Benefits of Internships

1) Exposure to Real-life Experiences

Internships give exposure to working in a real-world experience. Students gain knowledge from working in a specific field and learning from experts. Internships give students a chance to explore career paths and discover hidden talents and new passions. 

2) Increase Transferable Skills

Internships help increase your soft skills. In the classroom environment, you learned a multitude of transferable skills. An internship allows you opportunities to use your soft skills in employment settings. Your internship can help you gain additional transferable skills that are important in the workforce. 

3) Identifying Your Career Goals 

Your first internship may be exactly what you expected it to be and will fulfill your passion and enjoyment. Sometimes it may be different than what you expected. It is always best - whenever possible - to complete more than one internship experience at various agencies and settings. By doing so will allow you to find your true passion and fine-tune your career path. 

4) Make Professional Contacts and Connections

Internships introduce you to professionals who become valuable mentors. You will meet professionals and mentors in various career fields. These mentors and professionals are crucial in helping you develop relationships to build a successful career. Mentors can help you build confidence, provide guidance, challenge you to achieve more, and help you gain knowledge and experience in specific fields. These professionals and mentors can be essential references in your job search as well. 

5) Acquire Job Offers 

Completing internships increases your chance of acquiring more employment offers. Some employers will only hire students who have completed internships, and the more internships that you have completed, your chances of securing a job increases. Many employers prefer to hire students who have interned at their respective organizations. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), nearly eight in 10 employers offer jobs to their interns.

In summary, internships are the key to opening doors to career paths. Start looking for internships as early as possible. Knock on many doors to secure as many internships as possible. The more internships that you secure, the greater investment you have in your future career path. Remember, the more internships knock, the more opportunities there will be to open doors to a rewarding career. Internships are the key to endless opportunities. 

Handshake is one of the best platforms to search for internships. Indeed and LinkedIn are also excellent sources that companies use to advertise their internship opportunities. Also, consult with the designated faculty member(s) within your academic major who are responsible for internships to explore opportunities and listings they hold as well. Remember to use the internship key to embark on a journey in a career that you will enjoy!