An internship gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, explore their career interests and develop new and advanced job skills.
On the other hand, Internships present an invaluable opportunity for employers to bring in fresh perspectives and ideas developing a pipeline of qualified candidates for full-time positions.
What is an internship?
An internship is a temporary position with an organization, typically undertaken by a student or recent graduate looking to gain work experience in their chosen field. Internships are typically unpaid or low-paid positions and may last for a few weeks or up to a year.
Looking to apply for an internship position? Here is what you need to include in your CV.
What are the benefits of an internship?
1. Learn Basic Skills
By interning, you can learn basic skills such as how to navigate the professional world, build your network, and gain experience in your desired field.
Additionally, internships can provide you with the opportunity to improve your time management and communication, and leadership skills.
2. Boosts your resume
One of the most obvious benefits of an internship is that it can help you stand out when looking for a job. Prior work experience will give you an advantage over other candidates.
Since most internships are time-bound, they cultivate a lot of endurance and commitment. Hence, make sure you get a recommendation letter after an internship to support your job search.
3. Meet Experts from Different Departments
Another important benefit of an internship is access to different departments and experts within the company. This allows you to identify and explore different areas of interest, which comes in handy when you are starting your career.
Interns gain a better understanding of how the company operates and what each department does. It can also help them develop relationships with people who can mentor and guide them in their careers.
4. Mentorship
Mentorship is a key component of any successful internship program. By pairing interns with experienced professionals, organizations can provide valuable guidance and support to interns.
Here are a few benefits of mentorship through internship programs:
- Real-world experience and advice.
- Absorb and develop essential skills.
- Helps interns understand the organization and its culture.
- Introduce interns to other professionals within the organization.
- Provide guidance on career development.
- Mentors offer support during challenging times.
5. Create a professional network
Internships also help in building professional networks. Interns often work closely with experienced professionals and have the opportunity to collaborate with them. This exposure can be invaluable in helping you learn about your chosen career and make lasting connections.
6. Get a permanent job opportunity
An internship provides the opportunity to showcase your abilities in a place where they could be valued. Many interns have hence gone on to be promoted and become full-time employees at the company they interned at.
Here are a few tips on how to use the internship as a stepping stone to your dream career and get a permanent job opportunity:
- Make a good impression – Show up on time, do your best, and be professional.
- Use the opportunity to learn – Ask questions, take on new tasks, and absorb as much as you can.
- Get to know the people you work with – Network and build relationships, and make the best use of human resources in your workplace.
Internships put you on the map
If you are considering an internship, research various organizations and make sure that their opening is a good fit for your interests and goals. With the right attitude, an internship can be the making of you. It can provide you with a springboard into the world of work and set you up for a successful career.
Here’s more reading to help you with your career:
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- Marketing jobs in Sri Lanka – Career Guide for Marketers
- Sales Jobs in Sri Lanka – The Ultimate Career Guide
- How to land a Social Media Executive job in Sri Lanka?
FAQs
- What are the advantages of completing an internship?
One advantage of completing an internship is that it can give you the opportunity to try out a particular field or occupation to see if it is the right fit for you. It can also provide you with valuable work experience, references, and networking opportunities.
- How can internships add value to my career?
Internships can help you gain the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in your chosen field, make connections with people who can help you advance your career and help you learn more about potential.
- How useful are internships when changing careers?
An internship can be very useful when changing careers as it can provide you with the opportunity to learn new skills, gain experience in a new field, and make industry contacts.
- What do employers expect from interns?
Employers expect interns to be able to work independently, be proactive, and take initiative. They also want interns to be a team player when the need arises.
- Will I get paid for an internship?
The specifics of compensation for internships vary depending on the company, position, and location. While some internships are paid or offer academic credit in exchange for work, others are unpaid or strictly volunteer positions.