(written by Val, College Outreach Specialist at the Center for College Planning)

Hi bloggers,

We hear the word internship all the time, and many agree that it sounds like a good way to spend our time, but how many of us actually follow-through with searching for, applying to and accepting one?  Probably not as many as think it’s a good idea to do one.   So that’s what I would like to focus on today; why you should consider trading in some summer-time spent at the beach with work experience in your field of choice (let’s face it- a tan looks great in the moment, but it won’t add anything to your resume!). 

The idea of participating in an internship has evolved throughout the years.  It was not so long ago (so I’ve been told) that many students only applied for internships if they were able to receive college credits for their time.  Students now are beginning to recognize the edge it may give them when seeking a “break” into their career field.

So you might be asking yourself, “What are some of these benefits you mention?”  For starters, students have the opportunity to give their career-choice a “test-run” so to speak.  You may have always loved a certain subject area in school, or thought a particular career path seemed like the perfect fit for you; but how do you really know that until you try it?  You may find that the internship reinforces your desire to pursue your career pick, or you could discover that it wasn’t everything you thought it would be and is no longer a viable option.  Either situation means that your internship worked for you; it gave you the hands-on information necessary to make an informed decision.

Another benefit is the possible opportunity for permanent employment at your internship site.  Many companies recruit interns as a way to give them a trial run before committing to having them on the payroll.  By no means is partaking in an internship a guarantee for future permanent employment as it may not be a perfect fit for both parties and there may not be positions available at the company, but I have many friends who began their career as an intern.

To read more information about internships, their benefits and why you should consider them, read this article  written by a CareerBuilder.com employee.

Now that I’ve convinced you that an internship is a worthwhile use of your time, let’s discuss when you should do them.  The answer is easy: NOW!  Whether you are in high school or college, now is your opportunity to gain knowledge, experience and a Rolodex full of contacts that would love to help/mentor you as you enter your career path.  Summer is upon us, you have two months to fill before school begins again.  Consider filling your time with an internship; it may just be one of the best career decisions you can make.  And rest-assured, the beach will still be open after 5 p.m.!

Until next time,
Val