But what is an internship and how do they work?
Read on to learn why an internship will help you stand apart from other entry-level job candidates.
Why Internships Matter
Internships turn classroom knowledge into professional experience.
Through them, students do entry-level work at a company, gaining exposure to the career path they hope to pursue. Internships vary in type, duration, and compensation.
For example, you can complete a paid software development summer internship at one of the country’s top tech firms or pursue a marketing internship for college credit at a small agency in your hometown. The best one for you depends on your interests and the experience you want.
Internships can:
- Strengthen your resume: Most companies want applicants with a proven track record, even for entry-level positions. According to a National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey, employers cite internship experience as the deciding factor when choosing between equally qualified candidates.
- Develop professional connections: The professionals you meet, and the relationships cultivated with them, can prove valuable as you seek references or leads for job opportunities after graduation.
- Enhance your capabilities: Working in a professional setting will help you develop soft skills such as communication and teamwork.
- Refine career goals: During an internship, you may realize a specific career no longer suits you, or it can help narrow the path you want to take within an industry.
- Lead to a job offer: Successful internships can result in a full-time position or other opportunities within the company. NACE found eight in 10 employers extend job offers to their interns.
- Create a pipeline for future talent
- Reduce recruitment costs
- Enhance their reputation
- Add fresh perspectives and innovative thinking
Internship Quality Over Quantity
You may now be wondering, “How many internships should I do during college?” In today’s competitive job landscape, at least one. However, don’t just chase numbers. You should prioritize finding a high-quality internship over multiple, low-value opportunities.
For some careers — such as science, technology, engineering, or math — students usually complete one or two more intensive internships, which allow them to develop the needed technical expertise.
In other areas, like business and marketing, two to three gives them a well-rounded understanding of the diverse experiences and specializations they can pursue.
Here’s how college students can increase their chances of securing a quality internship:
- Plan ahead: Research internships as early as your freshman or sophomore year and take advantage of on-campus resources, like career services.
- Personalize your search: Target companies that match your major and career goals and look for opportunities on Handshake, LinkedIn, and Indeed.
- Build your network: Attend career fairs and alumni events and connect with professors and industry mentors who can write recommendations for you.
- Apply and follow up: Fill out applications early and write personalized follow-ups to stand out after submitting them.
For high schoolers, an internship can be difficult to land, but they can prepare by:
- Job shadowing: Volunteering or observing professionals in your area of interest provide firsthand insight and connections.
- Leveraging summer programs: Organizations often offer pre-college opportunities that introduce high school students to professional environments, like STEM camps.
- Developing skills: Learn soft and technical skills on your own. Understanding how to code or communicate can make a resume stand out.
When to Apply for Summer Internships?
Internships take place throughout the year, but companies often offer them during the summer since it allows students to focus entirely on the experience without the distraction of classes. The recruitment process includes:
- Posting and advertising internship opportunities
- Accepting application submissions
- Screening and interviewing candidates
- Offering positions
Internship hiring seasons vary by industry and company.
To use our earlier examples, large tech firms usually open their summer internship applications the year before, in September. They close in January, and the interviews and offers take place by early spring. For a local marketing internship, students should expect to see listings in January and receive a position around April.
As you begin the internship application process:
- Prepare early: Create generic versions of your resume and cover letter, which should both be one page. Ask trusted mentors for permission to be listed as your reference.
- Identify opportunities: Create a spreadsheet that lists the companies you would like to intern with and the deadlines and requirements for their internship programs.
- Tailor your application: Customize your resume and cover letter for each position. Detail your relevant experience based on each internship’s job description.
- Follow up: Email the recruiter or internship supervisor after submitting your application, expressing your interest in the position.
- Practice interviewing: Create a list of potential questions and develop answers, which include examples. Know why you want the position too.
Managing internship applications on top of other school responsibilities seems daunting, but it can be done by:
- Staying consistent
- Eliminating distractions
- Rewarding yourself
- Asking for help when needed
Online, self-directed Portage Learning can help too, allowing you to earn credits on your own time.
How to Make the Most of Your Internship
Landing an internship — especially your first one — marks a major career milestone. But the work doesn’t stop after you accept an offer.
When starting an internship, make an effort to:
- Introduce yourself to everyone in your department
- Set goals and identify achievements and areas for improvement
- Watch and learn, taking on extra responsibilities when possible
- Come with a positive attitude
- Be open to feedback
- Complete projects and tasks on time
The Final Thought: From Intern to Professional
As a student, you may be tempted to spend your summer relaxing by the pool or hanging out with friends. But four years of straight fun will make it difficult to land a job after graduation.
By committing to an internship, you’ll gain valuable experience that can set you up for a lifetime of success.
(Looking for other ways to prepare for your future career? Click here to browse the affordable, asynchronous college courses offered by Portage Learning. Credits transfer to more than 2,800 institutions across the country.)
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