"Internships provide a reality check for students regarding the workplace. They also allow students to sift through the myriad of choices of where and how they would like to work. They provide a clearer perspective about which type of environment fits best with their personal values."
-Michael True, director of the Internship Center at Messiah College
"There's no substitute for experience," says Matthew Zinman, president of The Internship Institute in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Internships allow students to confirm that they're on the right career path, as well as explore others outside their major. They are a resume builder that gives students a leg up and are the best way to earn a job as well as a higher starting salary, by about 7 percent says Zinman.
Simply put, "If you don't intern you're cheating yourself," says Zinman.
Maybe you're thinking internships are only important for certain fields.
Wrong. In today's competitive, global world, you need every advantage possible.
Internships are a must for all fields. Some schools now make internships a graduation requirement for all majors. Pursue them as early as possible, and take on as many as you can. Don't wait until senior year to get an internship.
"Internships provide a reality check for students regarding the workplace.
They also allow students to sift through the myriad of choices of where and how they would like to work. They provide a clearer perspective about which type of environment fits best with their personal values," says Michael True, director of the Internship Center at Messiah College in Grantham, Pennsylvania.
Employers are demanding that new graduates hit the ground running.
"Students need much more than theory. They need to apply what they have learned, to work in teams, conduct themselves properly in a business, communicate clearly and more," points out Eric Darr, executive vice president of Harrisburg University Science and Technology.
Internships are an excellent way to differentiate yourself - a true opportunity for students to display their skills, knowledge and innovative abilities in the actual work accomplished during the internship, says H. Gilbert Miller, corporate vice president and chief technology officer for Noblis, a non-profit science, technology and strategy organization in Falls Church, Virginia.
You can learn about who you are, what you want and what matters to you.
But, you have to be ready for the challenge, says Dwayne Ashley, author, Dream Internships! It's Not Who You Know It's What You Know, Secrets of How to Get Your Foot in the Door.
Hit The Right Note Fast
You don't get a second chance to make a first impression. Start your internship strong. "Nail your introductions. Make eye contact, smile, shake hands firmly," advises Alexandra Levit, author, How'd You Score That Gig?
Soon after, jot down the person's name and what they do. Make small talk, but avoid thorny subjects. Always project enthusiasm, confidence and respect. Pay special attention to assistants, adds Levit.
Set up one-on-one meetings with your supervisor and set goals. What are your daily responsibilities, how should you document your work, what does your boss foresee as your challenges and more?" asks Levit.
This is a real job. Treat it as one. Dress the part. "Ask questions. Don't be afraid to volunteer for tasks, it shows great initiative and you never know what you might get to experience," says Amanda Bednar, internship director for the School of Communications at Temple University in Philadelphia.
"Stay off social networking sites while at work and don't text message or use profanity. Please and thank you go a long way," adds Ashley.
Take advantage of connections you make. Ask to interview for 10-15 minutes people from all a variety of departments and levels. Be prepared to ask specific questions, like what was their career path, what advice they can offer you, among others, says True.
Keep records of what you've worked on in a portfolio so you can show/talk about your accomplishments when you apply for other positions, says Janet James, assistant dean and director of the Pace Center at Chatham University in Pittsburgh.
Search Wisely
Timing is everything. Students seeking summer programs should begin looking in the fall/spring semesters. For all internships, begin looking in spring and summer And if spring is your target, begin in the summer and fall, explains Ellen Masters, associate director of Longwood University's Academic & Advising Center in Farmville, Virginia.
"Quality is not consistent across all programs. Make sure you apply for those positions that are going to be quality learning experiences. Do your research," says Amauri DaRocha, director of career services at DeVry University's Tinley Park, Illinois campus.
Where to look for leads? Tap friends, family, faculty, professional, civic and religious organizations, job boards, job and internship fairs, bulletin boards and career services centers on campus, and websites like craigslist.org and monster.com.
What about the dough? Many internships are paid, and some quite nicely. But even if you find one that doesn't, think about the experience that will pay off later. Ashley says you can make an unpaid internship doable by working a part-time job evenings or taking on a night job. Be creative, walk, bike or carpool to cut gas costs. House sit to earn extra money or brown bag your lunch. You can't afford to skip the opportunity.
Says Gilbert, "An internship program is like any other education, and for that matter life endeavor - you only get out of the program what you put into it. Exploit the opportunity, engage the program, the new experiences, and your new network of professionals." Work it.
For more information, visit the following web sites :
www.internjobs.com
www.internweb.com
www.internships.com
www.interships-usa.com
www.idealist.org
www.vault.com
