Do you crave for a feel of the work environment while pursuing your studies? Do you covet the potent `work experience' line on résumés? Or do you just need some pocket money to splurge on shopping malls and multiplexes?
Well, if these happen to be your aspirations, an internship can be the answer to all your prayers. It is an opportunity to explore a new career, get hands-on training, pile up work experience and network with like-minded professionals. What's more, it will give you a headstart when you send in your application for your dream job.
The A B C's
An internship is a supervised training experience and is open in all fields from banking and biotechnology to electronics and hospitality. You can opt for something like auctioneering too, if you are so inclined.
Many universities incorporate an internship programme as part of their curriculum. It inculcates a sense of work ethics and gives students a taste of what the real world is like. An internship is a launch pad that can give you the edge that wide-eyed youngsters fresh out of college lack. If your college/university course does not fit in an internship program, you could attend job fairs or scan Internet sites like monster.com, idealist.org, yahoo.com, careerforum.com or careerindia.com. They have country, state and area-wise listings and you can even specify your area of focus and project description. Some company websites also offer internship details. The duration can range from the summer to one semester or cover one whole year.
Gains galore
An internship opens up new vistas with distinctive opportunities and a profusion of advantages. Here are a few:
Experiment with the real world - Internships are highly structured learning experiences designed to give you a solid foundation of professional skills and hands-on knowledge. It bridges the gap between theory and practice as you see the practical application of knowledge learnt in the classroom. As Dr. Karen Lee says, "Internships join together all the pieces of academic coursework into a more coherent whole, and provide students with a more realistic understanding of the business world." It prepares you for the world of full-time employment - the corporate culture and professional life in toto.
Refine career goals - As a student, you can explore what you want to do in the future by testing potential career choices which match your skills, interests, values and goals. It will give you a valuable insight into what you want and don't want in your career. You can research the company from the inside, determine whether it is your cup of tea, and see if you have what it takes to continue in the profession.
Perfect break-in - An internship is the golden chance to prove yourself in a company that may otherwise give you the slip because of age or lack of experience. It provides a unique platform to display your skills and showcase your calibre to the bigwigs. Carlos Vera, Risk Analyst, GE Card Services, recalls his internship stint, `I gained first hand knowledge of what was required to succeed in a top company such as GE.'
Feather in the cap - You can wrap experience under your belt by earning valuable on-the-job skills that will give a much-needed edge over your peers. It will be your calling card in a sea of applicants and the piece de resistance on your resume as most employers consider work experience mandatory while hiring.
Lead to job offer - Many companies prefer to recruit through their internship programmes. An encouraging fact is that more than 50% of all internships transform into employment offers. Take for instance Anup Sharma. The business management and computer information systems student completed an internship at GE Motors & Industrial Systems and got an offer to work for them after finishing graduation.
Create network - Building a network of contacts can open doors that would otherwise remain closed and also help in exploring other job openings. So, maintain good relations with company managers, executives and peers.
Getting down to business
An added advantage is that as an intern, you do not face the pressures of a normal employee. A few bloopers are allowed and you can ask more questions as you feel your way around. However, conduct yourself as a normal employee; do not take any liberties. Be courteous, business-like and dress appropriately. Do not shy away from the grunt work. Be open to information and willing to learn. Show what you are capable of and try to earn the good graces of your employer.
The internship may be unpaid or you may get a modest stipend. Do not be driven by the size of your paycheck at this stage. This is an investment in your future; the key to getting the job you want. Infact, it would be right to say that, `You cannot get a good job without an internship!'
Well, if these happen to be your aspirations, an internship can be the answer to all your prayers. It is an opportunity to explore a new career, get hands-on training, pile up work experience and network with like-minded professionals. What's more, it will give you a headstart when you send in your application for your dream job.
The A B C's
An internship is a supervised training experience and is open in all fields from banking and biotechnology to electronics and hospitality. You can opt for something like auctioneering too, if you are so inclined.
Many universities incorporate an internship programme as part of their curriculum. It inculcates a sense of work ethics and gives students a taste of what the real world is like. An internship is a launch pad that can give you the edge that wide-eyed youngsters fresh out of college lack. If your college/university course does not fit in an internship program, you could attend job fairs or scan Internet sites like monster.com, idealist.org, yahoo.com, careerforum.com or careerindia.com. They have country, state and area-wise listings and you can even specify your area of focus and project description. Some company websites also offer internship details. The duration can range from the summer to one semester or cover one whole year.
Gains galore
An internship opens up new vistas with distinctive opportunities and a profusion of advantages. Here are a few:
Experiment with the real world - Internships are highly structured learning experiences designed to give you a solid foundation of professional skills and hands-on knowledge. It bridges the gap between theory and practice as you see the practical application of knowledge learnt in the classroom. As Dr. Karen Lee says, "Internships join together all the pieces of academic coursework into a more coherent whole, and provide students with a more realistic understanding of the business world." It prepares you for the world of full-time employment - the corporate culture and professional life in toto.
Refine career goals - As a student, you can explore what you want to do in the future by testing potential career choices which match your skills, interests, values and goals. It will give you a valuable insight into what you want and don't want in your career. You can research the company from the inside, determine whether it is your cup of tea, and see if you have what it takes to continue in the profession.
Perfect break-in - An internship is the golden chance to prove yourself in a company that may otherwise give you the slip because of age or lack of experience. It provides a unique platform to display your skills and showcase your calibre to the bigwigs. Carlos Vera, Risk Analyst, GE Card Services, recalls his internship stint, `I gained first hand knowledge of what was required to succeed in a top company such as GE.'
Feather in the cap - You can wrap experience under your belt by earning valuable on-the-job skills that will give a much-needed edge over your peers. It will be your calling card in a sea of applicants and the piece de resistance on your resume as most employers consider work experience mandatory while hiring.
Lead to job offer - Many companies prefer to recruit through their internship programmes. An encouraging fact is that more than 50% of all internships transform into employment offers. Take for instance Anup Sharma. The business management and computer information systems student completed an internship at GE Motors & Industrial Systems and got an offer to work for them after finishing graduation.
Create network - Building a network of contacts can open doors that would otherwise remain closed and also help in exploring other job openings. So, maintain good relations with company managers, executives and peers.
Getting down to business
An added advantage is that as an intern, you do not face the pressures of a normal employee. A few bloopers are allowed and you can ask more questions as you feel your way around. However, conduct yourself as a normal employee; do not take any liberties. Be courteous, business-like and dress appropriately. Do not shy away from the grunt work. Be open to information and willing to learn. Show what you are capable of and try to earn the good graces of your employer.
The internship may be unpaid or you may get a modest stipend. Do not be driven by the size of your paycheck at this stage. This is an investment in your future; the key to getting the job you want. Infact, it would be right to say that, `You cannot get a good job without an internship!'
PAYAL AGARWAL
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