Why Intern? - HIM Recruiter Blog

College students are clamoring for internships. Why intern? The reason is simply this – it helps land a job when they graduate. Internships demonstrate to a potential employer that you can do the work expected of you in an entry-level role. The more-impressive the internship experience, the better your chances of landing your first job. It is a good idea to choose an internship that is relevant to your career goals if that is possible. Real-world experience looks good on your resume. The best internships allow you to experience the most important component of the job. Hands-on experience is hard to beat when it comes to a good internship. While the number of internships you complete is important, the work you complete at those internships is more relevant. Make sure you leave the last day of your internship with examples of work you’ve completed – for bonus points, get a letter of recommendation from your internship supervisor. Internships give you an opportunity to stand out in a highly competitive market. Internships give you critical experience because it establishes a notable work ethic. Your internship will also expose you to professionalism and allow you to see the work place in real time.

One of the most popular ways of finding a job is through networking. Doing an internship significantly increases your networking opportunities by connecting you with professionals in your chosen field. Networking also allows you to develop references who can attest to your abilities. Internships give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge to the real world and develop your qualifications.

If you have completed your college education, but having a hard time getting an entry-level job, consider trying to work as a paid intern after college. This gives you a little money to live off of, while giving your employer a low-risk option to give you a trial run. More often than not, this will turn into a paying job. Successful interns are frequently offered permanent employment at their internship site after graduation.

A successful interview is ultimately what sets successful candidates apart in the job search process. Internships help you prepare both by giving you the experience and skills to build a strong resume and the confidence to give an outstanding interview. When you discuss your knowledge, skills and abilities, you will speak from experience.

In this highly competitive job market, internships are good. Internships set you apart, give you real-life experiences, enhance your network of opportunities, and just very well can land you that dream job that you worked so hard for in college.

Source: “How to Turn an Internship into a Job.” About.com Internships. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.