How Can an Internship Benefit Modern Learners?

How Can an Internship Benefit Modern Learners?

Internships have long been associated with traditional-aged college students who can afford to work, unpaid, over their summer breaks. However, the increase of nontraditional student populations attending universities means that there are more modern learners seeking to obtain, and succeed in, internships to facilitate career transitions and advancement.

Some modern learners may feel as though it’s too difficult to apply and be hired for an internship, perhaps due to finances or time constraints (it may be challenging for some to allot time to an internship when attending courses and working full-time). While these are common reasons for not pursuing an internship, doing so is not an impossible feat. The benefits of internships pertain not only to traditional students, as a way to gain real-world experience, but also to those looking to change careers or advance in their career paths.

Internship experiences may help you truly understand the daily tasks and responsibilities of your desired career path. As you think about how to fit an internship into your already busy lifestyle, consider these benefits that internships offer and tips on how to find one that fits your goals and needs.

Benefits

Internships can help you gain skills as you enter your career path. Companies want to see some previous experience, whether someone looking to change industries or is an entry-level job-seeker. For applicants with little to no professional experience, internships help candidates show that they have some industry experience and have learned some of the skills that employers seek.

Recent graduates with internship experience tend to find jobs sooner. Students who graduate with internship experience are able to demonstrate that they have used the skills learned in coursework. Paired with the soft skills that interns usually gain during internships — such as decision-making, communication, and collaboration — the internship experience often gives graduates an edge over those who have yet to show hands-on knowledge.

Tips

Reach out to a mentor, alumni, and industry organizations. A mentor, or alumnus who works in your desired career field may be able to connect you with internship opportunities. You may also want to consider joining a local chapter of a professional organization as a student member. Senior members of these organizations may inform other members about opportunities that may not be public knowledge.

Reach out to your school’s career center for help navigating the search process. Career centers can help guide you toward internships that best fit your lifestyle, such as virtual, part-time, and project-based internships. You may also want to seek out local Chamber of Commerce organizations and career/internship fairs in your area, and professional networking websites such as LinkedIn.

As you find the right internship for your goals and needs, know that you’ve got the skills and career-relevant knowledge that employers are looking for. An internship is one of the best ways to gain and prepare for real-world experience in your respective industry. It gives an advantage with employers and helps solidify career-relevant understanding from your degree program.