How to Find the Best Internship Opportunities: Starting a career can be challenging when even entry-level positions demand some sort of practical experience. Getting an internship while you’re still a student is a great opportunity to expand your professional network and obtain that practical experience.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a major effect on internships, just like it did on every other facet of the workplace. According to a Michigan State University survey, 33% of companies reduced their summer internship programs in reaction to COVID-19, while 25% of enterprises canceled their programs entirely in 2020.
Fortunately, there will be more internship chances in 2024 when social distancing regulations loosen and the COVID-19 infection rate declines.
However, there is fierce competition for the best internships, and it can be challenging to make an impression when applying for jobs for the first time. We’ll cover all the essential information in this guide to help you land an internship, such as what to look for in an internship, how to write the ideal résumé, and how to ace the interview.
Contents
What Is an Internship?
An internship is a brief work/learning opportunity that businesses provide to recent graduates and young professionals.
Full-time internships occur throughout the summer, whereas part-time internships occur during a university term. Internship pay varies by industry; some are completely unpaid, while others are rather well compensated.
Also, as many businesses use their internship programs to acquire talent, an internship may occasionally result in a job offer that is contingent upon graduation.
Benefits of an Internship
There are numerous reasons why you might consider interning with a company. In addition to the pay provided by paid internships, the following five advantages stand out as the most significant.
1. Gain industry experience
While it’s one thing to study the knowledge and skills required for a job, it’s another to actually perform the job duties. An internship allows you to obtain practical experience and learn about all the facets of your industry not covered in textbooks.
Internships are available in a variety of industries and offer a wide range of opportunities. For instance, if you’re a STEM student, you could use an internship to improve your research skills.
2. Test-drive a new career path
You can find that the job isn’t as fun as you had anticipated when you’re obtaining that important experience. The work may be more tedious or challenging than you anticipated.
Before deciding on a major in full, you can take internships in a range of sectors and industries if you’re still a student.
In this manner, you may ensure that the years and money you have invested in your degree are being used to pursue a job that will continue to provide you fulfillment years from now.
3. Learn and grow your professional skills
Regardless of your area of interest, an internship gives you the chance to gain practical experience and abilities that will stand out on your CV.
Employers spend a lot of money and effort on interviews, employing, and training new employees. You may persuade them that you’re worth their investment by demonstrating your prior work experience.
Tips for Finding an Internship
The following list of tips can assist you in finding the kind of internship you’re searching for once you’ve decided on the kind you want to pursue and have located employers who provide opportunities comparable to yours.
1. Reach out to your network
In a sense, you have been developing your professional network for your whole life, even if you were unaware of it until recently. Do you know anyone who works in your field of study, or do any of your family members or acquaintances know anyone in the field? Your search for an internship may be facilitated by these personal ties.
2. Visit your college’s career center
There may be resources available at your campus for student internships. To learn more about internship programs, such as financial help or collaborations with nearby businesses, speak with a career center official.
3. Contact local businesses
Making direct contact with companies regarding internship possibilities is another choice. If there’s a local business that particularly interests you, you should investigate if they have an internship program by visiting their website or giving them a call.
4. Search online internship directories
An additional helpful tool for locating an internship is an online directory of internships. Although there are many, the ten that we have listed below have a history of helping students land lucrative internships both domestically and overseas.
Conclusion
Setting objectives and determining your interests should take some time before you start looking for an internship. This will enable you to focus your search and locate internships that complement your desired career path.
