Internships are a great way to gain experience in your chosen field, and it’s important that you don’t waste the opportunity. Internships are short-term, paid or unpaid positions that allow you to gain experience in a particular field. They are often seen as a way to bridge the gap between education and employment and can help you to stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs. This article will explain why you should take advantage of internship opportunities and how to make the most of your internship!
What is an Internship?
An internship is an opportunity to experience working with an employer within a chosen sector. It can be an excellent way for entry-level candidates to gain relevant work experience and skills to support their qualifications. An internship provides both students and graduates with exposure to the day-to-day activities of a business. One of the main benefits of an internship is that it provides a possible route to working for an employer who may otherwise prefer candidates with experience in the industry.
Internships can vary in duration, lasting from as little as just a couple of weeks to up to one year. Usually, interns will receive payment for any work they undertake. There are internship opportunities across a wide variety of industries, and they can be an excellent way to get your foot in the door at a large organisation.
Why Should I Make the Extra Effort?
Internships are invaluable opportunities for you to gain experience in your chosen field, and it’s important that you don’t waste the opportunity. Recent studies have shown that the majority of employers offer internships to give people experience. Those who make the most out of their internships are more likely to thrive in their future careers. By being knowledgeable in your field or making a strong impression on your employer, you’re more likely to be offered promotions and exciting opportunities in the future. Therefore, if you want to progress quickly and achieve your full potential, making the most of your internship is essential!
The Best Ways to Make the Most from Your Internship
We’ve compiled a list of some surefire ways to make the most of your internship so you can set yourself up for a successful career.
1. Make a good first impression
Showing an internship employer that you are enthusiastic about work and keen on developing yourself, can lead to improved job prospects in the future. It’s important that you make the most of every day at your internship by taking advantage of opportunities for learning, networking with other professionals in the field, and demonstrating what you’re capable of.
2. Take detailed notes
It’s important to take good notes during your internship, as you’ll want to remember the things you’ve learned and the people you’ve met. Not only will this help with your future job applications, but it can also be beneficial when it comes to writing a reference for your internship employer. You may forget some of the things you learned early on for long internships, so notetaking from the start will ensure you have a detailed record.
3. Ask lots of questions
An internship is a great opportunity to learn about the industry you’re interested in and ask lots of questions. Don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor or colleagues for advice – they’ll be more than happy to help. This not only shows that you’re keen on learning, but it can also lead to some great networking opportunities. Asking questions may also lead you to discover something you didn’t know about the internship. It may help you decide if it’s what you want to do in the future.
4. Always keep up-to-date with industry news
It can be difficult, especially during a long internship, where time is limited for reading anything other than work-related material. However, keeping up to date with industry news is important, as it will show your internship employer that you have an interest in the field. Reading trade magazines or subscribing to relevant blogs can be a great way to do this.
5. Network
Networking with other professionals in the internship field can help to pave the way for future opportunities. It’s important to attend any networking events that take place. Take advantage of every opportunity at your internship to make new contacts. This could include emailing people or inviting them out for lunch. Networking is one thing, but it’s also important to stay in touch – send a friendly email now and then and stay up-to-date on what’s going on in your contact’s life. It will make it seem like you have a genuine interest in the person, not just their career advice!
Are All Internships Paid?
Unfortunately, not all internships offer a salary. Internships have no legal status of their own. Whether you are paid or not as an intern depends on your employment status and whether your employer classifies you as a “worker”. If they classify you as a worker, you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage.
You also receive “worker” status if you’re employer has promised you a contract of future work. For further information on your rights as an intern, check out the government website.
Key Takeaways
By taking up an internship, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise. In turn, this can guide you through your career path. Although not all internships offer a salary, think of them as an investment in your future career.
With these tips, you have all the tools to make the most out of your internship! For more information on internships, take a look at the Developing a Student website. You’ll find tons of useful information for students and graduates including:
And much, much more. Be sure to check out our specialist jobs board for current internship opportunities near you. Feel free to contact us if you have a question and don’t forget to sign up for the Developing a Student newsletter below for all the latest news and internship opportunities.
