It’s no secret that internships are a critical part of any successful career. They offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field of study and to make valuable connections with professionals who can help them forge their path forward. But what are some of the specific benefits that internships provide? Here is a look at nine benefits of internships that may not be immediately obvious.
What Is an Internship?
Simply put, an internship is a short-term job experience that provides students with the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge in their chosen field. An internship is a great way to gain experience, learn new skills, and make important connections.
Many internships are unpaid, but they can still be a valuable learning experience. Internships are usually taken during the summer, but some programs offer year-round internships.
Most internships last between 3 and 6 months, although some may be shorter or longer. Interns typically work full-time hours (40 hours per week), but part-time internships are also available.
To be eligible for an internship, you usually must be a student enrolled in a university program. Some internships also require that you have completed some coursework in the field you’re interested in.
If you’re still in college, you may be able to receive academic credit for your internship. Check with your school’s career center or department to see if this is an option.
An internship can be a great way to get your foot in the door at your dream company, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Benefits of Internships to the Student
Now that we’ve discussed what internships are and why they’re important, here is a look at nine benefits of internships for students.
1. Gain experience in your desired field
Internships are a great way for students to gain experience in their chosen field. Even if the internship is unpaid, it can provide invaluable experience that will help you stand out from other recent graduates.
As a college student, you are competing with other job seekers who may have more experience than you. An internship can give you the edge you need to get noticed by employers.
An internship will also help you solidify the skills you learned in school and learn new ones. Employers want to hire people who have the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job. An internship is a great way to gain the skills that employers are looking for.
2. Learn about different companies and their cultures
Internships give you a chance to learn about different companies and their cultures. This can help you decide if the company is the right fit for you before committing to a full-time job.
If you do more than one internship, you can also compare different companies and their benefits. This will help you make an informed decision on which employer is right for you.
It can also help you decide on what types of job roles and benefits you’re looking for in the future and what are the skills needed to land a certain job at the company of your choice.
You’ll also have an opportunity to see how different departments interact with each other, as well as observe how decisions are made within the company. This can give you a better understanding of how to be successful in the business world.
3. Get a feel for what you want (and don’t want) in a job
Internships will give you a better understanding of what you want (and don’t want) in a job. As an intern, you will gain experience in working with different types of people and understand the benefits and drawbacks that come along with each role.
You’ll be able to decide which aspects of the job are most important to you and which are less appealing. This can help you narrow down what type of job you’d like to pursue after graduation.
Internships also give students an opportunity to explore other related career paths, such as project management or marketing, and see if they may be interested in those areas.
All of this will help you make an informed decision about your career path, so that you can pursue the job that’s right for you when the time comes to become a full-time employee.
4. Network with professionals in your desired field
Internships are also a great way to make contacts and network with professionals in your desired field. This can be invaluable when you’re looking for employment after graduation.
Your supervisor or other colleagues may be able to provide insight into the industry, as well as offer advice on how to get your foot in the door. Making connections with people in your desired field will also give you an advantage when it comes to job opportunities.
Additionally, internships provide a great opportunity to meet and work with individuals who may be able to offer mentorship down the line. Having mentors in your industry can help you stay motivated and grow your network even further.
It is well-known that networking is essential in the job search process and internships are a great way to make those important connections.
5. Develop new skills and improve old ones
Internships also give you the chance to work on your skills. Working in a professional environment can help you hone your abilities and prepare for your career.
You can learn how to effectively communicate with colleagues and customers, as well as gain technical skills such as coding or design. You may also have an opportunity to observe experienced professionals in the field and learn from them.
At the same time, internships can help you improve existing skills such as problem-solving and organizational abilities. Many internships offer on-the-job training and provide the chance to apply what you have learned in university or other educational settings.
By taking on an internship, you will have the opportunity to work on both existing and new skills, as well as gain valuable experience in the industry you’re interested in.
