off.’  Not only that, sometimes internships are taken for college credits, which you have to pay for.  This really stinks doesn’t it?  Even though there are a few downsides to having an internship, the benefits definitely outweigh the negatives. 

First of all, internships provide endless networking opportunities.  If you get an internship at a company you can picture yourself working for, chances are good you can snatch a job after it’s over.  When you are working in this environment, you are constantly meeting new people.  Think of it this way…the people you work around could potentially be your colleagues.  This is why making a good impression matters at your internship.  An employer will notice if you are willing to work at the company for free and enjoy it, (even if you must pretend) you are someone he/she will want to continue working with.    

     

Another good reason for having an internship is the hands-on ‘field’ experience you gain from it.  Whatever internship you decide on will allow you to determine if you really like that particular career choice.  Employers aren’t afraid to put you to work.  Yeah, some of the tasks won’t be your favorite, but you can write down what you gained from it as experience on your resume.  Remember my last blog on resume writing?  Most college students have a hard time writing down career experience because they are just getting out of school. Internships also look good on a resume because it shows you’re not only willing to learn and work hard, but you have a deep interest in that career.    

In order to demonstrate that you are willing to learn and work hard, it’s important to keep this work-ethic consistent throughout the whole internship.  In other words, to maintain a good impression, this means showing up on time, being professional, polite, and completing tasks the manager tells you to do (even if that means to get him/her coffee).  An internship can build or break your relationship with the employer.  For example, if you are an outstanding employee one day, and the next you are slacking off, do you really think the employer will hire you?  My guess is most likely not!  It’s very important to create a positive reputation for yourself and keep in contact with the company even when the internship is over.  This shows your interest remains with the company and your networking ties still exist.       

Now that you’ve heard some of the benefits of having an internship, you may be wondering, ‘how can I find one?’  Here are a few links to follow.  Stay tuned and read my next blog entry for more details on finding internships.