What is an Internship?|
An internship is usually a low
or unpaid, short-term, entry-level job, where you can get work experience and
build up your resume. Interns can usually experience many aspects of the job
experience. By doing this, an
internship can help greatly in deciding the right career for you.
Many times, you might not realize if a career is right or wrong for you
until you experience it in the work field. In today's competitive job market,
internships are an increasingly important way for young people to get into their
first job and career. Internships:
exploration of different fields and employment opportunities
important resume builders
often be exchanged for academic credit
sometimes lead to a full-time job after college
can last from a month to two years and can be part-time or full-time, paid or
unpaid. Many companies offer fall, spring and summer internships, and some
colleges and universities give academic credit for both part- and full-time
provide the opportunity to learn practical skills, from understanding computer
software programs to analyzing profit and loss statements. It is a chance to
examine a real life work area and the different styles that come along with it.
By experiencing the workplace hands on, you can learn how to work in a
team or alone, how to dress, or how to work under deadline pressure.
of most internships are available in the reference section of most school and
public libraries. You can also call companies directly to ask about
internship programs. Many high schools are affiliated with an internship
program, so contact your school counselor to find out more information about
high school internships. Be sure to make calls well in advance because deadlines
can be early. Getting a head start will not only give you enough time to get
organized, but it might give you an extra little boost in a competitive
Once you have contacted an internship sponsor, you'll
probably be asked to send a resume and cover letter, fill out an application or
learning contract, and/or schedule an interview.
Your resume should be clear, easy to read, well organized,
and concise (no more than one page in length). A resume should be an accurate
representation of past achievements and future goals.
Professionalism and accuracy are a must on the resume,
cover letter and application. A typo or misspelled name could land you in the
circular file. Always have one or two people look over your resume and cover
letter before sending them out. An extra set of eyes will often catch a mistake
that you might have missed. The cover letter is an opportunity to make a
personal connection and set yourself apart from other candidates. It should
reflect your personality and build on your resume by highlighting any experience
which is particularly appropriate to the internship for which you are applying.
<for more information on cover letters, click here>
Some internship sponsors may ask you to fill out an
application or learning contract. Always be neat, clear and honest when doing
so. The learning contract may ask you to state your learning objectives. Be
specific about what you hope to gain from the internship in order to help your
internship sponsor outline your duties.
the most out of your internship
As in any job, it is crucial to make a good impression.
Since internships often open doors to future employment, now is the time to
knock their socks off. Be cooperative, energetic, and professional at all times.
Though you may not have a working wardrobe, dress neatly and appropriately.
Notice what others around the office are wearing and follow suit.
Give and take
Before going into an internship, you should know what you
want out of it. You should let your
superior know what you are willing to give to this job, and what you expect to
get out of it. For everything you
want out of your internship, you should expect to have to work for it in return.
a foot in the door
internship is an opportunity to gain valuable contacts and show your ability to
work hard, learn, and adapt. If a permanent position does open up, you will have
an advantage over other candidates because you have already proven yourself in
the workplace and been trained for the job.
you have done good work, companies are more likely to hire someone they know and
who has proven he or she is a team player.
you cannot count on getting a full-time job at the place you have been
interning, the contacts you have made on the job can often lead to other
opportunities. The best jobs are usually advertised by word of mouth, and your
boss at your company might know a colleague at another company who is looking
for a new hire.