Posts Tagged ‘college internships’

The Value of Internships

June 13th, 2011

When you begin your college career, you might very well hear the word “internship,” usually spoken by your adviser or the head of the career services office. As you get closer to graduation, you will almost certainly hear it much more often, and it will probably come from the mouths of your friends and classmates.

Aside from a bachelor’s degree, a successful internship might be the biggest asset you can take into today’s highly competitive job market. In fact, many folks will tell you that what they learned in internships is as useful as what they picked up in the classroom.

Colleges and universities reward interning students with academic credit; credit which moves them closer to a degree. On some campuses, there are full time staff members to advise students on internships. At other institutions, students seeking internships begin by speaking with their adviser, usually a faculty member in the department in which they are majoring.

Also, even though internships are deservedly notorious for grunt work (filing, making copies, getting coffee, etc.), an intern has the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at a profession in which they may have potential interest.

Successful completion of an internship looks great on a resume or an application to professional or graduate school. It shows that you had initiative before you absolutely had to enter the real world. And, it means your expectations are probably pretty reasonable; a fact not lost on prospective employers and admissions committees.

An internship can also be a source of great contacts. Students are often in need of recommendation letters, and while most people default to their professors, you will also be able to obtain a recommendation from someone who is in your chosen profession and has observed you in it.

An internship could also lead to a job offer. A hard working intern will not go unnoticed, and may get a job where he/she has interned or as the result of a recommendation from someone at the organization they served. It happens every day.

So, how valuable are internships? For the most part, they are as valuable as you make them. Work hard, learn as much as you can, and do all assigned work, even the tedious stuff, with energy and good cheer. If you do, you’re likely to be rewarded.

Jon Parsons writes about college scholarships, financial aid, online degrees and other college-related subjects.

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Internships; The Path To A Great Job

May 30th, 2010

You’ve researched college internships, interviewed and landed a spot in a workplace that interests you: now what? You shine, that’s what. Put your confident self forward and bury any fears you may have of making a mistake. As an intern, your tasks likely won’t be at the level where a mistake could have significant consequences anyway. Simply ask enough questions to be clear on what’s expected of you and rest assured that you’ll do a fine job. Here are a few other tips for standing out as an intern:

1. Take a good look around and proceed accordingly. You can learn a lot about the work culture by observing how the employees act throughout their day. Do they listen to music and tend to chat a bit before getting down to business? If so, it’s fine for you to do the same. If, on the other hand, everyone is quiet and serious then you should follow their lead.

2. Remember the manners your mama taught you. Common courtesies never go out of style. Show respect to everyone around you and it won’t go unnoticed. The janitor, doorman, receptionist and CEO all appreciate a warm greeting and a pleasant demeanor.

3. Interns don’t turn down any tasks. If you’re working directly with an advertising media director, for example, you might be asked to run a lot of errands rather than learning the nuances of a network media buy for the Super Bowl. By all means, run those errands with a smile. Pick up some coffee while you’re at it. You get the idea, you are there to learn, but you’re also there to make a good impression and perhaps get your foot in the door later. The Super Bowl can wait.

4. Before you leave, ask your supervisor about the possibility of a full-time position after you graduate. Wouldn’t it amazing to avoid the stress of looking for your first job once you earn your degree? Networking opportunities, or even securing positions, is one of the major benefits of internships. Even if you weren’t exactly thrilled with the work after having spent time there, inquire anyway. It shows that you are serious about your future. If you loved the experience and they loved you, they might just create a position for you.

Once you’re back on campus (or at home if you go to an online college), be sure to send a thank-you note to your direct supervisor. If there was anyone else who was especially helpful to you during your internship, send them something as well. You can use these people as references later when you are looking for a job, so keep in touch as time passes by.

Julie Clark Robinson is a prolific writer. Her many subjects include Arizona colleges and Delaware colleges which meet students’ full financial need.

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Interview Tips For College Internships

May 24th, 2010

Just because you’ve researched college internship opportunities and set an appointment for your interview doesn’t mean your work is done. You’ve got some preparation to do. Think of the internship interview as good practice for entering the workplace after you get your college degree. Hopefully you already know to dress appropriately for the situation, to arrive on time and to power down your cell phone before the very first hand shake. Also, take a resume along to leave behind and brush up on the following:

1. Research the company. Spend some time online to find out who they are, what they are up against in the marketplace and any recent developments in their business category. Not only will you feel more confident as you walk into the interview, you will show that you are truly interested in contributing.

2. Be a good listener. Although the purpose of the interview is to show the kind of person you are and what you are capable of, let the interviewer take the lead and be ready to respond when called upon. Questions will come your way and it’s perfectly fine to pause to collect your thoughts before you speak. Once you start, make sure that you stay on track and completely answer the question.

3. Interviews for internships are usually about what your capabilities are as opposed to your actual work experience. Be ready to reflect on you’ve learned thus far in college and pose some of those situations as examples of why you’d be the best candidate for the internship. Everything is relevant − from the extra-curricular activities you’ve become involved with to the choices you’ve made in roommates or housing.

4. Bring along a copy of a completed project or paper to use as reference. Engaging conversations are memorable, but if you add another element to the mix it tends to stand out. Use the project as an example of a team effort you felt good about or an outcome that confirmed your preliminary concept. You get the idea.

A firm handshake and you’ve done all you can do, right? Not yet. It’s always good form send a thank-you note. It shows that you appreciate the time they gave you and encourages them to further consider you over anyone else for the internship. If your initial mode of communication was an email, it’s suitable to send your note of appreciation via email as well. Otherwise, rely on snail mail for your follow-up. If it turns out that your hard work and dedication didn’t lead to the internship you wanted, you can at least chalk it up to good practice for next time, right?

Julie Clark Robinson writes for a wide variety of publications. Her many interests include online degree programs and online college graduate programs.

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