Are internships really that important?

For most students summer is about having fun and getting a break from school. But a lot of young people this also means getting a summer job or internship. This is rewarding for them because it means they are one step ahead of the rest of their peers. There are so many reasons why getting an internship is better than bumming it at the beach.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Internships are great for your resume. Employers are always looking for people who not only have work experience but also experience in managing responsibilities and their time.  Internships provide a place for a young professional to develop new abilities which could be as simple as developing Microsoft Office skills or more advanced like technical career specific skills.

Having internships in multiple fields is great too, especially for those young people who have not decided what their career will be. These opportunities allow you to discover and develop your strengths, finding out what you like to do and what you are good at. For many people internships have been the little push needed to determine a career path.  It has been said that ‘if you choose a job you love, you will never have to work another day in your life’.

Even if it is only for a month or a few weeks, it is important to get to know your employers during your internship. After the internship is over, whether you decide to go back or not, there will always be that bridge built for networking. Having that professional bridge may come in handy later down the road when looking for a job or when you need some resources.

Of course, we can’t forget the obvious: some internships are paid. Yes, that means spending (or saving) money just for you.  You have the satisfaction of working hard for your money. Your parents will love this because it typically means young people learn how to be responsible with their funds and ‘hopefully’ don’t have to ask mom and dad for money.

Internships are extremely valuable, as they provide a structured environment for students. Although they involve a lot of work, the experience will provide new insights and knowledge. Going into the working world at a younger age allows you to learn the ins and outs of having a job. They teach you how to dress right, how to interact with employees, and it helps encourage organisation.