The biggest issue for young adults transitioning into the workforce, is that experience is needed to gain experience!  Employers in today’s labor market depend on resumes that illustrate a relevant work history, whether that is from internships, volunteer work, or genuine job experience.

A strong and sensible work background carries major impact when attempting to enter the job market. If you are looking to gain experience, working as an intern is the most advantageous plan of action. That internship you did over summer or during a gap year could be the difference between winning a job opportunity or losing it.

Let us explore why are internships are important for your future career.

Gain Real Life Experience and Exposure

If you are lucky enough to land a valuable internship, it can be beneficial towards your career. An internship enables you to obtain first-hand exposure to working in the real world, and allows you to connect the skill, knowledge, and theoretical practice you learned in college.  One of the best things about internships is that they teach you about specific industries and companies. Just the experience of trying something new is extremely valuable.  Performing an internship exposes you to new people in a more controlled and stable environment. A proper internship will provide you with relevant and useful training, assignments, and responsibilities. Internships provide a learning path for students with little experience of the professional world.

Learn More About Yourself

The experiences we go through are what shapes us. Your internship will not only encourage personal development, but also a greater understanding of self. To know yourself is to know your goals and how to best achieve them. Finding this level of clarity is difficult, but sometimes all it takes is trying something new, out of your comfort zone. For example, say you are a Marketing student who decides to do an internship related to your field of study. That internship will give you a chance to explore what a career in Marketing would be like.  The real-world experience may or may not meet your expectations. Then, you can decide whether you wish to continue with your current career path or try something else.

Develop Your Professional Network

Networking is a way of establishing acquaintances and building relationships to advance your professional career.  Networking can be a pathway to finding that internship.

Partaking in an internship allows you to establish deeper relationships than you normally would talking to a stranger one-on-one. Being an intern gives you more opportunities to build connections with professionals that can be advantageous for your future career.

Even if you think you do not need it, it is always good to have a backup plan. Life is unpredictable and a time may arise when a network may come in handy. Always carry business cards with you, because networking can occur anywhere or anytime, including the local coffee shop, library or gym you frequent!

Build a Stellar Resume

Think of your resume as a first impression and an extension of yourself.  How do you want someone to perceive you on paper?

Your short-term goal should be to secure a job interview and your resume can help with that! Once you get an interview, you can then elaborate on why you are deserving of the internship. Internships are the perfect way to enhance your resume through relevant experiences.

When an employer sees that you have internship experience, it will show them that you are an asset to their company. List the tasks, responsibilities, projects, and achievements to demonstrate your value.

During your internship you can acquire new skills and abilities which can improve yourself as a professional, and furthermore enhance your resume. The more real-world experience you acquire, the better you position yourself for success in landing a job.

Future career

Internships sometimes offer opportunities to transition into full-time positions.  Employers are usually looking to add value to their organizations. With an internship, you are given the opportunity to showcase your talents, commitment, and value to a prospective employer. Additionally, employers are more inclined to hire you once they have invested time and money to train you.  An internship is the building block necessary for creating the path to a successful career.  If you are on a gap year or summer break, consider indulging in a meaningful internship and build towards your future.