Internships can help you understand what you should major in and what you’d like out of your career or lifestyle. For example, I always knew I liked to write, but I never considered doing it as a full-time job until I got hired to do this column. A few months after starting, I switched my major to English Writing and began looking for other freelance writing opportunities.
Internships can also clue you into what you don’t like-whether it’s a specific company or entire field. “My internship taught me where I didn’t want to work and gave me a better understanding of my own interests,” says Nancy Luckett, a junior who interned at a small art gallery in Pittsburgh, organizing exhibits and doing PR work.
Another benefit of internships is you’ll have a chance to learn important skills, which may lead directly to a post-graduation job. “My internships have taught me the culture of a big corporation and my part in that culture,” says Aaron Brueck, a senior who interned in Reading, Pa., with Baldwin Hardware, a division of Black & Decker, in distribution and product management. “It also showed me whether or not I could work for that company and in what capacity.” Aaron’s internship turned into a real job, and he’ll begin working as a sales and marketing development trainee in June.
Some corporations have large internship programs, during which interns undergo special training, attend workshops and meet important people within the company. Even if you choose to take on a less-structured internship, working within the field is the most effective way to get to know people in it. Most jobs are found through networking, and being an intern is a great way to get your foot in the door.
The true benefits of an internship may come years later, but what about the short-term payoff? The rule of thumb is that bigger companies usually pay their interns, while smaller firms may not be able to afford to. At the same time, some prestigious companies may choose to sponsor unpaid internships simply because the honor of working for them is enough of a payoff.
Many students in college work two jobs, one for their resume and another for cash. Taking on such a heavy workload might be tough on your academics, especially during your freshman year. One option is doing an internship for credit during the regular school year. Instead of taking four classes, some students take three classes and complete an internship for credit. This can be a time-management challenge, but it proves to future employers than you can reliably handle stress and responsibility. You can also choose to do an internship for credit during the summer.