6. Earn money to help finance your education
Internships can provide monetary benefits as well. Most employers offer some type of compensation for interns and some even provide housing or other benefits.
Taking on an internship is a great way to help finance your education, while also gaining valuable experience in the industry.
Internships can also provide you with the chance to save up for post-graduate studies or travel. By taking on an internship, you’ll be able to offset the costs of continuing your education or travelling abroad.
7. Test out the waters of full-time employment
For those who are considering a career change or unsure of what they want to do, internships can provide an opportunity to test out the waters. Internships can be short-term commitments that allow you to explore different aspects of a particular job without making a long-term commitment.
Internships allow you to try on various jobs and determine if they are the right fit for you. This can be invaluable when making decisions about your future career path.
For example, if you’re considering a career in machine learning, an internship can help you see if the day-to-day responsibilities of the job are something that you enjoy. You’ll have the chance to explore your options and determine if this is the right job for you before committing to a full-time job.
If it so happens that machine learning isn’t the right fit, you can decide to pivot into web development or mobile app development while you are still pursuing your computer science degree.
8. Discover more about yourself
Beyond the benefits of gaining experience in your desired industry, internships can provide an opportunity to learn more about yourself.
By taking on an internship and working with professionals in the field, you’ll be able to discover what motivates you and where your strengths lie. You may also find that there are areas you need to improve on and that’s ok.
Internships can provide invaluable insight into yourself and help you identify your true passions, skills, and talents in a way that school or self-study cannot.
You can use this newfound self-understanding to pursue a career that is truly fulfilling and enjoyable.
9. Add an impressive line to your resume
Of course, internships are a great way to make your resume stand out from the crowd. Having an internship on your resume shows employers that you have real-world experience and demonstrates that you’re serious about pursuing a career in the industry.
Having an impressive line like this on your resume can be invaluable when applying for jobs or grad school. Even if you don’t get the job or admission, your internship experience will still be an impressive talking point during interviews and networking events.
Since employers favor job experience even for entry-level positions, having an internship or two on your resume can give you the edge over other applicants.
Benefits of Internships to the Employer
Employers also widely benefits from internship programs in several ways. Through internships, the employer benefits from additional manpower to help complete projects and tasks.
Additionally, they get to gauge potential employees through evaluating their performance during the internship program. This benefits the employer in that they can bring on new employees based on performance rather than merely by paper credentials.
Internship programs also allow employers to network and connect with students from universities, which can help recruit future talent for their organization.
Finally, internships provide benefits to employers such as developing a positive reputation in the industry, fostering relationships with schools and universities, and developing their brand.
Benefits of Internships to Universities
Universities also benefit from internship programs by helping their students gain valuable industry experience and knowledge that they can apply to their studies.
Most universities have a career center where they help facilitate internships with local companies, providing benefits to both employers and students.
Internships also provide an opportunity for universities to build relationships with employers and other universities, allowing them to collaborate on research projects and develop a stronger academic network.
Finally, internships provide students with the opportunity to gain skills in the real world, making them more marketable when they graduate and helping universities boost their student outcomes.
Disadvantages of an Internship
Despite the benefits of internships, there are some potential drawbacks to consider.
First, internships can be difficult to find and may require a lot of research and networking in order to land a position. Additionally, depending on the type of internship, students may not be paid for their work or receive benefits such as health insurance or vacation days.
Finally, internships are often time consuming and may require students to sacrifice their personal time in order to gain the benefits of the experience.
While these are considerable drawbacks, the positives of internships still significantly outweigh the negatives. With a bit of hard work and dedication, internships can be an invaluable opportunity to gain experience in your field and gain insights into your chosen career path.
Summer vs. Semester Internships
When it comes to internships, there are two main types: those that take place over the summer and those that take place during the semester.
Summer internships provide benefits such as more relaxed hours and the chance to travel or explore new areas of your field. On the other hand, semester-long internships offer a more consistent schedule, allowing you to develop deeper connections with employers and gain more in-depth experience.
