Finding work can be a real challenge for students, graduates and people considering career changes, especially if you don’t have any experience. A good way to gain this experience is by participating in an internship.
An Internship can be classed as a 1-week to 12-month experience in an organisation, paid or unpaid, depending on the Industry/Sector, and encompasses the full range of professions, from Engineering to Accountancy, from Marketing to IT.
Benefits
Employers are willing to hire interns with little or no experience, especially if the intern is willing to accept little or no monetary compensation. However, the benefits of doing an internship go far beyond receiving your pay cheque.
You can gain hands-on work experience that you just can’t get in the classroom. First-time job seekers and career changers aren’t usually desirable candidates, but companies are willing to train them as interns and give them the experience they need to get a job.
Many employers prefer or require applicants who have done an internship or relevant work experience, and in many of the more competitive job markets, it is essential to set yourself apart from the others.
Work Life & Career Decisions
Employers see interns as prospective employees, and many finish their internships and continue working with the company full time. Internships are the number one way for employers to find new staff.
If you’re not sure if this is the right career for you, doing an internship is a great way to try it out. Internships are generally short-term, so you can test your future career without committing and find out if it is a career that will satisfy you.
Networking Opportunities
Internships are a great way to meet people in your field, and these connections can open up job opportunities. It will give you the contacts in the industry you’re trying to break into. Plus, references from people in the industry will add weight to your application.
Getting experience is also a great way to build your confidence. What’s more, if you have an impressive resume, you will be more confident in your chances of securing a job. After you’ve done an internship, you can show the examples you learnt from your experience in an interview.
