Interning when you are in college

The years one spends acquiring an education in one’s chosen field of study at a chosen college are sure to be counted as among the most productive years of one’s life. But, gone are the days when it was sufficient to finish one’s college education and then look for a job that matches one’s profile. Current employment trends indicate that employers across the globe give great importance to internship experience that is gained as one is studying.

Many colleges offer students a chance to intern as they study. Here are a few reasons why such internships are considered vital in creating a sound profile for oneself.

When you intern, you get a chance to try out first hand what it would mean to be in an actual job. This exposure can contribute greatly to your future career choices post-college. The hands-on experience gained as a rookie can surely give you great insights and learning opportunities.
Also, even without realizing it, you might actually find a perfect match for an organization or individual, with whom you could later seek permanent employment if the job interests you and you prove to have an aptitude for it.

Also, even if you are studying at a top ranking college or university, what you gain there is largely theoretical inputs from the best minds in academia. Pursuing internships, when you study can give you much needed practical experience, which is what most employers also look for when recruiting.

Many companies also look favorably at hiring interns, as they are not bound to pay the same remuneration that they would have to pay a salaried professional with a consummate college degree. This can prove to be a win-win situation for both sides, as the company gets youngsters who are willing to work longer hours and prove themselves and the interns gain valuable experience that is always attractive to future employers or headhunters.

Internships are also an excellent way of networking with professionals who would be in a position to offer you advice, mentoring and guidance in shaping your career. In many cases, these contracts prove to be invaluable both when one is studying and later as well.

Keeping all this in mind, do make the effort to research all available internship options at your college and outside, especially when you are on your breaks. Even if, there may not be very high pay levels, nothing can equal the experience you will gain in the process. Stay in touch also with your college academic counselor who can update you on internship opportunities as and when they arise.