WHY INTERNSHIPS ARE IMPORTANT AND HOW TO GET INTO ONE

By Eniola Olatunji

You walk into a room filled with interviewers, they question your credibility for the job, and they finally pop the usual question: “do you have any experience with this job?” Now, as a fresh student out of school, you would have no experience. Unfortunately, this is of no concern to most employers. There is a way to fix this lacuna. This is via “internships.”

An internship is the position of a student or trainee who works in a firm to gain work experience. It can come with a paycheck or not. Internships are important for a myriad of reasons. As pointed out, it gives you the experience requirement needed by employers. It also makes you perform better at a job since you already have experience. Interning is also a way of earning money as a student. Some other benefits of internships include learning how a professional workplace operates, developing professional skills, and providing an opportunity to figure out what you like and don’t like.

How does one get into an internship? 

First and foremost, have a readymade resume/curriculum vitae (CV) and update it regularly.  Your resume should be professional, stating all your best qualifications, skills, and achievements. If you are qualified for a job but do not have your resume at hand, you might not get chosen. .

2. Think about what career path you’d like to pursue. It doesn’t have to align with your course of study, although that would be the easiest option. Research organisations that operate in the area you would like to pursue a career in.  

3. Apply. Check websites, social media, attend career fairs and workshops, then apply. Most organisations have online platforms where they share information. Often, when a firm is searching for interns, they would make it known online. 

4. Participate in competitions relating to your field of study or preferred career path. Participating in and winning competitions proves that you are excellent in a particular field. The more competitions you win, the higher your chances of getting selected for a role. Also, some contests come with internship opportunities as prizes. Look out for these too.

5. Have a stellar school record. This refers to both academic and non-academic records. Whether in schoolwork, sports, social activities, or other projects, having an outstanding record is a testament to having built a character of commitment and discipline. These qualities would serve you in any field and are looked out for by employers.

6. Talk to people. Tell the people around you, friends, colleagues, teachers, and family,  that you are interested in interning. You never know what tips and opportunities will turn up and prove useful in your search.

In conclusion, as a person who aims to excel in their profession, aspire to intern in at least three good reputable firms before graduation. This is because graduating with an internship experience makes you stand out amongst thousands of job seekers.

Picture credit: Dreamstime