Internships can seem like an intimidating thing. Searching for one can be confusing. Applying for one can be competitive, and actually working in an office for the first time can be scary. So are internships really worth going through the hassle? In most situations, I think they are.
In some fields, it seems imperative to undergo an internship, and some fields even require students to complete an internship before graduation. My program, Media and Communication, is one of them, and I will have to take a three-credit hour internship course before I graduate.
Although it seems a bit daunting, I’m glad my program requires an internship. Having the experience is going to give me a step up in my job search after graduation. Plus, mandatory school internships will make the search easier, since the program will all ready have established relationships with companies for students to feel welcome. Mandatory internships are a win-win because it’s class credit, and it is easier to secure one through the university than searching for an internship alone.
Internships are valuable experiences. Students can observe what having a job in a particular career field is really like and get some practice at performing the expected tasks. Internships are also opportunities to network and form connections that could lead to a future job offer.
Though internships help students earn success, internships can also have some drawbacks. Many internships pay little or none at all, which makes them unfeasible for some. Not everyone is financially able to forgo working a part-time or full-time job in order to work an internship, and many people don’t have the time for both. Be especially cautious of unpaid internships because some take advantage of students.
ETSU has several tools to help find internships. Contacting an adviser is a good start. If the department has any outside partnerships or connections, they can help. ETSU Career Services is also a valuable resource that can help with finding internships and jobs, along with resume and interview preparation.
Internships are a valuable way to learn and make connections, and anyone who is able should apply for one.
