Graduating with your college degree does not necessarily mean you are ready to enter the job market. When you want to become a strong candidate for any job, you may first consider applying for internships to give you more experience in the field. Before you apply however, you should learn these important facts about these unique training opportunities.
Internships Aren’t Just for High School or College Students
You would do well to avoid being too proud to apply for a post-graduate internship. While your new business degree or other diploma may seem impressive to you, employers may view it with more disdain if you lack the work experience to back up your college training. Never assume that internships are for high school or college students because in reality recent college graduates benefit just as much from these experiences, particularly when it comes to gaining work ethic and experience.
Internships Build Resumes
A college diploma means little if your resume lacks the details employers are searching for when filling positions. If your resume consists primarily of waiting tables or working as a student assistant, you will need to add some filler, which can be done by taking on an internship or two after you graduate. Your internships will give you information to put on your resume, and solid references for future employment.
Despite having four years to figure out what you want to do with your life, you may find that you really have no idea what you are good at, or what field you want to work in for the remainder of your career. An internship can help you learn more about your own talents and interests. They can also give you real world experience for what it’s really like having a job in the field.
Internships Lead to Full-Time Jobs
Finding a full-time job right after college in today’s competitive market can be a challenge. If all you can find right now is part-time work, you can fill in the rest of your work week with an internship. If you are really good at your internship and meet all of your employer’s expectations, you could be rewarded with an offer for full-time permanent work.
Applying for Internships Requires Professionalism
Applying for an internship should be approached with the same seriousness as applying for a full-time permanent job. Even graduate students will have to go through this process. So whether you just have a bachelors in Physiology or a master’s degree in business administration, you should present your best resume, even if it lacks details, and wear professional clothing for your interview. It might be required you have letters of recommendation as well, so don’t treat the opportunity lightly.
Internships have a meaningful role in your post-graduate life. You can start your career by first taking on one of these unique employment chances and getting to know the industry.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
