According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, approximately 97% of employers had an internship program in 2023. Such statistics prove that similar initiatives ultimately benefit companies, contributing to their recruiting and retention rates. They provide organizations with talented workers and create valuable networking opportunities. But why should you care? Are there actually any benefits for interns like you? Of course, there are, and you should use every one of them to confidently start your career! Let’s discuss why an internship is an equally appealing opportunity for you and your employers. 

Experience for confidence and your CV

Universities rarely provide students with a smooth transition from theory to practice. They create solid backgrounds in the most different spheres but fail to engage learners in solving real-life problems. As a result, you get disappointed in a program and just think, “Somebody, please, do my assignment for me.” Multiple services provide such kind of assistance for those who can’t cope on their own or don’t have time for assignments they consider irrelevant. Indeed, why should you waste all day thinking, “I must do my essay” when you are an engineer? Sometimes, even educators can’t explain the meaning behind such tasks, still refusing to acknowledge that the program is outdated. 

Nevertheless, you study properly and submit all assignments on time. Then why do you have no idea where to start after stepping outside of the campus walls? You don’t know what employers expect of you because you have no relevant experience. However, an internship is a perfect opportunity to fix the situation. This way, you can explore what your field actually looks like and even step on the path of self-discovery. You can realize what things you enjoy and realistically evaluate your strengths by working on different projects. You won’t feel lost and forgotten since companies always provide interns with experienced mentors. Relevant work experience will definitely boost your confidence. 

And we are not talking about something abstract. Usually, employers prioritize candidates with experience. You must get a job to gain experience, but nobody hires you because you are inexperienced. Sounds like a paradox, right? It’s time to break this vicious circle. Internships can provide you with valuable experience, which you can mention in your CV. It contributes to your hard and soft skills, setting you apart from other candidates. Furthermore, you can list the contacts of your coworkers in a section with references. Those lines ultimately make your CV more solid and convincing. 

Networking

While some consider discussing unrealized plans a bad tone, it’s the opposite with job search. How are you supposed to get a perfect offer when nobody knows you’re in dire need of employment? You should share your plans with your friends and groupmates. What if their friends and groupmates work in companies that currently conduct interviews in search of an ideal candidate? Such a scenario is possible, but it’s not about certainty. However, the situation is different if you maintain connections with people from your internship. Industry professionals, mentors, and peers can provide you with insights about upcoming opportunities. Since they already know how smart and dedicated you are, their recommendations can directly impact your employment. 

Feedback

We’ve already talked about discovering your preferences and strengths. The same relates to weaknesses since an internship is a perfect opportunity to receive feedback from professionals. They can help you realize your potential and develop it further. Operating in a realistic setting broadens your mind and contributes to a more accurate perception of yourself and others. You may feel completely unprepared for working in this sphere, but at least now you know what scares you so much. It’s a chance to find relevant courses and focus on particular skills. Besides receiving feedback, internships encourage you to learn how to give constructive criticism and help others work as professionals. 

Solid base for future

That’s right, it’s time to discuss a pretty distant future. One day you may be responsible for interns as a mentor or the company’s leader! Now, you can assess the system’s strengths and weaknesses and indicate areas for improvement. How to make the learning truly productive? Typically, interns bring a fresh perspective as individuals unrelated to the company. They may also belong to the younger generation and deal with challenging projects differently. You can ensure that the internship truly benefits both sides and sets the ground for future collaboration.

To conclude

As you can see, an internship is a must-have for specialists in any sphere. It provides you with relevant real-life experience and makes your CV more convincing. Now, you are ready to look for your dream job. Or you can stay with the same company that has welcomed you to help it grow. The internship is indeed a valuable learning opportunity for everybody involved.