Internships

Internships can be an interesting, challenging, and very rewarding way to learn about a particular business or industry. Consider it a bit of a "test drive" of a career or company. By spending time in an office, you'll see first-hand how business works. And you'll learn from professionals who have the experience you're looking to gain.

 What It Is
 What You Get
 What It Can Cost
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
 More Info



What It Is

Like a semester in school, an internship is a job that lasts for a limited length of time. An internship is often set up with specified responsibilities in a company, nonprofit, or other organization. Sometimes they're full time, but depending on the job, the hours can be flexible or irregular, meaning not 9 to 5.

An internship is a great opportunity to get your feet wet in a profession, see if you like it, and learn and hone some skills for the future. As for pay, sometimes you are compensated with a stipend for the whole chunk of time that you are there or with an hourly rate. Some internships are volunteer internships—they pay nothing but experience. No matter what you make — or don't make — financially, make sure you are guaranteed someone you will report to who can guide and train you. The point of an internship is to learn, to gain experience.

Treat your internship like any other job and you'll go far. Even the process of interviewing for the internship is training for the real work force. Dress smartly. Ask good questions. Be enthusiastic. It will pay off in the long run.

  

What You Get

Experience. There is nothing more valuable when starting out. No matter how good your academic or extracurricular performance in school, employers will ask (and this is certain) what "real" work experience you have had. An internship will show that you are the kind of person who is willing to do what it takes to go after the job or career you want.

It will also give you a distinct advantage over the competition. Good grades, strong character, and an impressive list of extracurricular activities are great, but internships launch you into the work force.

  

What It Can Cost

Quite simply, an internship isn't about making money. If the internship pays you, great, but it probably won't be enough to live a very elaborate lifestyle.

Instead, you'll be paid in experience. You will learn a great deal — the specific skills of that business, how to deal with coworkers, and how to rely on yourself. You probably won't realize just how important these skills and experiences are until the internship is long over.

  

Advantages

For one thing, internships are plentiful and there are thousands in the United States and internationally. They come in many flavors: large or small companies, rural or urban, profit and non-profit. Internships can be found almost anywhere.

Sponsor organizations usually answer all your questions, so you can learn as much as you want. Another important point is that if you're considering two different fields, an internship in each would help you find out which one you like better. And for many, an internship offers the chance to build confidence through the experience of living under your own roof.

  

Disadvantages

Simply, lack of pay. Who wouldn't want to be paid for the work one is doing? An unpaid internship, though it may put a crimp in your lifestyle, will help you get on the right track careerwise (or avoid getting on the wrong one, which is just as crucial).

However, some internships are poorly organized, so in your interview make sure the organization makes clear what job and experience they are specifically offering you, and which one or two people you report to directly. That way, you and the company are more apt to get what's wanted out of the experience. An internship can be a great deal of work, but remember that you are there to learn.

  

More Info

The newspaper often lists opportunities or you might read about an organization that catches your eye. Friends and family can also be a great resource, and, since they know you, they may have some great ideas tailored to your interests. Below are four excellent sites:

Wetfeet's Internship Programs
Post your résumé, search for internships nationwide

Idealist
Community-action-oriented internships around the world, searchable

Vault
Learn more about how internships work, get advice, search by company, and lots more