Internship 101

So you want to get an internship...where do you begin?

Some of the easiest places to look for an internship in a field you're interested in is on:

-LinkedIn

-Indeed

-Glassdoor

These are all job posting websites that allow you to search for internships or jobs, depending on what you type in the search bar. On LinkedIn, you can also connect with people that are interested in the same field as you, or you can connect with future potential employers of companies you might be interested in working for.

Once you find a job you want to apply for, you should have a resume and cover letter ready to attach to the application. There are tons of resume and cover letter builder websites, as well as examples of ones online.

There are so many benefits to having an internship.

1. Exploring a Career Path

If there is a career that you think you might be interested in, it is a good idea to have an internship to see if you like the job enough to see it as a full time career. So many people complete an internship in a career path they thought they were interested in, but then figure out that it is not for them. It's better to figure it out early, before you commit to a full time job in a field you won't enjoy.

2. Experience

Having an internship is so important if you want to have an edge over other people who are applying for a position you want. Employers look for real-world experience through internships, especially when they are hiring you out of college. They want to know that you have experience in the field and aren't just applying because the job sounds cool. I have learned that many employers during interviews don't pay as much attention to what degree you graduate with, they mainly care about internship experience and what skills you can bring to their company.

3. Compensation

If you're lucky, you might be able to find an internship that offers pay. Although this is rare, there are some out there that do offer a paid position. It is more common for internships to not be paid at all. Many positions also offer college credit. Most universities accept credit through internship hours. Personally, my internship now counts for 3 credits, which is one less class I have to take my senior year. It helps a lot and gives you more time to get hands on experience in a field you're interested, rather than sitting in class learning about what you could be doing in the field.

Internships are definitely something that everyone should be looking into. They can only benefit you and give you an advantage when going into an interview. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!