Why Internships Are Must-Have for Every College Student

Why is internship important in preparation for college life and career after school?

Our economy is changing every day. And with it, the skills, talents and experiences that form the foundation of a good career are also changing. Getting a job is not so easy in today’s time – the competition has increased a lot. Especially when you step into the job world for the first time after leaving college, the environment there is completely new and challenging.

In such a situation, internship and applied learning are becoming an important part of today’s college education. These not only give you real work experience, but also make you confident and make the path of career easier.

What is an internship?

In simple words, internship is an opportunity in which a student works in a company, institution or organization for some time so that he gets a chance to try his studied knowledge in real life.

You can also call it the first glimpse of your professional career. In this, you get to learn things that are not found in books – like teamwork, presentation skills, time management, and office environment.

For example, if you are a computer science student, then in internship you can get a chance to work on real coding projects. This will give you an idea of ​​how work is done in the real industry.

Some important statistics that show the importance of internship

• In 2019-2020, about 1 lakh 5 thousand students participated in more than 26,000 applied learning courses.
• 40% of the programs of institutions like SUNY include internships.
• About 18% of companies give full-time jobs to their interns.
• Students who have done internships are 15% less unemployed and get 6% more salary than students without internships.

These figures clearly show that internship is not just a means of experience, but a platform to move forward.

Why is it necessary to do an internship? – 10 big reasons

1. Connecting studies to the real world
   Internship teaches how to apply what you learned in class in reality. This also helps you understand which career you are interested in.
2. Increasing work experience and market value
   Internship gives you real work experience in your favorite field. This strengthens your resume and also gives you confidence in job interviews.
3. Networking opportunity
   In internship, you meet new professionals, who can help you in career growth in future. A research says that 1 out of every 16 people gets a job only through networking.
4. Experience of the working world
   In books, we read the rules and structure of the office, but in internship you live them. Office culture, boss-employee relations, meetings – you get to learn everything.
5. Improvement in soft skills
   According to a report, 57% of professionals believe that soft skills are more important than technical skills. In internships, you learn skills like communication, teamwork, problem solving.
6. Making the resume strong
   Nowadays companies want new employees to be a little experienced. Internships give a strong base to your resume – especially when there is competition between two people to get the job.
7. Getting professional feedback
   Your internship supervisor will give you regular feedback, so that you can improve your shortcomings and make strong skills even better.
8. Learning from others
   Internships are not just about working – it is also an opportunity to see how other people do their work. You can shadow your supervisor, attend meetings and understand the nuances of the work.
9. Understanding what you like and what you don’t
   If you don’t like the internship, it is still a positive sign. It helps you understand which job profile is not right for you. This can help you avoid taking the wrong job after graduation.
10. Opening doors to jobs
    Many times companies offer full-time jobs to interns. If you do a good job, the internship can become your first job.

How to get an internship?

Now the question arises how to get an internship? There are some easy steps for this:

1. Think about your course and career
   First of all, think about which job profile your degree program is related to.
   For example – if you are doing B.Com, then look for internships in finance, accounting or banking companies.
2. Make a list of your interests
   Make a list of career options that attract you.
   This will give you clarity in finding an internship.
3. Check out job portals and career fairs
   Search for internships on portals like Naukri, LinkedIn, Internshala.
   Participate in college career fairs.
4. Visit the college career service office
   Seek help from the placement or career guidance office in the college.
   There you get professional help in making a resume, finding an internship and applying.

Conclusion: Do an internship, build your career

Internship is not just an important step, but the first step of your career. It not only teaches you to adopt studies in real life, but also gives direction to become a responsible professional. If you do not want to stand in line for a job after graduation, then start preparing for an internship from now. Whether it is paid or unpaid, – experience is priceless. Remember – an internship can change your life.