Ultimately, the benefits of both summer and semester internships depend on your specific goals and interests. Consider what type of internship will best help you achieve your career objectives and then pursue that opportunity.
Paid vs. Unpaid Internships
When it comes to internships, employers may offer paid or unpaid positions. Paid internships provide benefits such as a salary, benefits, and the chance to build your resume with more experience. Unpaid internships generally provide benefits like industry connections and career insights that can be highly valuable in the long run.
When deciding between paid and unpaid internships, consider your financial situation as well as the benefits of the experience you will receive. Both types of internships can be great opportunities to launch a career and gain valuable industry knowledge.
On average, paid internships provide students a salary range of $15-$80 an hour, depending on the type of position and organization. Unpaid internships are also widely available, but you should always make sure that the benefits outweigh the costs.
How Many Internships Should You Do?
As a rule of thumb, you should do at least one internship throughout your college education. This will give you enough experience to show your future employer that you have dipped your toes in actual working environment.
Additionally, the more internships you have, the better your chances of landing a job after graduation. If you have the time and opportunity to do multiple internships, it is highly recommended that you take advantage of the experience. That said, focus on quality over quantity and make sure that each internship benefits your career in some way.
You should prioritize self-improvement, value, and enjoyment when deciding how many internships you should pursue. Ultimately, aiming for one to two internships is a good benchmark that can help you gain experience while still having time to devote to your studies.
While getting an internship is strongly recommended, you should know that you can still successfully get a job at a great company if you don’t have one. Employers understand that internships are not always available and focus on your overall experience and skillset when making hiring decisions.
How to Find an Internship
Finding an internship is no easy task, but there are steps you can take to make the process easier.
The most straightforward way to find an internship is through online job portals like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. It’s important to create an up-to-date profile on these sites so employers can easily find you. You should also network in your field by attending job fairs and industry events.
It is also beneficial to reach out to professors or mentors who may be able to provide guidance and introduce you to potential employers. Finally, look beyond the job posting to inquire about internships through your own research, as many organizations don’t advertise internships online.
You can also attend virtual career fairs or reach out to recruiters on social media. Doing your research and staying persistent can help you find an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience.
Finding an internship is one of the best investments you can make in your future. Internships provide benefits such as hands-on experience, industry connections, and the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to a real-world setting. So take some time to research and find an internship that aligns with your career goals and interests.
How to Make the Most out of Your Internship
The benefits of internships are vast, but you must make the most out of your experience if you want to succeed.
1. Do Your Research
Before you even start your internship, it’s important to do your research and learn as much as you can about the company and the industry you’ll be working in. This will help you hit the ground running when your internship starts and make the most of your time there. You can start by reading up on the company’s website and checking out industry news sources.
2. Set Some Goals
It’s also a good idea to set some goals for your internship before you start. What do you hope to accomplish during your time there? What skills do you want to develop? By setting some goals, you’ll have a better sense of what you should be doing during your internship and how to make the most of it.
3. Get Involved
Once your internship starts, be sure to get involved in as many projects and tasks as you can. This will give you a chance to learn new skills and gain valuable experience. It’s also a good way to network with other people in the company. If there’s something you’re not sure about, don’t be afraid to ask questions – that’s what internships are for!
4. Take Advantage of Opportunities
An internship is also a great opportunity to learn more about yourself and what you want to do with your career. Be sure to take advantage of any networking or professional development opportunities that come up during your internship. And if you have the chance to shadow someone in a different department or job role, jump at it!
Conclusion
Internships offer many benefits, such as gaining hands-on experience, making industry connections, and applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to a real-world setting. Make sure to do your research before you start your internship, set some goals for yourself, get involved in as many projects and tasks as possible, and take advantage of any opportunities that come up. With the right approach, an internship can be a great way to jumpstart your career. Good luck!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.